Carla Fotea has successfully completed the prestigious ACE Annual Programme: one of the most highly regarded training and networking platforms for experienced independent producers in Europe. With over three decades of history, ACE has played a crucial role in shaping the future of international co-productions, equipping producers with the creative, financial, and strategic tools necessary to navigate the global film industry. Being selected for this highly competitive programme marks a fundamental step in Carla’s career, reinforcing her commitment to developing ambitious projects while expanding her international network.
As part of the programme, Carla developed “The Price of Gold”, written and directed by Eugen Jebeleanu. The project explores timely and socially relevant themes, and through ACE, she gained invaluable insights into refining its creative vision, packaging, and international positioning. She worked closely with dedicated tutors such as Koji Nelissen (producer at Keplerfilm, The Netherlands), who guided the project as a financing mentor, and Marilyn Milgrom (UK), whose expertise as a script consultant was instrumental in fine-tuning the narrative.
Over the course of the programme, Carla attended three residential workshops, each covering key aspects of independent film production. The final workshop, dedicated to business strategies, provided essential insights into long-term planning, company growth, and navigating the evolving global market. The opportunity to collaborate with fellow producers from 16 countries allowed her to exchange ideas and strategies that reflect the latest trends in financing, distribution, and audience engagement.
Carla’s participation in the ACE Annual Programme was made possible in part thanks to the support of the Romanian Filmmakers’ Union (UCIN) and the Romanian Cultural Institute in Poland. This experience not only strengthened her personal expertise but also reinforced microFILM’s position in the international industry. As a company committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends, microFILM benefits from the knowledge and networks gained through ACE, ensuring its continued success in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Carla follows in the footsteps of Ada Solomon, lead producer at microFILM, who attended the ACE Annual Programme in 2012 and is a longstanding member of the board of ACE. This continuity underscores microFILM’s long-standing engagement with the programme and its commitment to high-level international co-productions.
Having completed the programme, Carla is now focused on applying the strategies and connections gained through ACE to further develop “The Price of Gold” and strengthen microFILM’s position as a key player in the European film market.