Step 1: Master the Modern Co-Production Deal

Let’s be direct. Going it alone is the hardest path. Co-production is no longer just a “nice-to-have”—it’s the primary way most independent animated projects get made today. Why? Because it splits the risk, expands your budget, and opens up new markets.

Instead of trying to raise a $5 million budget by yourself, you can partner with studios in two other countries, with each of you bringing a piece of the puzzle. This is the secret to getting ambitious projects off the ground.

How to Find the Right Co-Production Partner

Finding a partner isn’t about sending a thousand cold emails. It’s about strategic targeting.

• Look for creative alignment: Does their studio produce content in a similar genre or style? A partner who “gets” your vision is non-negotiable.
• Assess financial synergy: Focus on partners in regions with strong tax incentives or government funds you can access through the partnership. This is a huge selling point.
• Check their track record: Have they successfully co-produced before? You want a partner who understands the legal and logistical complexities.

You need to know who is actively seeking co-production deals right now. Market intelligence is your best friend here, as it helps you pinpoint potential partners who have a history of working on projects like yours. You can find this kind of deep industry data with a specialized M&E platform.

Step 2: Unlock “Free Money” with Tax Credits & Incentives

This is my favorite part because it feels like a cheat code. Many countries—like Canada, France, Ireland, and Belgium—offer huge financial incentives to attract animation production. We’re talking rebates of up to 30-40% of your qualifying production spend.

Think about that. If you spend $1 million on animation in a specific region, you could get $400,000 back. This isn’t just a discount; it’s a massive piece of your funding puzzle that makes your project infinitely more attractive to other investors.

Key Regions with Strong Animation Incentives

• Canada: A global animation hub with famously generous federal and provincial tax credits.
• France: Known for its strong government support for the arts and a robust animation industry.
• Ireland: Offers a compelling tax credit (Section 481) that attracts major international productions.
• Spain (Canary Islands): Provides one of the highest tax rebate percentages in the world, making it a hotspot.

The trick is that these incentives are constantly changing. You must stay on top of the latest policies to build a viable funding model. A project tracker can show you where similar productions are being made, giving you a real-world map of the most lucrative locations.

Step 3: Win Over Streamers & Broadcasters with Pre-Sales

A pre-sale is when a broadcaster or streaming platform agrees to license your show for their territory before it’s even finished. This is powerful because their commitment acts as a guarantee that you can take to a bank or other financiers to secure a loan.

Getting a pre-sale from a major player like a Netflix, Disney+, or a significant regional broadcaster de-risks the project for everyone else. It proves there’s a market for your IP.

How to Secure a Pre-Sale

You can’t just walk in and ask for money. You need a killer pitch package (more on that in Step 5), but you also need to know who to pitch to.

• Identify the right buyer: Don’t pitch your edgy adult comedy to a kids’ network. Research what content platforms are currently acquiring. Who are the commissioning editors? What have they bought recently?
• Leverage market data: Knowing what types of shows are trending on different platforms gives you a massive advantage. If you see a gap in the market for sci-fi animation that your show fills, lead with that data.
• Build relationships: The M&E industry runs on relationships. Attend markets, participate in forums, and connect with development executives. Be professional, persistent, but not pushy.

Step 4: Explore Alternative Funding Routes

While co-productions and pre-sales are the bedrock of funding for animation, don’t ignore other powerful avenues. Diversifying your funding sources makes your project more resilient.

Top Alternative Funding Sources

• Equity Financing: This involves selling a percentage of your project’s ownership to private investors. It’s more complex and means giving up some control and future profits, but it can provide the large injection of capital needed to get started. Best for high-concept IPs with strong merchandising potential.
• Animation Grants & Public Funds: Organizations like the Creative Europe MEDIA Programme or national film funds offer grants that don’t need to be repaid. These are highly competitive but are a fantastic way to secure development or production funding.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo can be viable for projects with a built-in fanbase or a unique, niche appeal. A successful campaign not only raises money but also validates your audience and creates powerful buzz.

The key is to see these not as separate options, but as ingredients. The strongest funding plans often combine 2-3 of these sources into a hybrid model.

Step 5: Build Your Pitch-Perfect Funding Package

You can have the best funding strategy in the world, but if your pitch is weak, you won’t get anywhere. Your pitch package is your project’s business card, resume, and sales pitch all rolled into one. It must be professional, comprehensive, and compelling.

What to Include in Your Funding Package

Your finance plan is where you connect all the dots. It shows potential partners that you’ve done your homework and have a clear, actionable roadmap to getting your project fully funded.