Established in 2022 as the “World Wide Webtoon Festival”, the event has seen remarkable growth, reflecting the rise of the webtoon in popular culture and the creative industries. From its first edition, it brought together 40 participants from the four corners of the world, thus highlighting the growing interest in this phenomenon. In 2023, the second edition saw the participation of more than 60 people, including for the first time representatives of ministries, public establishments and economic and cultural attractiveness agencies.
An international and inclusive meeting
For this third edition, the Meetings adopt a more international scope, broadening their horizons towards webtoon players in Africa and North America. This opening demonstrates the event’s desire to create a space for global exchange and to offer a diversified perspective on webtoon issues.
The objective of these Meetings is clear: to provide a framework for discussion and sharing of experiences to analyze the strategies, know-how and challenges of this digital format. The event intends to address the most important and current topics, giving a voice to all players in the ecosystem: authors, publishers, platforms, service providers, legislators, as well as economic support organizations.
The challenge is also to encourage the creation of international partnerships, by establishing bridges with other events dedicated to the webtoon. In 2024, the Rencontres will thus participate in the BICOF in Bucheon, on the program Focus Creation Africa in Paris, as well as in Festival Billi in Brazzaville. This opening underlines the organizers’ ambition to position this event as a central player in the webtoon on the world stage, while maintaining a local and European anchor.
A rich and diverse program
The provisional program for this 2024 edition, established on September 16, announces three days of meetings and discussions. The opening day, November 5, will begin with a welcome cocktail in the presence of local stakeholders, officially marking the opening of the Meetings.
On November 6, the day will begin with a keynote from Sébastien Célimonwhich will present an inventory of the webtoon market, as well as the new features and the main axes of the 2024 edition. Then, a case study will be presented around the webtoon “The Phantom of the Opera”, a co-production between Delitoon et KidariStudio. This intervention will highlight the creative and technical aspects of producing a webtoon.
The morning will continue with a workshop devoted to authors’ rights, led by Saki et Pamela of the League of Professional Authors. This session will address issues related to the protection of creators’ rights, an essential issue in a rapidly changing sector.
The afternoon will also be punctuated by key events. Among them, a round table will explore ways to distribute your webtoon internationally, with speakers such as Sarah Take of the platform ONO et Kim Siho of KENAZ. This discussion aims to provide keys and strategies to enable authors and publishers to open up to new markets.
Then, the 2024 edition of the study on the working conditions of webtoon authors will be presented by Kotopopi, AntiGa of Slap Studio, Sakimie et Maguelone Dunoyer of Myrà Studio. This moment will be an opportunity to take stock of the conditions of creation and to highlight the challenges that authors face in their activity.
The day will end with feedback on the Webtoon Academywith the participation of Diane Ranville d’Ellipse Studio and of Kim Siho of KENAZaccompanied by learners from the Academy. A dinner offered by ONO will close this second day, offering participants a moment of networking in a friendly setting.
November 7: analyzes and perspectives
The last day, November 7, will begin with a presentation of figures for paper webtoons by Sébastien Célimon of White Dragon Eventbefore continuing with a workshop led by Saki et Pamela of the League of Professional Authors. At 11 a.m., a presentation of the webcomic “Le Bras de Fer” will be offered by Gilles Cementdeputy director of theECPADet Pascal Rousseldirector. Finally, the day will conclude with a focus on technological developments in the field of webtoons, then a closing session followed by a farewell cocktail.
How to participate?
Accreditations to attend the International Webtoon Meetings can be ordered online via the platform BilletWeb or directly from the organizer, Sébastien Célimon. Two types of rates are offered: the “Early Bird” rate valid until September 30, with a discount for authors (€50 excluding tax) and professionals (€200 excluding tax), and the full price applied from October 1 .
Practical information
The event will take place at the Halle Culturelle de Monteux, located at the Château d’eau, 34 rue des Hortensias. To get there, several options are possible: by train, via the Avignon TGV station then by TER towards Carpentras with a stop at Monteux; by plane, via Marseille-Provence airport, with organized transport to Monteux; or by car via the A7 motorway. Varied accommodation solutions are offered, ranging from nearby lodges, such as the More The Dragonette in Entraigues, to hotels located in Monteux and Carpentras.
An event not to be missed
THE International Webtoon Meetings offer a unique opportunity for professionals in the sector to meet, share their experiences and think together about the challenges and perspectives of webtoons in France and internationally. With a rich and diverse program, this event stands out as a space for exchange and development for all stakeholders in this growing ecosystem.
The program is available below.
