Pitch THIS! Competition Now Accepting Submissions

Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana and Toon Boom have teamed up with the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) for this year’s Pitch THIS! contest, which is currently open for entries.

Nelvana is offering a development deal, in addition to Toon Boom’s animation software Harmony and Storyboard Pro with training, to the winner of Pitch THIS! The competition gives creators the opportunity to pitch an animated TV series at The Animation Conference (TAC), taking place during the OIAF from September 20 to 22. This year’s contest features a mentorship element that will see ten pitches selected and the creators paired with a mentor who will help them develop their ideas. All ten pitches will be presented on September 20, with two creators then chosen for the official Pitch THIS! event on September 21.

Pitch THIS! proposals should include a project synopsis (including log line and character descriptions), one episode synopsis, concept art, bios of key creators and content aimed at kids aged 2 to 11. No more than two entries will be accepted per production company. International submissions are welcome. The deadline for entering the competition is August 31.

“Once again, Nelvana is excited to participate in the Pitch THIS! program and help foster the next generation of creative talent in the animation community,” said Scott Dyer, the president of Nelvana. “Nurturing and supporting innovative ideas often brings creative gems to the forefront—we look forward to this year’s submissions.”

“The OIAF and Nelvana have a longstanding relationship of working together to foster the animation industry,” added Azarin Sohrabkhani, the director of industry programming for OIAF. “It’s very exciting to be able to work together again this year to present this amazing opportunity for the animation community.”