Actors Industry Network by EFP is a crucial part of European Shooting Stars program, it is not only as a significant platform for the 10 European shooting stars to establish their international careers but it also offers a chance that is seldom and valuable for the stars to meet the casting directors in person. AIN takes place during Berlin International Film Festival on 23. Feb, 2020.

EFP promotes the depth and diversity of Europe’s acting talent while expanding and solidifying their relationships with the professional industry at one of the world’s most important film festivals, the Berlinale. The Actors Industry Network (AIN) is a tailor-made program for the selected 10 European Shooting Stars who are on the verge of an international career.This industry-driven programme brings together the international film industry who are gathering from around the globe on occasion of the festival.

The founder of the German and Chinese Culture Foundation, Mr. Wenhai Wang will be present at Actors Industry Network (AIN) to introduce the foundation and to call for projects that support emerging talents from Europe and China. China is one of the fastest growing film markets in the world. With the success of Chinese films in recent years, the actors, directors and producers from China have entered the spotlight. Chinese film industry has great potentials and gained international success in recent years, co-productions with China have also become more popular in the international film industry.

At 69th Berlinale, the actor Wang Jingchun and actress Yong Mei from So Long, my son by the renowned director Wang Xiaoshui won the Silver Bear for Best Actor and Actress. Alongside the competition films, there were nearly 20 films from China that were shown and nominated in the different sections of the Berlin international film festival, in which some were made by unknown talents in China. At 70th Berlinale, this year, Rizi/Days by Chinese-Malaysian director Tsai Ming-Liang is the only Chinese film competing in the main section. The special programme „On Transmission“ new in this year’s Berlinale to celebrate its 70th Anniversary invites notable directors where each brings a guest to discuss cinematic art, followed by two film screenings, one film by the director and the other chosen by both the director and the guest. Chinese director Jia Zhangke will have dialogue with young director Huo Meng on his work Guo Zhao Guan/Crossing the boarder. Award-winning Taiwanese director Ang Lee will have dialogue with the renowned Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda.

In a highly competitive and ever changing film industry, it is vital to build and nurture sustainable networks. EFP offers this unique opportunity to the Shooting Stars to connect and network with International Casting Directors, Talent Agents and Producers within the framework of the AIN. The platform aims to give the young talent the chance to forge, broaden and strengthen industry alliances in Europe and around the globe.

Since 2018, EFP is collaborating with the Berlinale’s Coproduction Market, widening its industry approach by offering additional meetings between the actors and international producers. In addition EFP has introduced a series of one-on-one meetings between Casting Directors and producers.
With the support of two major Casting Associations – The International Casting Directors Network (ICDN), and the Casting Society of America (CSA) – and the global casting platform Spotlight – Home of Casting, the AIN develops a strong and relevant industry component within the SHOOTING STARS program.

The Actors Industry Network, created by EFP, is a crucial centerpiece of the EUROPEAN SHOOTING STARS programme. It provides a finely tuned structure where actors and casting directors can meet just as the actors are launching international careers. The results have been consistent and impressive: 8 out of 10 SHOOTING STARS from previous editions have been cast in international co-productions.