Nickelodeon Announces 2014 Student Animated Shorts Program

Nickelodeon has announced their 2014 Student Animated Shorts Program, and the deadline for submission is Monday Sept 15th. You don't have to pitch a finished film, just an idea in concept. You will need an idea, characters, a setting, a story, and some storyboards. This is an opportunity to have your idea for a TV series picked up by a major US network - time to sharpen your pencils and start brainstorming.

http://signup.viacom.com/NickPreschool/StudentShortSubmission.aspx

What is this competition?
It is a creative shorts program sponsored by Nickelodeon Preschool Television.

What are they looking for?
Short films that will make pre-school kids laugh out loud.

What would she find funny? Photo:Wikipedia

What are the Creative Guidelines?
Nickelodeon are looking for character based shorts that are silly, whacky, loony and hilariously funny to their core audience of two to five year olds. Also:

• Shorts should include strong characters that appeal to both boys and girls.
• Shorts should avoid stereotyping of any kind. 
• Shorts should be respectful of preschooler's development, gearing humor and content to the audience. 
• Shorts should be visually stimulating and push the conventions of design while working on a level respectful of pre-schooler's development. 
• Shorts should avoid topics and issues that date and link the series to a particular time and fad.
• Shorts should have no more than 2 – 3 characters. 
• Shorts are limited to 2:00 in length and should primarily take place in 1 setting.
• Open to all animation styles.

How can you submit?
Submit your idea as a pitch. The pitch materials must include the following in a single .PDF file:

• Concept treatment (1 to 2 paragraphs about your idea)
• Character descriptions and designs 
• 2 minute script/outline OR 2 minute rough thumbnail storyboard
• Resume and credits 
• Link to online portfolio and/or work samples (if available)

If available, you can provide a link to additional pitch content.


When is the deadline?
The deadline for submissions is Monday, September 15, 2014. No submissions will be accepted after this time.

To find out more, follow this link.
http://signup.viacom.com/NickPreschool/StudentShortSubmission.aspx

As always, here at Animation Apprentice we strongly encourage our students to enter competitions. Even if you don't win, the experience will teach you a huge amount about what is needed to bring a project to completion. Every time you enter a competition you will get a little (maybe a lot) better. You will hone your skills, and improve your chances of building a successful career in the industry.


To sign up for our September classroom at Animation Apprentice, follow this link. For more information on finding work and surviving in the animation and visual effects business, read our post on how to find a job in the animation industry, and check out our post about what not to do at a job interview. Also see our post on starting your own small animation business, learn how to create an invoice, and see how we are helping our students find work through our film co-operative Nano Films.  Download the free Escape Studios Careers in VFX Handbook. Take a look at how awn.com can help you find a job, and read our piece about how to survive as a freelance animator. Also, find out what Cinesite look for in a student's demo reel, and read our post on setting up your own animation business. Also see our post about freelancers and taxes.