ATF launches Animation Pitch 2017

The 18th edition of ATF, which will take place in Singapore from November 28 to December 1, will hold the Animation Pitching on 30 November that showcases the best of Asian originality and expose ideas for export and development within and even outside the region, backed by Green Gold Animation Pvt Ltd, one of India’s largest animation production company.

Under the tagline Think. Believe. Dream. And finally… Dare, the event is open to all creators and producers from around Asia (individuals, students and small-to-medium-sized companies). The winner will receive a USD 19,000 prize from the prodco, comprising a USD 2,500 cash award, and a consultancy package worth USD 16,500 that is tailor-made for the winner to develop their animation, making it ready to pitch to broadcasters.

As part of the bespoke consultancy package, Green Gold executives will also share their expertise in areas such as marketing, writing a pitch document, global format sales opportunities, trailer and sizzle preparation, production budgeting, talent payments, press publicity, the global sales process and editing.

The first round of judging will be led by its Founder & CEO, Rajiv Chilaka, and Marc Lumer, VP & Head of US Operations of the company in the USA, with input from the company acquisitions and marketing teams led by Bharath Laxmipati, VP, content sales.

Shortlisted participants will then progress to the live pitching event, where they have the opportunity to pitch their ideas in front of some of the industry’s most experienced veterans, including senior executives from Green Gold. Leading commissioning editors will also be on stage, offering advice and commentary on the ideas pitched.

Chilaka said: 'Being surrounded by passionate and ambitious people, who share a similar love for animation, is a great way to feel inspired and expand intellectual horizons. It’s also important to give back to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the animation industry, foster creativity and innovation. After all, animation is the craft of the soul'.

Yeow Hui Leng, Senior Project Director of ATF, Reed Exhibitions, added: 'We are extremely proud to launch the inaugural ATF Animation Pitch with one of Asia’s biggest players in the industry. It is a true reflection of the potential of a rising Asia. Just as our existing pitch competitions, ATF Formats Pitch and Southeast Asian Film Financing Project Market, have nurtured Asia’s talent pool and created a culture of excellence in content, we are confident that ATF Animation Pitch will be another significant element within ATF that will allow us to be the enabler of so much merit across this vast and diverse continent'.

Green Gold Animation is a pioneering animation company and leading creator of kids’ content. Being one of the first few entrants in the Indian animation scene, it redefined the industry in India with the creation of Chhota Bheem, an animated comedy adventure television series that has made a mark of excellence in the hearts of kids, young adults and connoisseurs of quality content across the nation.

The company’s content draws millions of viewers across major kids TV channels like Cartoon Network, Pogo, Discovery Kids and Disney. Over the years, the popularity of its proprietary characters has transcended animated television, and it has helped the company establish itself as a leading player in worldwide licensing & merchandising, movie production & distribution, digital business, branded stores, events, and more.

'Our company is on the threshold of a golden era in animation. This year and the next, the company will be launching pioneering world-class animation shows induced with infinite creativity. Our exhilarated plans indicate the growth of our creative endeavours, and most importantly, the confidence of reaching out to newer markets'.

Animation creators and producers keen to enter ATF Animation Pitch can submit their entries at animationpitch.asiatvforum.com.sg from now until 31 October 2017.