The reason for entering into a co-production is almost always financial, because it gives access to national funding in another country. But there is more to it than that. For example, you as a producer will share your decision power on equal terms with another producer. This fact will influence not only the producers but also the director’s work. This will be one of the topics in this lecture by Mikael Opstrup, a former producer and the editor of the ‘EDN Co-production Guide’. He will also discuss the requirements laid down by the national film funds in Europe with regards to offering co-production funding. The third topic of the lecture will discuss some of the questions you may ask yourself on the way to a better co-production. And last but not least: your questions and personal experiences are more than welcome.
Speaker: Mikael Opstrup
Mikael Opstrup is a specialist in international project development, trailer consultancy, co-productions, workshop planning & tutoring. Head of studies at the European Documentary Network, EDN (2011-19), creator and editor of the EDNs Co-production Guide. Worked as an expert, tutor and moderator for IDFA (Netherlands), Hot Docs (Canada), Nordisk Panorama (Denmark/Sweden), the Institute of Documentary Film (Czech Republic), Baltic Sea Docs (Latvia), Docs Barcelona (Spain), In Docs (Indonesia), Dox Box (Syria/Germany) et al. He has developed and headed a number of international workshops, and produced international documentaries for a couple of decades, most recently as co-owner of Final Cut Productions in Copenhagen, Denmark (2002-09). Documentary producer at The Danish Film Institute (1998-2002). Attended script writing at the Danish Film School (1988). He has worked for more than 50 documentary organisations & events all over the world.
