Developing and Funding Films: From Concept to Creation
By European Film Expert Graziella Bildesheim
20-22 May 2025
Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi
About the Trainer
Graziella Bildesheim
President, European Women's
Audiovisual Network
Graziella Bildesheim is an independent film expert with more than 30 years of experience in the European audiovisual sector and a distinguished track record as an award-winning documentary producer. She has designed and led various international training programmes, including the renowned pan-European MAIA Workshops and the HERMES programme in collaboration with the European Union and the Council of Europe respectively, which have collectively trained hundreds of emerging producers. Additionally, she conducts independent workshops recognised for their practical and holistic approach.
Alongside her teaching and coaching roles at several respected Italian film schools, Graziella has contributed to industry events by facilitating professional networking and pitching sessions. She currently works as a freelance consultant, advising directors and producers on the creative and financial development of their projects, and has served in key positions such as Head Tutor at the Mentoring Programme for Emerging Producers at EWA, the European Women’s Audiovisual Network.
Her expertise is further evidenced by her work with Creative Europe MEDIA, Eurimages, and various regional funds in Italy. She has served on national commissions for film and co-production funds, has been a frequent jury member at international festivals, and is actively involved with both the David di Donatello Film Academy and the European Film Academy, having even sat on the board from 2018 to 2023. Recently, she was appointed President of the European Womens’ Audiovisual Network.
Programme
DAY 1
- Worldwide business models in the film sector
- The film business value chain
- The timeline of development and the producer’s role
DAY 2
- The ratio of public funding in the EU
- Regional, national and supranational funds
- The application process and evaluation criteria
DAY 3
- International co-productions: what stories, what countries
- The legal framework of international co-productions
- Audiovisual markets, pitching forums and training opportunities
Methodology
- Lectures
- Practical work
- Simulations
- Case studies
- Certificates of participation will be provided to attendees at the end of the training workshop.
