Professional Program

Aurum, Pescara

10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Contest
PITCH ME! 2024 CONTEST
CONCORSO PITCH ME! 2024
Presentation of the projects finalists of the Pitch Me! Contest for young Italian talents.
Presentazione dei progetti finalisti del Contest Pitch Me! dedicato ai giovani talenti italiani.
Jury: Agnès Bizzaro (Content Director Cartoon Springboard), Sara Cabras (Producer of TV series and cartoons Direction of Rai Kids), Elena Capparelli (Director of Rai Play e Digital)
In collaboration with CARTOON, TOON BOOM & WACOM

30’ COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
Sponsored by For Fun Media

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Presentation
FESTIVAL OPENING
INAUGURAZIONE FESTIVAL
Opening of the exhibition, presentation of the topic of the year, guest country, and juries of the festival.
In the presence of Rai’s management and representatives of national, regional and local institutions.
Apertura della mostra, presentazione del tema dell’anno, del paese ospite e delle giurie del festival.
Alla presenza della dirigenza Rai e dei rappresentanti delle istituzioni nazionali, regionali e locali.
Feature Film Jury: Leslie Iwerks (Director, Producer, Showrunner), Marco Pellitteri (Associate
Professor of Media and Communication at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University), Alessandra De Luca (Journalist and Film Critic)
International Jury: John Musker (Director, Writer and Producer), Amy Ash (Head of the Character and
Groom department at Axis Studios), Emanuele Vietina (General Director of Lucca Crea), Silvia Ziche
(Comics Author), Nathalie Martinez (President, DIBOOS – Federación Española de Productores de Animación y Efectos Visuales)

1:00 pm
LUNCH PRANZO
By Invitation / Su invito
Sponsored by Movimenti Production

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Location: Networking Area)
Networking Session
PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Young talents and production companies meet up for this unique opportunity to network.
Un’opportunità unica di networking e incontro tra i giovani talenti e gli studi di produzione.

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Panel Session
THE GLOBAL IMPACT OF ESPORTS
L’IMPATTO GLOBALE DEGLI ESPORTS
We explore the cultural impact of esport and how they played a role in influencing the understanding of sports and engage fans globally creating virtual communities.
Esploriamo l’impatto culturale degli esport e come questi hanno influenzato la comprensione dello sport e creato comunità virtuali a livello globale coinvolgendo i fan.
Speaker: Jacopo Ierussi (European Esports Federation Advisory Committee Italy)
Remote Speaker: Remote Speaker: Frank Sliwka (CEO, ibMedia, Global Esport Strategist)]
Moderator: Marco Accordi Rickards

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Presentation
THE OFFICIAL MASCOTS OF MILANO CORTINA 2026
LE MASCOTTE UFFICIALI DI MILANO CORTINA 2026
Presentation of the official mascots for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Presentazione delle mascotte ufficiali dei Giochi Olimpici e Paralimpici Invernali Milano Cortina 2026.
Speakers: Raffaella Paniè (Head of Brand, Identity and Look of the Games, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026), Moris Franco Calasso (Head of Licensing, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026)
Interviewer: Federica Pazzano

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Contest
PITCH ME! WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT
ANNUNCIO VINCITORI PITCH ME
Toon Boom & Wacom present the prizes offered to the winners. Cartoon’s delegate Agnes Bizzaro welcomes the winner as a finalist at the next Cartoon Springboard in Madrid. The jury announces the competition winners.
La Giuria annuncia i vincitori del concorso.
Agnès Bizzaro (Content Director Cartoon Springboard), Sara Cabras (Producer of TV series and cartoons Direction of Rai Kids), and Elena Capparelli (Director of Rai Play e Digital)
Speakers: Federico Vallarino (Manager Italia, Toon Boom), Guido Moeller (Senior Manager Solution
Consulting I Creative Business Unit Wacom Europe GmbH), Alessio Tommassetti (Wacom Ambassador)
In collaboration with CARTOON, TOON BOOM & WACOM

15’ COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
Sponsored by For Fun Media

4:45 pm – 5:15 pm
Presentation
GIUSEPPE LAGANÀ AWARD 2024
PREMIO GIUSEPPE LAGANÀ 2024
Since 2016, the award named in memory of the late artist Giuseppe Laganà celebrates Italian authors whose works exhibit both artistic uniqueness and market potential.
Il premio, intitolato alla memoria dell’artista scomparso Giuseppe Laganà, che dal 2016 celebra gli autori italiani le cui opere dimostrano sia unicità artistica che potenziale di mercato.
Sponsored by Cartoon Italia in collaboration with ASIFA.
Speakers: Alessandra Principini (Vice President, Cartoon Italia), Valentina Mazzola (Author, Screenwriter and President of Asifa Italia)

