Netflix and ACTF open portal for preschool animated projects which celebrate Australia

Popular streaming service Netflix has teamed up with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) to launch an “incubator” for eligible Australian producers, podcast creators and other media members to submit original preschool animated content that celebrates Australia’s uniqueness.

 

The “Celebrate Australia” program opens 30 April and will provide development funding for one scripted or unscripted live-action series for tweens, as well as an animated preschool series concept. However, more than one project from each stream could be selected for support if there is an abundance of high-quality submissions.

 

“We’re putting the call out for your ideas for live action series aimed at primary or tween audiences, and one animation series aimed at preschoolers, with the brief that they celebrate Australia in some way. From landscapes and animals, to sport or culture, or just some good old family humour; the choice is up to you and your imagination,” Netflix shared in the announcement. 

 

Targeted at new concepts which are in the early stages of development, the successful applicants will be funded to develop a full series bible, storylines and pilot script, with the intention to move to further development if required, or be considered for a commission and financing by Netflix and ACTF.   

 

“Australian kids love Netflix and they deserve to see their own shows on the platform, and Australian producers make kids shows the whole world loves – it’s a great match,” ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said. 

 

For the preschool series Netflix is seeking a sense of consistency across episodes, but is open to a variety of formats (2D, CG, mixed media). 

 

“Because of the way Netflix works, we don’t have a mandatory episodic runtime. Feel free to get creative and let us know the best length for the stories you want to tell,” information read.

 

For full details on what the initiative is looking for, and submission requirements, please visit www.actf.com.au. Submissions will be accepted from 30 April to 31 May 2022.