EGEDA Opens Call for Fifth Edition of PLATINO NEXT GEN to Empower the Next Generation of Ibero-American Film Producers

The Ibero-American audiovisual sector continues to solidify its position as a global creative powerhouse, driven by a surge in high-quality content and an increasingly interconnected network of professionals. At the heart of this development is EGEDA (the Management of Rights of Audiovisual Producers), which has officially opened the application process for the fifth edition of PLATINO NEXT GEN. This specialized laboratory is designed specifically for young Ibero-American producers, providing them with the technical tools and strategic insights necessary to navigate the complex world of feature film financing and legal structuring. By bridging the gap between creative vision and commercial viability, the program seeks to cultivate a new cohort of industry leaders capable of competing on the international stage.

The call for entries, which remains open until April 10, targets feature film projects in the development or pre-production stages. The laboratory is inclusive of various formats, welcoming submissions for fiction, animation, and documentary projects. In a move designed to foster a cohesive creative-business partnership, each selected project will be represented by a two-person team consisting of the producer and either the director or the screenwriter. This dual-participation model ensures that the creative heart of the project remains aligned with the pragmatic realities of its financial and legal architecture.

A Strategic Curriculum for the Modern Producer

The core philosophy of PLATINO NEXT GEN is rooted in the belief that a project’s success is as much dependent on its business foundation as it is on its narrative quality. Carlos Antón, the Director of the program, has emphasized that the laboratory offers a rare opportunity for producers to fortify their projects from a perspective that is often overlooked in traditional film schools: the rigorous mechanics of funding and law.

According to Antón, the program provides participants with an immersive environment where they can work alongside seasoned industry professionals. The goal is to transform a creative concept into a "real-world viable" project. This involves intensive sessions on financial modeling, identifying potential investors, understanding international tax incentives, and preparing the project for high-stakes presentations to major streaming platforms and distributors. In an era where platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max are increasingly looking for regional content with global appeal, the ability to present a professionally structured project is a critical competitive advantage.

Chronology of the 2024-2025 Laboratory

The fifth edition of PLATINO NEXT GEN is structured as a residency program, divided into four distinct phases that align with major industry events across Spain. This chronological progression allows participants to apply their learning in real-time market environments.

The journey begins on July 7 in Madrid. The first phase, which runs through July 10, is dedicated to script revision. During this period, participants receive feedback from expert script doctors to ensure that the narrative foundation is robust before the business development begins.

The second phase takes place from September 11 to 20, coinciding with the Santander Film Festival. This stage shifts the focus toward the "business of film," featuring tutorials and masterclasses centered on financing and legal structures. Experts in audiovisual law and international finance guide the producers through the intricacies of co-production treaties, intellectual property rights, and the diversification of funding sources.

The third phase, scheduled for September 20 to 24, moves to the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival. Here, the selected teams participate in a specialized pitch workshop organized in collaboration with the festival. They also gain exclusive access to the festival’s Co-Production Forum, providing a direct gateway to potential international partners and investors.

The laboratory concludes with a fourth and final stage in Madrid from September 29 to October 2. This closing cycle coincides with Iberseries & Platino Industria, one of the most significant industry gatherings for the Ibero-American sector. This final phase allows participants to integrate into the broader industry network, showcasing their refined projects to a wide array of decision-makers.

Financial Commitment and Institutional Support

Participation in PLATINO NEXT GEN requires a tuition fee of 1,350 euros. This fee is comprehensive, covering not only the high-level training and mentorship but also the accommodation and meals across the three host cities (Madrid, Santander, and San Sebastián). By providing these logistics, EGEDA ensures that the participants can focus entirely on the professional development of their projects without the administrative burden of travel planning.

The program’s prestige is backed by the success of previous editions. For instance, the fourth edition featured "Lo ideal," a project by Martina Matzkin produced by the Argentine company Groncho in co-production with Colombia’s Continente Pictures. The inclusion of such cross-border collaborations highlights the program’s role in fostering the "Ibero-American Audiovisual Space," a concept promoted by organizations like the Ibero-American Conference of Cinematographic Authorities (CAACI).

Expanding Knowledge Through PLATINO Talks

In addition to the residency laboratory, EGEDA has expanded its educational outreach with the launch of "PLATINO Talks." This new series of online encounters is designed for a broader audience of audiovisual professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of the creative and strategic dynamics of the Ibero-American market.

The inaugural session of PLATINO Talks will be led by renowned producer Manuel Martí. His masterclass, titled "Architecture of a LATAM Project: From Local Voice to Global Impact," is set to analyze the essential keys to designing projects that maintain a strong regional identity while possessing the "legs" to circulate internationally. Martí’s expertise is particularly relevant in the current market, where "glocal" content—stories that are deeply rooted in specific cultures but touch on universal themes—is the most sought-after commodity by international sales agents.

The first PLATINO Talks session is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, and will be conducted via Zoom. To ensure accessibility across the region, the session includes simultaneous translation into Portuguese and is offered free of charge to registered participants. The timing has been coordinated to accommodate various time zones: 10:00 AM in Mexico City, 11:00 AM in Colombia, 1:00 PM in Argentina and Brazil, and 5:00 PM in Spain.

The Broader Impact on Ibero-American Cinema

The existence of programs like PLATINO NEXT GEN reflects a maturing industry. For decades, Ibero-American cinema was often characterized by a "director-centric" model where the business aspects were secondary. However, the rise of the "New Ibero-American Cinema" requires a "producer-centric" approach where financial sustainability is prioritized.

The focus on legal and financial structures is particularly pertinent given the complex landscape of international co-productions. With the Ibero-American region comprising over 20 countries, each with its own tax laws, subsidy systems, and labor regulations, the role of the producer as a "legal architect" has never been more vital. PLATINO NEXT GEN addresses this by training producers to utilize instruments such as the Ibermedia fund and various bilateral co-production treaties that exist between Spain and Latin American nations.

Furthermore, the integration of the laboratory with major festivals like San Sebastián and Iberseries & Platino Industria ensures that the participants are not learning in a vacuum. They are being introduced into the "ecosystem of prestige"—the circuit of festivals and markets where projects are validated and sold. This networking aspect is often cited by alumni as the most valuable component of the residency, as it builds long-term relationships that often result in future collaborations.

Conclusion: Securing the Future of the Sector

As the April 10 deadline approaches, the Ibero-American film community looks toward PLATINO NEXT GEN as a vital pipeline for talent. By investing in the education of young producers, EGEDA is essentially investing in the future stability of the entire audiovisual sector. The combination of creative mentorship, financial training, and market access creates a holistic support system that is rare in the global film industry.

Through both the intensive residency and the newly launched PLATINO Talks, the initiative addresses the dual needs of the modern industry: the need for specialized, high-level technical training for those at the forefront of production, and the need for ongoing, accessible professional development for the wider industry. As Ibero-American stories continue to captivate audiences worldwide, the professionalization of the producers behind those stories remains the key to ensuring that this creative boom is not just a passing trend, but a sustainable era of cinematic excellence.