Launched in May 2022, the Ukraine Content Club (UCC), a joint initiative by Ukrainian and global media companies aimed at sustaining and supporting Ukraine’s audiovisual industry affected by Russian aggression, is now calling for partners. From Ukraine’s side, the UCC is backed by the leading media companies Film.UA Group, 1+1 Media, Starlight Media and Media Group Ukraine. The initiative is also supported globally by C21 Media and Pact (UK).
The UCC aims to raise funds to develop and produce programs in a “win-win” way that makes sense for everyone involved. Contributions to the fund will help finance development and production of a fixed number of quality scripted drama, animation and factual projects. An independent board will allocate the money based on predefined selection criteria and in accordance with guiding principles. Shows developed through the fund will be available to contributing partners to air on their channels or platforms.
“The story of Ukraine and how the world came together as one against the odds and the bombs are probably the most important story the world needs to tell right now. It’s the story of us, not just Ukraine. We are asking the content industry to help us tell this story. In doing so, we will also create much-needed jobs to sustain AV industry in Ukraine and beyond, foster deeper cultural integration across the world and enable us all to continue doing what we do best: produce content,” commented Kateryna Vyshnevska, Head of Development and Co-Productions at Film.UA Group.
While the exact UCC mechanics are currently being worked out, the organizers have already issued the call for partners and funds. The start of the initiative was announced earlier this year at MIPTV and Content LA, while the fully operating fund is expected to be presented in midsummer.
“The UCC is the first comprehensive initiative for building a new model of cooperation with Ukraine, which intends to become a robust instrument for business development for all involved parties. Ukrainian companies have all the necessary resources to create new highly demanded content for various territories. Ukrainian stories are top of interest recently and we do have ideas on how to tell them to the world so our voices are heard,” said Kateryna Udut, CEO of MRM and organizer of Ukrainian Content Global Cooperation.
To learn more about the UCC, visit UkraineContentClub.com.ua. To reach the Ukraine Content Club at this stage and to stay tuned with the fund community, one can fill out a brief form or send a letter to ucc@mrm.ua.