"DECISIVE LINKS IN THE VALUE-ADDED CHAIN": ANIMATION INSTITUTE AND TV CHANNEL BECOME NEW VDAP MEMBERS

The Association of German Animation Producers (VdAP) has two new members: NICK becomes the first television broadcaster to join VdAP, and the Institute of Animation, Visual Effects and Digital Postproduction at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, the first film school.

With two new members, the VdAP opens its doors even wider to every player in the German animation scene. The Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg's Institute of Animation, Visual Effects and Digital Postproduction is undoubtedly the most renowned animation school in Germany. As a children's network, NICK is one of the most important animation partners on the German TV market.

"From the very beginning our intention has been to make the VdAP a representative of the entire branch. That's why we are particularly happy to have found two consorts in the animation institute and NICK, the children's network, which represent decisive links in the value-added chain that are not purely production-oriented," said VdAP board of directors spokesman Michael Schmetz in a statement to journalists today at the forum for European animated film Cartoon Movie in Potsdam-Babelsberg.

"Networking is fundamental to success. Not just for our students, but for everyone who is shaping this sector," said Professor Thomas Haegele, head of the animation institute. "As a modern, interdisciplinary educational institution we constitute an important part of this industry. In particular, we train students who will soon be active in in content creation and animation production. That is why it is so important to us to work with the VdAP at an administrative and political level too."

Oliver Schablitzki, channel & brand manager at NICK said, "As a matter of course, animation plays an important role at NICK, and that is why working closely with German producers is extremely important. Our goals are to promote German talent and ideas as well as just and equal framework conditions on the German animation market. We have joined the VdAP to make our contribution." The Association of German Animation Producers lobbies for the interests of German animation and its various partners throughout the processes of production and copyright exploitation vis-à-vis policymakers and the general public.

Potsdam-Babelsberg, 8 March 2007