April 2023 dard numbers that the event has always had. VA: Will it always take place at Aurum [a conference complex in Pescara]? RG: The festival will take place at Aurum as far as the professional program is concerned, in the squares of Pescara as far as the public program is concerned, and in the city’s multiplex cinema as far as the film program, retrospectives, and previews are concerned. VA: Will the main Italian animation producers be present (such as Rainbow, Mondo TV, Rai Kids, The Animation Band, Atlantyca, ShowLab)? RG: Yes, as always, since Cartoon Italia [the Italian National Association of animation producers] is an associate of the scientific committee of the festival. VA: Will there be forms of participation with the Region sector, such as: Scuola Internazionale di Comics (Pescara), Accademia del Fumetto (Pescara), Scuola del Fumetto Inkiostro (Martinsicuro), Scuola di Fumetto Abruzzo (L’Aquila), and the high school ISIA? RG: The International School of Comics in Pescara has been one of the festival’s partners since last year. We are counting on extending the collaboration to all of Abruzzo’s industry entities that would like to [participate]. VA: How many awards will be given out? RG: Cartoons on the Bay gives out its traditional Pulcinella Awards, which are the internationally recognized Oscars of animation. There are eight categories in the competition, plus the artistic direction awards, the Lifetime Achievement, Studio of the Year, and from this edition, the Meta, Transmedia and Gender awards. In addition, since last year, COTB has exclusively hosted the Sergio Bonelli Award [named after the Italian cartoonist]. VA: Do you have any events planned to promote Cartoons during fairs such as MIPTV? RG: COTB’s international consultants attend all industry events and there is a different promotional approach for each one, but the festival’s presence is constant. Pictured above is last year’s COTB event in Pescara. VideoAge: The Italian children’s TV festival Cartoons on The Bay (COTB), which is taking place May 31June 4, is not held around the same time as other major European audiovisual events (too late for MIPTV in Cannes, too early for NATPE Budapest and Content Budapest), which makes it difficult to attract foreign operators (who would need to make a special visit in order to attend). So why not schedule it closer to other events? This has worked well in the past for both Cartoons and Prix Italia (both RAI events). Roberto Genovesi: The dates were chosen in agreement with the Abruzzo Region and the Municipality of Pescara [the Cartoons venue]. The festival is 27 years old and its authority is recognized. I could make the argument the other way around. VA: How many participants are expected this year? RG: We have recently put the COVID pandemic behind us and the numbers are going back up. We are counting on returning, as early as this year, to the stanCartoons on The Bay: Q&A with Artistic Director Roberto Genovesi World (Continued on Page 6) 4 APRIL 2023 JUNIOR PAGE_ 7.284”x 9.055” VIDEO AGE JR. PAGE GRB Studios www.grbtv.com l sales@grbtv.com Genre: Docu-series Duration: 6 x 60’ Genre: Docu-Series Duration: 8 x 60’ MIPTV 2023 STAND R7.A16
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