ABC and CBC launch the Kindred ABC/CBC animation collaboration

National public broadcasters ABC and CBC have announced the Kindred ABC/CBC animation collaboration, a joint initiative designed to nurture and support the kids’ production industry by funding new children’s animated projects in Australia and Canada.

The broadcasters are now partnering in the search for world-class, unique, creatively ambitious animation ideas to develop, with the potential for a future co-commission. Canadian and Australian creators and producers can apply beginning March 28, 2022 until May 16, 2022, with full details about the application process and eligibility criteria available here.

“Kids’ content is essential to public service media. At CBC/Radio-Canada, we’re committed to finding and nurturing exceptional programming for children and youth, and the Kindred Animation Collaboration with ABC will help us do just that. In a world where content is exploding, these kinds of collaborations are essential to public broadcasters’ ability to compete,” Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada.

“The Kindred Animation Collaboration is an exciting opportunity to further the ABC’s outstanding reputation for delivering engaging content for children and young people. In an increasingly crowded market, the ABC is committed to ensuring our world-class programming is not lost in the mix. We’re delighted to be partnering with the CBC in this important initiative which will undoubtedly deliver creative ideas aligned to our shared values and relevant to all our audiences,” David Anderson, ABC Managing Director.

ABC and CBC are looking for two distinct types of animated projects: (1) those appealing to a tween audience (10-14 years old), with a female character-driven narrative or compelling ensemble cast, featuring ideas that speak to this age group with a focus on comedy, surrealism, fantasy quests and/or identity; and (2) preschool projects that explore an aspect of early childhood development that is not well represented in the current landscape, with core values including comedy, kindness and empathy. The source IP must originate from either Canada or Australia to qualify. Shortlisted ideas will receive funding for an initial stage of development. Projects that proceed beyond the initial stage will be eligible for further development from the ABC and CBC to be confirmed at that time.

In June 2019, ABC and CBC first announced a creative and commercial collaboration to enhance the reach and impact of their content across both countries, including children’s programming. Outcomes of the collaboration include ABC’s acquisition of CBC Kids’ original commission "Big Blue" as well as CBC co-productions "Kiri and Lou" and "Endlings", and CBC Kids’ acquisition of ABC titles "First Day", "How To Do Stuff Good", and "The Wonder Gang."