Charter for Screen Talent Europe

PURPOSE

SCREEN TALENT EUROPE (STE) is a purpose-led membership network that connects, supports and nurtures emerging and/or independent filmmakers and media creatives.

MISSION

We deliver our purpose through:

• organisation development: sharing knowledge and experience among our members to make us individually and collectively more resilient and sustainable
• learning development:  practical projects that create an ecosystem of support for emerging and independent filmmakers

ETHOS

As a pan-European cultural network, STE is working for a society that is diverse, democratic, transparent, and open. It promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainable growth within the screen sector.

The network is conducted with mutual respect and constructive cooperation. Participation is driven by active member involvement, ensuring that all STE activities and projects are accessible to everyone, irrespective of gender, origin, social background, sexual orientation, religion, or physical characteristics. All STE-endorsed programs and projects align with these principles.

Moreover, STE emphasizes ecological and economic sustainability. All production and operational processes carried out in the name of STE must continually seek ways to promote environmental responsibility and digital innovation.

AIMS OF SCREEN TALENT EUROPE

STE’s primary aim is to raise the standard of talent development in the European audiovisual sector, foster cross-border cooperation among relevant institutions, and highlight the contributions of its member organizations. These objectives are pursued through:

• Establishing a production and communication platform for emerging talent;
• Organizing labs, campuses, events, and other forums that bring together emerging and independent creators;
• Facilitating international connections among talents in Europe and beyond;
• Innovating and advancing training methods and curricula for talent development;
• Strengthening the overall audiovisual culture within Europe and worldwide.

ORGANIZATION

STE is a network without formal legal status, organized with a flat, democratic structure. 

The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body and approves strategic decisions based on proposals from the board. 

The board consists of 3–5 members: a President, a Vice President, and 1–3 General Board Members.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The STE General Assembly (GA), open to all members, convenes physically at least once a year. The members determine the time, location, and main topics. There is also at least one annual online meeting. The agenda and relevant documents are circulated at least one week before each meeting.

Physical assemblies focus on networking and idea-sharing, potentially including workshops or external guest speakers; online assemblies primarily address administrative or organizational matters.

The membership delegates the running of STE to the Board and key decisions only are made at the GA where each member organization holds one vote, regardless of how many representatives attend. Decisions at the GA are made by a simple majority, except for:

• Acceptance of new members, which requires an absolute majority;
• Amendments to this Charter, which require a two-thirds majority.

A quorum is reached if at least half of the members are present or represented (including virtual participation). Voting can also be held digitally.

THE BOARD

• Board members serve for three years (or a shorter period, if so decided).
• The President, Vice President, and General Board Members are chosen by the GA.
• Within the board, responsibilities are allocated according to the network’s needs, including formulating policy and overseeing day-to-day operations.

TASK FORCES

Significant tasks or projects may be carried out by task forces established by the GA. These groups report to the board and focus on specific priorities or areas of development.

OTHER ROLES

• Treasury, Communications, Fundraising, and Outreach may—together or separately—be taken on by one or two member institutions for a three-year term, elected by and reporting to the GA.
• The GA receives an annual budget overview for STE, presented by the President and the Treasurer.

RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR BOARD ELECTIONS

1. Nomination Process
    Members of STE may nominate candidates for board positions. Nominations are submitted through a dedicated form.
2. Eligibility
    Candidates must be active members, have relevant experience in the audiovisual sector, and demonstrate a strong commitment to talent development.
3. Announcement
    Nominated candidates are contacted to confirm their interest. A final list of candidates is circulated to members, followed by an online voting procedure. Results are officially confirmed at the GA held during the Berlinale.
4. Term of Office
    Board members serve a three-year term as outlined in this Charter. They may be re-elected after their term, subject to the standard nomination and election process.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in STE is institutional rather than individual. New members are admitted by an absolute majority vote during the GA.

CRITERIA

In general, members are purpose-led (usually nonprofit), operate principally in talent development, international collaboration, and diversity within the audiovisual sector. 

Specifically, any organisation that seeks to join STE, must fulfil as many of the following criteria as possible (at least seven):

1. Screen: Active in film, media, games, animation, XR, or television
2. Talent: Fostering opportunities for emerging talent and reducing barriers to entry
3. Europe: Contributing to a stronger European audiovisual network as a professional organization
4. Learning by Doing: Providing access to equipment and/or funding for productions initiated by young or emerging creators
5. Showcasing Talent: Supporting and celebrating the visibility of up-and-coming artists and their work
6. Networking Platform: Connecting creators with industry partners at regional or international levels
7. Non-Formal Education: Delivering practical trainings, workshops, or masterclasses
8. Talent Programs: Targeted support for emerging and independent film/media professionals
9. Purpose-led: Not operating primarily for profit
10. Mandate: Authorized to make internal decisions on matters related to STE

When expanding the network, STE also considers diversity, geographical reach, and the unique value a potential member adds.

CONTRIBUTION AND FINANCING

Each member contributes an annual fee determined by the General Assembly. The standard annual contribution is €1,500, subject to review and modification by the GA. Newly admitted members with limited financial capacity (annual budget < €100.000) may opt for a two-year progressive contribution scheme as follows:

• Year 1: €0-€500 (pay what you can)
• Year 2: €500-1,000 (pay what you can)
• From Year 3 onward: full standard contribution (if not otherwise decided by the GA on an individual basis)

The progressive scheme is based on mutual trust and does not affect voting rights. Membership implies active participation and constructive contribution to the network’s activities, governance, and collaborative initiatives. Members may voluntarily contribute above the standard fee in support of the network’s sustainability.

This fee constitutes the core budget of STE and supports the network’s ongoing activities. Additional collaborative projects involving some or all members are financed through other sources (e.g., grants or external funding) and operate within their own budgets.

PROCEDURE FOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

1. A prospective member is introduced by an existing member or reaches out to STE independently.
2. The candidate confirms it meets the membership criteria and financial obligations.
3. If the criteria are met, the candidate is invited to present its institution during the next GA (physically or virtually).
4. This presentation must outline:
   • How the institution’s core activities align with STE’s aims
   • How the applicant plans to contribute to STE’s mission and what it hopes to gain from membership
5. The decision is made within two weeks after the GA and requires absolute majority vote from the attending members. Members not present cannot vote.

RESIGNATION AND EXCLUSION

• Breaching this Charter or fundamental principles of the network can lead to exclusion.
• Members may terminate their membership with three months’ notice before the end of the calendar year; otherwise, membership renews automatically for another year.

This revised Charter aims to reinforce the network’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and cooperation within the European audiovisual sector. Where the Charter does not provide guidance, the General Assembly holds final decision-making authority, guided by the principles of a vibrant, resilient, and collaborative audiovisual community.

Signed in mutual trust, with the collective ambition to support emerging talent and further advance the European audiovisual landscape.