Screen South and Skillset, in partnership with Cine Regio and sales association Film Export UK, are launching the new Cine-Euro Co-Production Training Programme.

The nine-month programme will help 8 UK producers develop, market, finance and seek partners for European co-productions. The 12 events, including one-to-one consultations and training seminars start in June 2008. Producers will attend the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Sarajevo's CineLink, the London Film Festival, the Berlinale, and two other European festivals.

UK producers with co-production experience will be partnered with each producer on the scheme.

The scheme is open to applicants from across the UK; applications are available at screensouth.org. The deadline is April 17.

The initiative is also supported by Screen International, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Lee & Thompson law firm, Sarajevo International Film Festival, and Pinewood Studios.

Janine Marmot , director of film at Skillset, said: 'It's crucial that emerging UK talent is introduced to the international market at an early stage in their careers. And it is essential that producers are able to navigate their way through the complexities of co-productions. The Cine-Euro programme provides an excellent opportunity to do this, and I'm delighted that Skillset is able to support the initiative.'

Cine Regio's Charlotte Appelgren added: ' We at Cine-Regio, would like to encourage interregional and cross-border co-operation. This includes stimulating artistic, creative and technical exchange throughout Europe. This new training initiative developed by Screen South is a unique opportunity to strengthening the co-development and co-production of films between regions, promote the film sector and establish new international friendships and contacts.'

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