Rai Ragazzi, the kids’ division of the Italian national broadcaster, have launched a new initiative for young animation creators — either current students or those who have graduated in recent years — with original, unproduced animation concepts. The “L’ora di tuffarsi” (“It’s time to dive”) contest will see the best submissions admitted into a pitching session in Rome on Monday, September 3.
Submissions will be reviewed by Rai Ragazzi’s cartoon and TV series department, which will select up to 10 projects to participate in the day of pitch presentations and the chance for reviews and advice from industry professionals. The concepts will be evaluated on their originality, potential for success with at least one of the key target audiences (preschool, children, teenagers, family), innovation, and potential for international development.
L’ora di tuffarsi is open to Italian citizens and foreign residents of Italy ages 18-26. Submissions of projects with brief description and presentation can be made via email to inforairagazzi@rai.it. Accepted applicants will be confirmed via email on July 20.
The Sept. 3 event will give participating young creators 30 minutes to present their project and answer questions. Representatives of independent italian production companies will be in attendance, and all the selected creative will receive a certificate of participation from Rai Ragazzi.
The event also aims to encourage young Italian animators’ entry in the Cartoon Springboard event for European talents, taking place in Valenciennes, France, December 4-6.
