First Animation Pilot Initiative for CBBC

LONDON: BBC Worldwide and CBBC have launched ANIM8, the channel's first animation pilot scheme providing an open call that gives U.K. innovators the opportunity to pitch for funded development.

ANIM8 aims to develop the next generation of U.K. animators and will hopefully lead to the creation of a variety of British-originated animated properties for CBBC, collaborating with BBC Worldwide to develop comedy series with global appeal. The initiative welcomes pitches from individuals, studios and companies, asking for submissions of compelling contemporary content that is character-driven, funny, unpredictable and high energy. It is open to all animation styles and techniques. ANIM8 kicks off today with an initial submissions deadline of January 22, 2016. Entrants, who are taken through a multi-stage development process, must have a minimum of two broadcast, published or digital credits for commissioned work.

Alice Webb, the director of BBC Children's, said: "The animation industry is going from strength to strength and I am really proud that BBC Children's are a major part of this and we have been able to work with some of the best animators in the country. With this initiative, we are hoping to open our doors even wider and bring new talent into CBBC that will engage with our audience in a fresh and innovative way."

Henrietta Hurford-Jones, the director of Children's at BBC Worldwide, noted: "ANIM8 supports BBC Worldwide in its mission to take the best of British creativity to the rest of the world. Our ambition is to find creatives and concepts to mirror the global success of our CBeebies titles like Sarah & Duck and Hey Duggee, but this time we're on the look out for character-driven, fast-paced comedy that will appeal to older kids."

Sarah Muller, the creative director of scripted, animation and co-productions for BBC Children's, added: "Launching the ANIM8 pilot scheme is an ambition realized for CBBC. It is an exciting time and a key step in our continued objective of nurturing home-grown animation talent and producing original, innovative animated series that resonate with the CBBC audience."