5:15 pm – 5:45 pm
Presentation
50 YEARS OF UNICEF ITALY IN ANIMATION
50 ANNI DELL’UNICEF ITALIA IN ANIMAZIONE
We celebrate half a century of UNICEF Italy’s commitment to promoting the rights of children around the world, and we do it through the language of animation.
Celebriamo mezzo secolo di impegno dell’UNICEF Italia nella promozione dei diritti dei bambini e delle bambine in tutto il mondo, attraverso l’animazione.
Speakers: Andrea Iacomini (Spokesperson, UNICEF Italia), Mussi Bollini (Vice Director of Rai Kids), Valentina Mazzola (Author, Screenwriter and President of Asifa Italia)

5:45 pm – 6:15 pm
Award Presentation
SIO: DIVERSITY & CARTOONS
SIO: DIVERSITÀ E CARTOONS
Italian cartoonist and YouTube personality SIO, also known as Simone Albrigi, is celebrated at Cartoons on the Bay for his inclusive and unique sense of humor.
Cartoons on the Bay celebra il fumettista e YouTuber Italiano Simone Albrigi, in arte SIO, per il suo senso dell’umorismo unico ed inclusivo.
Guest: Simone Albrigi (Cartoonist)
Interviewer: Mario Bellina

Aurum, Pescara

9:00 am – 9:45 am – Online Only
Virtual Networking Session
VIRTUAL COPRODUCTION BREAKFAST: Italy-Spain
Overview of the Spanish and Italian funding and tax incentive system for animation and kids products.
Panoramica sui sistemi di finanziamento e incentivi fiscali spagnoli e italiani per l’animazione e i prodotti per bambini.
A virtual event realized in collaboration with DIBOOS (Spain) and Cartoon Italia (Italy) to boost networking.
Speakers: Nathalie Martinez (President, DIBOOS – Federación Española de Productores de Animación y Efectos Visuales), Cristian Jezdic (Vice President, Cartoon Italia), Mar Izquierdo (Coordinator, Basque.Audiovisual.)
Introduced by Federica Pazzano

10:00 am – 10:30 am
Presentation
FOCUS: SPAIN GUEST COUNTRY
FOCUS: SPAGNA PAESE OSPITE
Presentation of the most recent animation and children’s content production in Spain.
Presentazione della più recente produzione di contenuti di animazione e per bambini in Spagna.
Speakers: Ignacio Peyró (Director, Cervantes Institute Rome), Yago Fandiño (Director of ClanTV and Head of Children Content at RTVE CORPORACIÓN), Alessia Di Giacomo (Platforms and Channels Director at RTVE CORPORACIÓN), Nathalie Martinez (President, DIBOOS – Federación Española de Productores de Animación y Efectos Visuales)
Moderator: Federica Pazzano

10:30 am – 11:00 am
Panel Session
CO-PRODUCING WITH SPAIN
CO-PRODURRE CON LA SPAGNA
Opportunities, challenges, and winning strategies related to co-production between the two countries.
Opportunità, sfide e strategie vincenti legate alla co-produzione tra i due paesi.
Speakers: Maria Bonaria Fois (CEO, Mondo TV Spain), Francesco Manfio (General Manager, Gruppo Alcuni), Diego Ibáñez Belaustegui (Chief Brand Officer, DeAPlaneta)
Moderator: Federica Pazzano

30’ COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING

11:30 am – 12:30 am
Keynote
BRUCE MORRIS: CREATIVE LIFE & STORYTELLING
BRUCE MORRIS: IL PROCESSO CREATIVO E LA NARRAZIONE
Animation writer and artist Bruce Morris, known for Hercules and The Great Mouse Detective among the others, shares his secrets to approaching creation with the final aim to craft stories without time.
Lo scrittore e artista Bruce Morris, conosciuto tra gli altri per Hercules e Basil L’Investigatopo, condivide i suoi segreti per approcciare la creatività con lo scopo di creare delle storie senza tempo.
Keynote by Bruce Morris
Interviewer: Federica Pazzano

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Award Presentation
SERGIO BONELLI AWARD 2024
PREMIO SERGIO BONELLI 2024
Sponsored by Sergio Bonelli Editore
Guest: Sara Pichelli (Cartoonist)
Jury: Davide Bonelli (General Manager, Sergio Bonelli Editore), Michele Masiero (Editorial Director, Sergio Bonelli Editore), Pierluigi Colantoni (Director of Rai Direzione Creativa), Maurizio Imbriale
(Director of Rai Digital & Transmedia Content), Roberto Genovesi (Director of Rai Libri and Artistic Director of Cartoons on the Bay)
Interviewer: Roberto Genovesi
Clip: A tribute to Alfredo Castelli

1:00 pm
LUNCH PRANZO
By Invitation / Su invito

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Location: Networking Area)
Networking Session
PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Young talents and production companies meet up for this unique opportunity to network.
Un’opportunità unica di networking e incontro tra i giovani talenti e gli studi di produzione.

