In recent weeks, a relevant debate has emerged in our industry regarding the inclusion of in-house production and post-production companies as festival sponsors.
The initial decision to accept Publicis Production and Coffee & TV—belonging to agency groups and in-house structures—as sponsors generated a wave of concern among independent producers from different countries.
These companies, being integrated into advertising holdings, represent a consolidation model that many in the sector consider a direct threat to the independence, diversity, and sustainability of independent production companies. Added to this were recent cases in which the transparency in production credits and the remuneration requested by some of these structures for services with no real added value were questioned, which further raised alarms.
The sector’s reaction was forceful. Numerous independent production companies, as well as jurors, speakers, and sponsors of the festival, communicated their disagreement, even canceling their participation as a form of protest. This collective movement, led by the conviction that creative and economic independence is essential for the healthy development of the industry, generated an open debate that finally led to a change.
After several conversations with producers, associations, and sector agents internationally, led by the presidency of the EPA (European Producers Association)—of which APCP is a member—, the director of Ciclope has decided to formally ask Publicis Production and Coffee & TV to withdraw their sponsorship from the festival. He has also committed to returning the funds contributed by said companies, as a symbolic and real gesture of support for independent production.
From APCP, we value this decision as a sign of sensitivity and responsiveness to a fundamental part of the audiovisual fabric: independent production companies that, year after year, contribute with their talent, creativity, and commitment to the prestige of festivals like Ciclope. We also celebrate the strength of collective action and constructive dialogue, key to defending diverse, sustainable, and equitable production models.
We hope that Ciclope 2025 recovers its spirit as a meeting place, inspiration, and celebration of craft, with solid foundations that represent the entire industry, without exclusions or structural imbalances.
See you in Berlin.
