The initiative, developed in partnership with Kids Can Press, is designed to discover, support, and mentor emerging Black storytellers and illustrators in Canada; selected creatives interested in kids’ TV animation with receive support in pitch development and an introduction to industry professionals.
Corus Entertainment Inc.’s Nelvana, an international producer, distributor, and licensor of children’s animated and live action content, has teamed up with Kids Can Press, an international children’s book publisher, to launch “Nelvana/Kids Can Press Talent Incubator: Black Write Edition,” an initiative designed to discover, support, and mentor emerging Black storytellers and illustrators.
“We are looking forward to reviewing all the submissions we receive from Black creatives who are particularly interested in learning more about writing and/or animating children’s television or illustrating books for children,” shared Nelvana head of development Athena Georgaklis. “As a world leading producer of children’s content, we are so proud to launch Black Write Edition and foster up-and-coming Black creative talent in Canada. Our incubator program is specially designed to help selected applicants with their project, provide suggested revisions and notes to develop the pitch, and introduce them to industry professionals with the possibility of pitching their concept to broadcast executives.”
“Stories for children can be a powerful space to explore new ideas and tackle compelling topics, while inspiring and educating,” added Naseem Hrab, Associate Publisher, Creative, Kids Can Press. “We know there are new stories and illustrations out there that should be shared and deserve a wider audience. It is our hope that this talent incubator reaches Black storytellers who are looking for that opportunity.”
Black storytellers and illustrators are invited to submit their story proposals or illustration portfolio through the blackwrite.ca website. Candidates who are selected will be paired with creative advisors in animation production or book publishing to develop and fully realize their work.
The outcome of the first edition of the incubator is to develop at least one original concept each for TV and book publishing as well as to foster community among new voices and industry professionals.
The deadline to submit is November 30.
Future editions of the talent incubator will focus on other underrepresented communities.
This initiative is part of Corus Entertainment’s comprehensive, multi-year Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan that aims to support diversity, equity and inclusion in the company’s workforce, business, and content as well as industry partnerships.
The launch of blackwrite.ca will be supported by television and radio advertising on Corus’ network of TV and radio stations across Canada, running until November 30.
For more information or to submit visit blackwrite.ca.
Source: Corus Entertainment Inc.
