Nickelodeon Launches New Content Accelerator Program

Nickelodeon has set up a new Content Accelerator Program targeted at BIPOC and early-career underrepresented creatives.

The aim is to support these professionals to pitch new kid-focused content ideas for Nick’s platforms across big kids animation, preschool and live action. The program is being done in collaboration with Rise Up Animation and Ghetto Film School.

Nickelodeon development executives will review submissions, and the top entries will move forward to a Pitch Day. On Pitch Day, the top applicants will meet with Nickelodeon development executives to present their ideas. The top pitch in each category (big kids animation, preschool animation and live action) will move into a preliminary phase of development at Nickelodeon. The selected creators will work directly with development executives and a creative mentor to hone their pitch presentations.

The submission period is open from August 8 to September 30. It is virtual and open to participants 21 years of age and older.

“The launch of Nickelodeon’s Content Accelerator Program is a way to reach aspiring, underrepresented creatives to tell stories reflective of today’s kids,” said Eryk Casemiro, executive VP of global series content at Nickelodeon Animation. “By working with Rise Up Animation and Ghetto Film School, we are eager to hear from storytellers and spotlight content that is inclusive for everyone.”

Monica Lago-Kaytis, Rise Up Animation’s co-founder, CFO and mentor, said, “Rise Up Animation is thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon on their Content Accelerator Program. We believe that creating these opportunities for young artists and professionals aligns with our mission to bring more inclusion and diversity to an ever-evolving animation community.”

“Our partnership with Nickelodeon on the Content Accelerator Program will provide professional development for our Roster members and a crucial opportunity for emerging storytellers to get their foot in the door and pitch their stories to industry leaders,” said Yuby Hernandez, global roster director at Ghetto Film School. “Programs like these are truly representative of our mission to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great storytellers, and we look forward to building out this relationship for years to come.”