Kids Kino.Lab runs as a series of intensive workshop sessions designed to take your project from initial concept through to a production-ready script and solid financing plan. Each session brings together selected screenwriter-producer teams with our tutors for focused development work, combining individual feedback, group discussions, and practical production training.
Our programme is built around the understanding that strong projects for young audiences require both creative excellence and production viability. That's why we work exclusively with writer-producer pairs, ensuring that artistic vision and market reality develop in tandem from the earliest stages.
Session Structure and Content
The programme comprises four core workshop sessions spread across the year, each lasting between four and six days. These sessions take place at partner venues across Europe, giving participants the opportunity to connect with different film cultures and industry networks while maintaining continuity in their development process.
Each session has a distinct focus that builds on the previous work. We start with fundamental story questions – concept, theme, target audience definition, and synopsis structure – and progress through character development, audience perspective, narrative architecture, and finally production packaging. By the final session, teams present their projects in a professional pitch format to industry guests.
Between sessions, the real work happens. Participants return home to write, rewrite, research financing possibilities, and refine their production assumptions based on tutor notes and peer feedback. We remain available for questions and guidance during these intervals, though the bulk of development takes place independently. This rhythm of intensive group work followed by solitary writing mirrors the reality of professional film development.
Working with Tutors
Our tutors work with the same group of projects throughout the entire programme, allowing for deep familiarity with each story and production context. Screenwriting tutors focus on narrative structure, character authenticity, dialogue, pacing, and the specific demands of writing for different age groups. Producer tutors address budget estimation, financing strategies, co-production structures, sales and distribution pathways, and festival positioning.
Individual consultations form the heart of each session. Every team receives dedicated one-on-one time with both a writer's tutor and a producer's tutor, reviewing the latest draft or treatment in detail. These conversations are candid, rigorous, and constructive – we challenge assumptions, identify weaknesses, and push teams toward clarity and excellence. You can learn more about our approach on the tutors page.
Group sessions complement the individual work. Teams present their projects to the full cohort, receiving feedback not just from tutors but from fellow participants who bring diverse perspectives and expertise. These discussions often prove as valuable as formal consultations, creating a community of practice that extends beyond the programme itself.
From Concept to Production Package
The first session concentrates on story foundations. We examine your concept: Is it genuinely suited to your target age group? Does it offer something distinctive? What is the emotional core? Teams work on developing a compelling synopsis that captures both the narrative drive and the thematic depth of the project. We also begin discussing visual approach, tone, and reference points – essential groundwork for later script drafts.
Subsequent sessions move into character development and detailed scene work. We look at how character psychology functions differently across age groups, how to balance entertainment with substance, and how to maintain narrative tension while respecting young viewers' emotional needs. Teams typically develop a first draft between the second and third sessions.
Production development runs parallel to script work. Producer tutors help teams build realistic budgets, identify appropriate co-production partners and financing sources, and develop distribution strategies. We address questions of format (feature film versus series, episode length and structure), animation versus live action considerations, and positioning within the European children's content landscape. By the final session, each project should have a clear financing roadmap and a professional presentation ready for potential partners.
Preparing for Industry Presentation
The programme culminates with teams presenting their projects to industry professionals – potential co-producers, sales agents, distributors, and funding bodies. This typically takes place during Kids Kino Industry, our international co-production forum, though presentation opportunities may vary by edition. We work closely with teams on pitch preparation, visual materials, and presentation skills to ensure they can communicate their vision effectively.
These presentations represent not an ending but a beginning – the moment when development transitions toward production. Many projects have secured co-production partners, sales agents, or additional development funding as a direct result of these presentations. You can explore examples of successful projects on our projects page.
Archive: 2021 Programme
The 2021 edition of Kids Kino.Lab included four sessions held at partner locations across Europe: JEF in Belgium (18–29 January), Film Centre of Montenegro in Podgorica (15–31 March), Zlin Film Festival in Czech Republic (31 May–11 June), and Kids Kino Industry in Warsaw, Poland (25–30 September). Please note this information is provided for historical context only and does not reflect current or upcoming programme details.
Participation and Application
Participation in Kids Kino.Lab requires attendance at all workshop sessions throughout the programme period. Both the screenwriter and producer from each team must attend every session – continuity is essential for deep development work. Full programme details, including eligibility requirements and selection criteria, are available on our rules page.
For questions about the workshop structure, session content, or application process, please visit our contact page. We look forward to working with ambitious teams ready to create outstanding films and series for young audiences.