Cartoon Network UK have announced the launch of their Imagination Studios Awards, an initiative to encourage children to engage with the creative process of animation. Linked to their newly unveiled online Imagination Studios, which will enable fans to learn more about the behind the scenes making of their favourite Cartoon Network shows, the awards are open to children aged 6-12 with the chance for three winners to have their work showcased on the channel.
To enter, children must produce an example of a new animated creation. This can be something as simple as a character design, storyboard or plot outline up to an attempt at making an animated short. Established writer and comedian David Baddiel is serving as an ambassador for the concept, commenting “”Because of many, many kids TV shows available today, children now have muchmore sophisticated story and comedy sense than my generation, who basically had The Magic Roundabout. This is a brilliant initiative for children to get creative and use that sophistication to make something that will actually be shown on one of the best kids TV channels, Cartoon Network. If I was 10 I couldn’t think of anything more exciting than seeing my show back-to-back with The Amazing World of Gumball.”
Baddiel will be a member of the panel of judges for the contest, which will also include members from the British Film Institute, Children & the Arts and Cartoon Network itself. Children & the Arts is a major supporter of the project, including a downloadable Teacher’s Toolkit on the website so that primary school teachers may introduce the concepts to students in a curriculum aligned manner. Jeremy Newton, Chief Executive of Children & the Arts comments: “The Imagination Studios schools project is a fantastic opportunity for both children and teachers – challenging them to stretch their creativity to the limit. We’re delighted to be an active partner in the competition and can’t wait to see the results.”
Wednesday 28th October will see the British Film Institute host a special Imagination Studio fun-day at their Southbank location.
Patricia Hidalgo, SVP & Chief Content and Creative Officer, Kids, at Cartoon Network’s parent company Turner Broadcasting summarises the inspiration and intent for the competition: “We often receive fan art and story ideas inspired by our shows, so we wanted to create a destination to encourage and facilitate all the amazing creativity stored in the minds of our young audiences. Cartoon Network Imagination Studios is a place where kids can learn, gain inspiration, have fun and, ultimately, be themselves; it promotes the value of being different and, in turn, creating something unique. What’s more, this competition offers kids the ultimate reward for their work – the chance to experience what it’s like to have their creations on the television for all their friends and family to see. Needless to say we’re very excited to see the entries we receive.”
The closing date for entries to Cartoon Network’s Imagination Studios Awards is midnight 1st December 2015. More details can be found at the official website.
The post David Baddiel Encourages Children To Enter Cartoon Network UK’s Imagination Studio Awards appeared first on ToonZone News.