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Panel Session
THE FUTURE OF ITALIAN ANIMATION: THE ROLE OF IPs
IL FUTURO DELL’ANIMAZIONE ITALIANA: IL RUOLO DELLE IP
In a crucial moment for the strengthening of the animation industry in Italy, several key themes emerge, including enhancing Made-in-Italy IPs.
In un’era di transizione significativa per l’animazione italiana, si delineano alcuni pilastri essenziali, tra i quali la valorizzazione delle proprietà intellettuali Made-in-Italy.
Speakers: Francesco Manfio (General Manager, Gruppo Alcuni), Federica Maggio (President and Producer, Enanimation)
Moderator: Federica Pazzano

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Keynote
THE ART OF CHARACTER DESIGN: ADDING LIFE TO CHARACTERS FROM 2D TO 3D
L’ARTE DEL CHARACTER DESIGN: DARE VITA A PERSONAGGI DAL 2D AL 3D
Amy Ash’s journey in Character Design: mentoring artists, solving technical challenges and translating the character vision of the Director into reality.
Il percorso di Amy Ash nel Character Design: coordinare artisti, vincere sfide tecniche e tradurre in realtà la visione del regista.
Keynote by Amy Ash (Head of the Character and Groom department, Axis Studios)
Introduced by Max Giovagnoli

10’ Coffee Break

4:10 pm – 5:00 pm
Keynote
LESLIE IWERKS: DOCUMENTING THE VISIONARIES OF ANIMATION AND BEYOND
LESLIE IWERKS: DOCUMENTARE I VISIONARI DELL’ANIMAZIONE E MOLTO ALTRO
Oscar® and Emmy® nominated documentary director and producer Leslie Iwerks shares with us the lesson she has learned documenting some of the most relevant leaders and brands of the industry.
La regista e produttrice statunitense Leslie Iwerks, che vanta candidature agli Oscar e agli Emmy Awards, condivide i segreti dietro alle personalità e dei brand più noti dell’industria.
Guest: Leslie Iwerks (Director, Producer, Showrunner)
nterviewer: Oscar Cosulich

5:00 pm – 5:20 pm
Award Presentation
METAVERSE-GENERATED ANIMATION: TWILIGHT DAYCARE: THE SHOW
ANIMAZIONE DAL METAVERSO: “TWILIGHT DAYCARE: THE SHOW”
The first animated series entirely produced in Roblox,Twilight Daycare: The Show. An immersive scripted comedy series based on the hit Roblox experience that had over 2 billion lifetime visits.
La prima serie animata interamente prodotta su Roblox, Twilight Daycare: The Show. Una serie comica immersiva basata sull’esperienza di Roblox che ha registrato oltre 2 miliardi di visite in totale.
Virtual Speakers: Catherine Winder (CEO Wind Sun Sky Entertainment), Alli Guglielmino (Senior Vice President of Growth, Gamefam)
Interviewer: Federica Pazzano

5:20 pm – 6:00 pm
Exclusive Presentation
JOHN MUSKER PRESENTS “I’M HIP”
JOHN MUSKER PRESENTA “I’M HIP”
Veteran former Disney director and animator John Musker presents a special preview and the behind-the-scenes of his latest short “I’m Hip” (2023).
Il regista e animatore John Musker presenta un’anteprima speciale e il dietro le quinte del suo ultimo cortometraggio “I’m Hip” (2023).
Keynote by John Musker (Director, Writer and Producer)
Introduced by Oscar Cosulich

Aurum, Pescara

10:00 am – 10:30 am
Panel Session
RAI’S MULTI PLATFORM STRATEGY
LA STRATEGIA MULTIPIATTAFORMA DI RAI
Rai follows the evolving media consumption habits of children and teenagers rolling out a successful integration of traditional television channels with radio and digital platforms to retain the audience across media.
Rai segue l’evoluzione delle abitudini di consumo dei media di bambini e adolescenti, realizzando una strategia integrata tra i canali televisivi tradizionali, la radio e le piattaforme digitali.
Speakers: Maurizio Imbriale (Director of Rai Digital &Transmedia Content), Marco Lanzarone (Director of Rai Digital Radio & Podcast), Elena Capparelli (Director of Rai Play & Digital)
Moderator: Federica Pazzano

