_ (press release) _ OTTAWA (July 19, 2016) - The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), North America’s leading animation film festival, is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for anyone with a great idea for an animated TV series! Corus Entertainment, a long-time OIAF partner, is offering a development deal in addition to Toon Boom animation software to the winner of ** Pitch THIS! ** at the event’s industry stream TAC (The Animation Conference),

September 21—23, 2016

.

“As a long-time supporter of independent production and animation, Corus and its animation division, Nelvana, are thrilled to be able to support a project from its infancy and offer guidance during the development process,” says Scott Dyer, President, Nelvana, a division of Corus. “Many great shows evolve from pitch sessions and we’re looking forward to a unique and dynamic project that our Corus Kids and Toon Boom teams can assist in nurturing from the get-go.”

TAC provides a chance for new-comers and professionals to network and keep up with industry trends while having access to the most creative, original and innovative animation out there. Every year TAC presents Pitch THIS!, a contest where two creators get the chance to pitch their new project to the TAC audience.

In celebration of the 40

th

anniversary, not only is there a development deal on the line, but the 2016 program has added a mentorship twist as well! This year TEN PITCHES will be selected and the creators paired with a mentor who will help them develop their idea. This is a rare opportunity for folks to work closely with a seasoned industry professional, and receive feedback on their project!

All ten pitches will be presented on Wednesday September 21

st

during TAC, where each contestant has only ten minutes to impress a small committee of experts. From this group, two lucky candidates will be selected to present their idea at the official Pitch THIS! event on

Thursday, September 22

to a panel of broadcasters and the entire audience at TAC, an audience that includes over 300 potential buyers and financiers within the industry.

“The OIAF and Corus Entertainment have had a longstanding relationship of working together to foster the animation industry,” says Azarin Sohrabkhani, Director of Industry Programming for OIAF. “It’s very exciting to be able to work together again during this milestone year to present this amazing opportunity to the animation community.”

Proposals should include:

* Project synopsis, including log line and character descriptions * One episode synopsis * Concept art * Bios of key creators. * Content aimed at children ages 2—11 * Please note: no more than 2 submissions per production company * We are accepting International submissions!

Send your Pitch THIS! proposals to: presentations@animationfestival.ca THE DEADLINE FOR PITCH _ _ THIS! SUBMISSIONS IS

AUGUST 15, 2016