EAVE sets out framework for inclusive international co-productions

Exclusive: EAVE, a European producer training, project development and networking organization, has published a framework to make international co-production more comprehensive and globally representative.

The framework, entitled “2025 eave Impact Implice Tank Report on Inclusive Co-Production Practices,” outlines the tools and strategies for producers to build more ethical and comprehensive co-production that reflects multiple voices.

The organization says the report addresses the urgent need to address systemic barriers to the global co-production ecosystem when international collaboration is becoming more important to screen content funding.

The report points to challenges for producers, global majority and indigenous communities in low capacity countries when bringing together comprehensive co-production. They conclude that these are more pronounced due to limited access to funding, exclusive joint production agreements, and lack of institutional support.

Fundraising is concentrated in Northern/European countries, which strengthens the power imbalance in terms of decision-making, storytelling and creative control.

EAVE sets up a list of “guiding principles” for comprehensive works of the report.

• Embedded inclusions from the beginning: Inclusions are not added. Every stage of the process must be shaped.
• Share your power and access: Be transparent with budgets, rights and roles. Supports language accessibility and other inclusion needs, ensuring that all collaborators are fully involved, including travel.
• Stay close to your community: Prioritize resources, talents, and distribution strategies that benefit people and places at the heart of your story.
• More than money: Recognize cultural, creative, and community contributions – not just financial.
• Building mutual benefits: Co-production should enhance all involved, especially partners in low-capacity or historically marginalized areas.
• Confuse Defaults: Use co-production to challenge industry norms and focus on new voices and stories.

The report was developed through a think tank promoted by EAVE in collaboration with When East Meets West and supported by the Canadian Media Fund (CMF), Telefilm Canada, and the International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA).

This report was written by producer and strategist Tamara Mariam Dawitt.

“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said EAVE CEO Kristina Trapp. “International co-production has long been a tool for collaboration, but it often silences voices aimed at replicating and amplifying unfair systems. It provides a roadmap rather than this report.

The report will officially be released on May 17th at Cannes Marche Films – Co-Production Day.