Animation SA, the non-profit company representing South Africa’s animation industry, is proud to welcome Turner as an official partner for the inaugural Animation Lounge at DISCOP Johannesburg 2016.
Turner, one of the world leaders in media entertainment, will host the Turner Kids’ Animation Pitching Competition, inviting African producers and storytellers to pitch children’s programming properties in development to a panel of local and international industry experts, buyers and commissioning editors. The total prize purse of $3 000 sponsored by Turner will be split between the winner ($2 000) and runner up ($1 000).
Entrants will have the opportunity to schedule a short feedback session with Turner, and all delegates will benefit from a sharing session and Q&A prior to the pitching competition.
“This partnership with Turner is indicative of the bargaining power of the collective and is validation for the efforts of all the volunteers at Animation South Africa over the years,’ says Nick Wilson, chair of the Export Missions Committee of Animation South Africa. “Our mandate is to grow the animation industry in South Africa and there is no better way to do that than in dialogue with one of the biggest players in global animation.’
Turner International, a Time Warner company, has 190 channels showcasing 38 brands in more than 200 countries, 49 of which are on the African continent. In addition to its flagship kids’ channels Cartoon Network and Boomerang, Turner launched the kids’ channel Boing Africa at DISCOP 2015.
“It is a great opportunity for Turner Africa to sponsor the Animation SA booth and pitching competition,’ says Pierre Branco vice president and general manager of Southern Europe and Africa for Turner. “This is a great demonstration of how we are strengthening our presence across the continent and building our local production strategy to make content relevant and engaging for African audiences.’
DISCOP Johannesburg will take place from 2 to 4 November at the Sandton Convention Centre.
