Starz Digital Media has launched its new animation site ABE Toons, marking the debut of the site with a talent search contest seeking out the next great animator.
The site, www.abetoons.com, will feature top independent animators and aims to be a top destination for consumers looking for animated short films. Among the animators whose work is appearing on the side is Tad Stone, director of two Hellboy animated DVDs, Jennifer Shiman, creator of Starz;s 30-Second Bunny Theater, and Sweeney and Laney, head writers on Tripping the Rift.
The contest will award a grand prize of $4,000 in cash and the opportunity to turn the animated entry into a series with a production value of $25,000. Runners up will receive cash prizes of $1,000 and $500 each, with the most popular video in the contest receiving $500.
Entries should consist of an animated video running between two to six minutes and following the guidelines found on the website. The deadline to enter is Aug. 31.
Contest judges include Marc DeBevoise, senior VP digital media, business development and strategy for Starz Media; Film Roman head of studio Jay Fukuto; Starz Animation Toronto head of studio David Steinberg; and animation producer (9, Finding Nemo) Jinko Gotoh.
