14/06/2023 - The leading online platform designed to connect European filmmakers has launched in five new markets: Italy, Spain, Greece, Romania and Lithuania

On 13 June, Crew United, the leading online platform connecting filmmakers across Europe, announced it was starting operations in five new countries: Italy, Spain, Greece, Romania and Lithuania.

This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion plans and mission to foster collaboration and co-operation within the European audiovisual industries. These new versions of the platform, which use the countries’ respective languages, will join the already-established ones in German, French, Polish and English.

Since its launch 27 years ago, Crew United has provided a platform that enables film professionals to introduce themselves and their body of work, access a wide talent pool and reach out to freelancers, actors and production outfits, expand their professional network, find job offers across Europe, explore funding opportunities, stay updated on industry trends, and gain valuable insights into local labour regulations.

Each new country launch will be supported by a dedicated team of native-speaking experts who are deeply ingrained in the local film industries. These teams will establish partnerships with film organisations, associations and film commissions in their respective countries, ensuring a tailored and collaborative approach to addressing each market's specific needs and challenges.

With over 44,000 active members, the opening of these five new markets is expected to substantially increase membership and strengthen the European network of filmmakers. The European business development of Crew United was once again supported by the Creative Europe – MEDIA programme.

“We are thrilled to be launching Crew United in Italy, Spain, Greece, Romania and Lithuania, taking another step towards our goal of strengthening the film industry in all European countries and connecting all European filmmakers. We aim to create a more diverse, transparent and inclusive film industry by addressing growing challenges – such as environmental sustainability and social awareness, working conditions, the shortage of skilled workers and the impact of AI – through systematic mediation on an international level,” said Oliver Zenglein, the platform’s co-founder and CEO.

“We connect people so that they can make great films together, but we also connect them so that together they are more organised, stronger, aware of their rights and better informed. By creating Crew United Europe, we are responding to the audiovisual industry's growing needs, but above all, we are guided by our responsibility to shape it and take it in a healthy direction,” added Irena Gruca-Rozbicka, coordinator of European development.