Nelvana, Britshorts, Cartoon Network, Aardman and the National Film and Television School have announced jointly the formation of The Animation Committee, whose purpose is to provide a focal point for the UK and Europe’s newest animators and their most unique and interesting ideas.

The select group, from creative talent to producers and distributors, has formed a committee that will use its resources to highlight and encourage talent. The aim is to be the focal point for existing animation talent as well as being a leader in shaping the path of future talent.

The Committee will meet approximately once a quarter to review selected animations. Britshorts will source animations on behalf of the Committee. Of all submitted animations, a limited number of the best or most interesting submissions will be provided to the Committee for review during a screening session.

Committee members will select the most outstanding animation productions of the term, which will then be screened in a dedicated screening room on the Britshorts website. Comments of each Committee member will be displayed on the site. Viewers will be encouraged to review the films, provide their comments and rate the films. The audience-selected "best short" and industry-selected "best short" will be identified. At this point, with industry and audience feedback, the Committee can review which animation programming might be selected for further development.

Animated shorts to be submitted should be:
-Less than 15 minutes in length
-Character-led films
-Have scope for TV and/or feature film development

For more information:
Felicity Barratt — Britshorts t: 020 7734 2277 f: 020 7734 2242 felicity@britshorts.com