Call for Entries: Kindred animation collaboration

ABC and Canada’s CBC today announced the Kindred ABC / CBC Animation Collaboration, a joint initiative for new children’s animated projects in both nations.

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. Projects require a 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.

Submissions are open to animation creators and producers in Australia and Canada from March 28 until May 16.

In June 2019, ABC and CBC first announced a creative and commercial collaboration to enhance the reach and impact of their content across both countries, including children’s programming. Outcomes of the collaboration include ABC’s acquisition of CBC Kids’ original commission Big Blue as well as CBC co-productions Kiri and Lou and Endlings, and CBC Kids’ acquisition of ABC titles First Day, How To Do Stuff Good, and The Wonder Gang.

David Anderson, ABC Managing Director said, “The Kindred Animation Collaboration is an exciting opportunity to further the ABC’s outstanding reputation for delivering engaging content for children and young people. In an increasingly crowded market, the ABC is committed to ensuring our world-class programming is not lost in the mix. We’re delighted to be partnering with the CBC in this important initiative which will undoubtedly deliver creative ideas aligned to our shared values and relevant to all our audiences.”

Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada added, “Kids’ content is essential to public service media. At CBC/Radio-Canada, we’re committed to finding and nurturing exceptional programming for children and youth, and the Kindred Animation Collaboration with ABC will help us do just that. In a world where content is exploding, these kinds of collaborations are essential to public broadcasters’ ability to compete.”

Building on ABC and CBC’s existing creative and commercial collaboration to enhance the reach and impact of their content, the two public broadcasters are now partnering in the search for world-class, unique, creatively ambitious animation ideas to develop, with the potential for a future co-commission.

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.

abc.net.au/kindred