EC to improve industry links - the EPC picked (Variety)

They are the first to be funded by Media Intl., a e2 million ($3 million) pilot project exploring options for a permanent EU funding program to be launched in 2011.

Six projects focus on boosting co-production, helping companies access foreign funding and find new markets.

The European Producers' Club will organize co-production workshops in China and India and invite local producers to two major forums in Europe.

Meanwhile, Parallel 40 in Spain will organize a documentary month, releasing 12 European docus in Chile, while distributing Latin-American ones in Europe.

Other co-production initiatives will build links with Japan, South Korea, Morocco and Bosnia.

Eleven projects support training for professionals in film, TV, animation, documentary and videogame design. Overseas partners are in Latin America, India, Canada, Turkey, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

Finally, there is funding for a network linking 230 theaters in Europe with 148 theaters in 19 countries overseas. This effort will be coordinated by Europa Cinemas.