Ibermedia Next marks a bold shift in how animation development is funded and produced across Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. Announced at Ventana Sur as the first wave of a pioneering pan-regional initiative, Ibermedia Next extends Ibermedia’s support beyond traditional co-development and distribution to developer-focused funding for new animation IPs that fuse artistic ambition with cutting-edge technology. The program debuted with 14 winners identified in its first funding round, signaling a new era for regional storytelling and international collaboration. Here are five informed takes on how Ibermedia Next is reshaping animation and animators in the Iberian Peninsula and the wider Latin American animation ecosystem. Take 1: Expanding the development pipeline and forging new IPs Ibermedia Next prioritizes development to seed original animation IPs with strong creative potential. By providing dedicated funds for early-stage concept work, worldbuilding, and pilot testing, the program helps studios and independent creators move from idea to investable IP. This development support reduces risk for subsequent production rounds and makes regional stories more appealing to global distributors and potential co-pro partners. For animators, this means a clearer path from concept to a finished, market-ready property capable of captivating audiences across geographies. Take 2: Strengthening international co-production and cross-border networks One of Ibermedia Next’s core aims is to deepen international co-production among Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. The program actively connects studios, writers, and technologists to form cross-border teams, enabling projects to benefit from diverse talent pools, production facilities, and distribution channels. The result is a more robust, interconnected animation ecosystem where a Spanish studio can partner with a Latin American producer on a feature or series that resonates across markets. Take 3: Embracing cutting-edge technology and new animation workflows Ibermedia Next explicitly supports innovative techniques and technologies in animation. From enhanced CGI pipelines and motion capture to virtual production and immersive media approaches, the fund encourages experimentation that pushes narrative and aesthetic boundaries. For animators, this means access to state-of-the-art tools, training, and a platform to showcase technologic and artistic ingenuity on a regional stage and beyond. Take 4: Building talent, capacity, and studio resilience Beyond project funding, Ibermedia Next strengthens talent pipelines and studio capabilities throughout Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. The program fosters mentorships, professional development, and industry-wide networking that help smaller studios scale up, attract international partners, and compete for high-profile co-production opportunities. This capacity-building focus is essential for sustaining long-term growth in regional animation, enabling creators to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable, globally appealing productions. Take 5: Economic, cultural, and regional impact The broader impact of Ibermedia Next extends past individual projects. By fueling IP development and international collaboration, the program contributes to job creation, skills development, and the diversification of regional content offerings. It also elevates the visibility of Latin American and Iberian animation on the global stage, reinforcing regional storytelling traditions while inviting modern, tech-forward aesthetics. With 14 winners showcased in the initial funding round at Ventana Sur, Ibermedia Next demonstrates a confident trajectory toward a more vibrant, export-ready animation sector in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. In summary, Ibermedia Next is redefining how animation is created, funded, and distributed across the Iberian-speaking world and its Latin American partners. By accelerating IP development, enabling international co-productions, embracing new technologies, and investing in talent and infrastructure, the program is catalyzing a durable transformation for animators and studios. For creators seeking development support and a pathway to global collaboration, Ibermedia Next offers a unique opportunity to turn bold ideas into influential, market-ready animation properties that can travel across continents.