Big Thinkers Initiative for Diverse U.K. Animation

Big Deal Films is working with Tom van Waveren’s Hoek, Line and Thinker for the launch of Big Thinkers, a new program to find the next big animated hit authored by U.K. diverse creators.

Big Thinkers is putting out a call for submissions to U.K. creators who have a story they are passionate about or an idea or character design that they feel can be the next iconic IP that the world is looking for.

Big Thinkers is looking for ideas told from a perspective that gives a voice and screen to underrepresented sections of the audience. Projects should be aimed at preschoolers, children 6 to 11 or a prime-time audience.

Submissions are open until April 10. Ten Finalists will be invited to pitch their projects in person to a jury in London a few weeks after that. The jury will consist of a broad representation of industry perspectives and backgrounds, including Elliott Palmer (CBBC, Nickelodeon, King Bert), Shamik Majumdar (Disney EMEA), Kristina Yee (Goat Girl), Ed Barnieh (Netflix) and Lindsey Adams (Daily Madness).

Three winning creators will be invited to develop their ideas into full-pitch bibles at Big Deal Films. There, they will work in partnership with creative teams and studios with a view to presenting their ideas to key broadcasters, platforms and overseas partners later in the year.

Dhanny Joshi, co-founder and managing director of Big Deal Films, said: “Now more than ever, the world of animation needs stories, characters and superheroes that truly reflect the world we live in. Further increasing our presence in animation feels like a very natural next step for Big Deal Films, and we are excited to partner with Tom and the Hoek, Line and Thinker team to make this a reality.”

Thomas Stogdon, co-founder and creative director at Big Deal Films, added: “We love children’s content in all genres and want to bring a smile and our unique voice to the projects we will be developing.”

Van Waveren, Founder of Hoek, Line and Thinker, said: “‘I am very excited to be partnering with the wonderful team at Big Deal Films. They are well known for their great content and for being first-class ambassadors of innovative and diverse content. But most importantly, they understand what makes great characters and great comedy! I look forward to building a slate of fun and innovative animated shows with them through this initiative.”