Cristian Jezdic

Cristian Jezdic
CEO
Be Q Entertainment
Italy
Pitching: Jack the Red

What is the biggest issue facing the animation industry right now?
The audiovisual world in general, especially following the arrival of streamers, has changed, in some ways for the better. But the competition has become very fierce and it has become difficult for small independent producers to stay afloat. In fact, there is a clear tendency to entrust projects to large consolidated groups.

What is your company doing in response to this?
We are constantly working on new IP, as well as some adaptations of existing editorial work. We also try as much as possible to develop our own identity that can make us stand out in the crowd. For example, adventure and education combined with obsessive graphic design have become our characteristic traits.

How do you see the rise of the metaverse impacting animation?
Real-time animation is already a reality, especially for 3D. The metaverse will be a new platform where we can distribute our content, with virtual reality headsets that actually put the direction of the story in the hands of the viewer, for example. The user will become so active in the story, and this could boost writer creativity. We are developing a project in this direction, but it is top secret for now.

How do you work with YouTube Kids and is it a platform that supports high-quality animation producers?
We do not work with YouTube Kids at the moment.

Tell us about the project you are pitching at Cartoon Forum.
Jack the Red (26×11′) is an adaptation of a book that had great success in Italy and is now on sale in China as well. It follows the adventures of a red blood cell called Jack and his band of friends as they explore a land made up of many different kingdoms, each of which represents one or more parts and functions of the human body.

It is not an educational product in the strict sense but is based on rigorous scientific research. The creators’ aim is to transpose complex themes into adventures, in order to make children keen to deepen their knowledge of the issues alone, at school or with family.