Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, WeKids and Toon Boom Animation have opened a joint talent initiative, China Tales Incubator, now accepting submission through its online portal. The aim is to discover new talent and develop, produce and distribute original kids’ animation from China for a global audience.
China-based creatives – animators, writers, illustrators, storytellers, artists – are invited to submit their comedic, character-driven concepts for kids aged 2-5 and 6-11. Accepted in either Mandarin or English, submissions must include a working title, target demographic, proposed format, summary, and a maximum of five illustrations. The first-round deadline is July 6, 2018. Submissions will be evaluated by September 30, 2018.
The winning concept will be put into development through the partnering companies with the goal of creating a pitch bible and an animation test or trailer to then take the concept to the international market for distribution, licensing and merchandising.
To kick off, Nelvana, WeKids and Toon Boom will host six China Tales Incubator Workshops in Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen from April 26-May 11, where specialists in writing, developing and producing animation from the three companies will introduce the program to attendees. Chinese animation studios, broadcasters, streaming platforms, animation academies, and independent animators, writers and artists are all invited to attend. The first workshop in Hangzhou will be held as a panel of CICAF/iABC. Details at chinatales.com.cn.
“Nelvana could not be more pleased to be moving into the next phase of our partnership with WeKids and Toon Boom Animation,” said Scott Dyer, President, Nelvana. “China holds tremendous untapped potential in the international animation market and we’re keen to unearth new talent through the China Tales Incubator competition.”
Manman Chen, COO of WeKids added, “We are delighted to be working with world leaders in the animation industry to identify and bring to the Chinese and world markets animation created by the best and brightest Chinese animators, writers and illustrators. Nelvana, one of the top animation producers and distributors in the world, is the perfect partner to recognize, produce and distribute Chinese-inspired properties across the world. Toon Boom Animation, with its cutting-edge technology, will be a terrific collaborator in bringing these series to the screen. We are excited to be part of this historic partnership.”