10:30 am – 11:00 am
Award Presentation
THE TRANSMEDIA POWER OF LEGO DREAMZzz™
LA FORZA TRANSMEDIALE DI LEGO DREAMZzz™
The Festival celebrates the power of LEGO with a Pulcinella Transmedia Award to LEGO®
DREAMZzz™ for its effective power to captivate audiences across multiple media.
Il Festival celebra il potere di LEGO con un Premio Pulcinella Transmedia a LEGO® DREAMZzz™ per la sua straordinaria capacità di affascinare il pubblico su più piattaforme.
Guests: Tommy Andreasen (Sr. Manager, Entertainment Development, LEGO), Cerim Manovi (Creative Lead, Design Director, LEGO)
Interviewer: Max Giovagnoli

11:00 am – 11:30 am
Presentation
PRESENTAZIONE NOVITÀ RAI LIBRI E PROGETTI SPECIALI
THE LATEST NEWS BY RAI LIBRI AND RAI COM’ SPECIAL PROJECTS
A presentation of the latest book titles published by Rai Libri and the events realized by Rai Com’ Special Projects department for the industry’s fans and professionals.
Una presentazione degli ultimi libri ed eventi per gli appassionati e i professionisti dell’industria.
Speakers: Roberto Genovesi (Director of Rai Libri and Artistic Director of Cartoons on the Bay), Marco Pellitteri (Associate Professor of Media and Communication at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)

30’ COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
Sponsored by Red Monk

Join us for an exclusive autograph signing session with animation legend John Musker!

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Presentation
RAI’S OFFER FOR PRESCHOOLERS & KIDS
L’OFFERTA RAI PER BAMBINI E RAGAZZI
Rai Kids presents the latest titles in children’s production and programming.
Rai Kids presenta gli ultimi titoli in produzione e la programmazione per bambini e ragazzi.
Speakers: Luca Milano (Director, Rai Kids), Mussi Bollini (Vice Director, Rai Kids), Annita Romanelli (Head of Production, Animation and Series, Rai Kids), Annalisa Liberi (Head of Acquisitions, Rai Kids)

1:00 pm
LUNCH PRANZO
By Invitation / Su invito

2:00 pm (Exhibition Area)
Networking Session
MEET THE ARTIST: STEFANO BESSONI
INCONTRO CON L’ARTISTA STEFANO BESSONI
The fantastic and fairytale world of director, illustrator and animator Stefano Bessoni (Director,
Illustrator and Animator). Enjoy a unique walkthrough into the exhibition with the artist.
Il mondo fantastico e fiabesco del regista, illustratore e animatore Stefano Bessoni. Un walkthrough unico nella mostra con l’artista.

3:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Presentation
INPROV ANIMATION
ANIMAZIONE DELL’IMPROVVISAZIONE
From the Wacom screen to the COTB stage.

3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Award Presentation
JOHN MUSKER: 40 YEARS OF ANIMATION
40 ANNI DI ANIMAZIONE CON JOHN MUSKER
John Musker is celebrated at the Festival for his 40-year career which includes some of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ greatest successes such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Moana.
Il Festival celebra John Musker per la sua quarantennale carriera nella quale ha realizzato alcuni tra i più grandi successi dei Walt Disney Animation Studios come La Sirenetta, Aladdin e Oceania.
Keynote by John Musker (Director, Writer and Producer)
Introduced by Oscar Cosulich

15’ COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
Sponsored by Red Monk

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Award Presentation
THE SPA STUDIOS BETWEEN TRADITION & INNOVATION
THE SPA STUDIOS TRA TRADIZIONE E INNOVAZIONE
Madrid-based The SPA Studios, represented by Oscar® nominated producer Marisa Roman, receives the Pulcinella Award for the Studios of the Year at Cartoons on the Bay 2024.
Lo studio d’animazione The Spa Studios con sede a Madrid, rappresentato dalla produttrice Marisa Roman, riceve il Pulcinella Award per lo Studio dell’Anno a Cartoons on the Bay 2024.
Guest: Marisa Roman (Head of Studio & Producer, The Spa Studios)
Interviewer: Federica Pazzano

5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Award Presentation
THE ART OF JUANJO GUARNIDO
L’ARTE DI JUANJO GUARNIDO
Internationally acclaimed spanish comic book author Juanjo Guarnido receives the Pulcinella Special Award at Cartoons on the Bay 2024.
Il fumettista spagnolo Juanjo Guarnido, celebrato in tutto il mondo per la sua arte, riceve il Premio Speciale Pulcinella a Cartoons on the Bay 2024
Guest: Juanjo Guarnido (Cartoonist)
Interviewer: Roberto Genovesi (Director of Rai Libri and Artistic Director of Cartoons on the Bay)

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Winners Announcement
AWARD CEREMONY
CERIMONIA DI PREMIAZIONE
Hosts: Livio Beshir, Laura Carusino
Open to the public

08:30 pm
Event by invitation
CLOSING PARTY
FESTA DI CHIUSURA