National public broadcasters ABC and CBC have announced the Kindred ABC/CBC Animation Collaboration, a joint initiative designed to support the kids’ production industry by funding new children’s animated projects in Australia and Canada.
The two public broadcasters are now partnering in the search for animation ideas to develop, with the potential for a future co-commission. Canadian and Australian creators and producers can apply beginning March 28, 2022 until May 16, 2022, with full details about the application process and eligibility criteria available here.
Through this collaboration, ABC and CBC are looking for projects that feature a fresh, innovative and artistic animation style, and will appeal to Australian and Canadian audiences alike. Core to any idea that will be considered by ABC and CBC are strong, unique and demonstrable senses of voice, story, setting, and character. Given their shared commitments to inclusivity, diversity, and gender equity, ABC and CBC expect the diversity of the story world and characters to be reflected in the creative team and that integrated and meaningful collaboration will occur throughout the creative process.
ABC and CBC are looking for two distinct types of animated projects: (1) those appealing to a tween audience (10-14 years old), with a female character-driven narrative or compelling ensemble cast, featuring ideas that speak to this age group with a focus on comedy, surrealism, fantasy quests and/or identity; and (2) preschool projects that explore an aspect of early childhood development that is not well represented in the current landscape, with core values including comedy, kindness and empathy. The source IP must originate from either Canada or Australia to qualify. Shortlisted ideas will receive funding for an initial stage of development. Projects that proceed beyond the initial stage will be eligible for further development from the ABC and CBC to be confirmed at that time.
Submissions are open to teams from Australia and Canada, including professionals over the age of 18 years, sole creators, collectives, animation studios, production companies, and artists from aligned disciplines. Projects may be submitted by Australian/Canadian teams who have long-standing professional and creative relationships; however, individual Australian or Canadian teams and sole creators (unfamiliar with partners in the reciprocal territory) are encouraged to apply and successful candidates will be provided with support by ABC/CBC in their search for a production partner.