North America’s top toon fest, the Ottawa International Animation Festival, has opened submissions for the 2017 Pitch THIS! competition, presented in partnership with Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana and Toon Boom. The animated TV series concept contest will take place at The Animation Conference (TAC) during OIAF, which is set for Sept. 20-24. The winner will score a development deal with Nelvana and Toon Boom software (Harmony and Storyboard Pro) with training.
“The OIAF and Nelvana have a longstanding relationship of working together to foster the animation industry,” says Azarin Sohrabkhani, Director of Industry Programming for OIAF. “It’s very exciting to be able to work together again this year to present this amazing opportunity for the animation community.”
This year’s competition has an added twist. Ten pitches will be selected from the submissions, and their creators will be paired with a seasoned industry mentor who will help develop the idea. All ten pitches will be presented Wednesday, Sept. 20 during TAC, giving contenders just ten minutes to impress a small committee of experts. Two of these will be selected to present at the official Pitch THIS! event on Thurs., Sept. 21 to a panel of broadcasters — and the entire TAC audience, which includes more than 300 potential buyers and financiers.
“Once again, Nelvana is excited to participate in the Pitch THIS! program and help foster the next generation of creative talent in the animation community,” said Scott Dyer, President, Nelvana. “Nurturing and supporting innovative ideas often brings creative gems to the forefront – we look forward to this year’s submissions.”
Pitch THIS! is seeking proposals for series aimed at children ages 2-11 from around the world. Submissions should include a project synopsis (including log line and character descriptions), one episode synopsis, concept art, and bios of the key creators. No more than two submissions per production company will be accepted. The deadline is August 31, 2017.
More information available here.
