The animation scriptwriting contest is an Animest initiative in collaboration with PRO TV
This summer, Animest, in collaboration with PRO TV, launched a new initiative aimed at developing an underserved area in local cinematography: animated shows. Toon Scripts wants to discover and promote new voices and stories in TV animation and encourage Romanian screenwriters to focus on original animated series.
The jury has selected six finalist projects to compete for the grand prize – a contract to develop a pilot episode and show’s bible, under the guidance of expert TV and animation producers.
The finalists will take part in a workshop coordinated by Gabriela Iacob, Head of Scripted Content Development at PRO TV, member of the Cinema Pendent L'Alternativa Barcelona selection committee and tutor in the newly-formatted Alternativa Pro Mentoring Projects. During the training, finalists will participate in a storytelling session to continue perfecting their skills. Then, they’ll pitch their projects to a jury of industry professionals.
“The first edition of Toon Scripts looks extremely promising. The significant number of submissions confirmed that there’s potential in Romania, as yet unexplored, when it comes to animated series. I hope the six projects in this year’s selection appropriately reflect the diversity of creative styles, too,” explained Andrei Voineag, Animest Industry coordinator.
The finalists in Toon Scripts, first edition, are:
Samca (by Filip Columbeanu, expert screenwriter) – Romanian folklore meets contemporary society in a coming of age story populated by fantastical characters straight from local tradition.
Strada dorinței / Desire Street (by Tudor Om, expert animator known for his contributions to the Animat Planet Show) – combines elements from multiple film genres, from sci-fi to satyre to neighborhood sitcom, in a hilarious eclectic mix.
Complexul de vizavi / The Building Across the Street (by Melissa Antonescu and Mădălina Sinoe) – the tragicomic story of three detainees debating the pros and cons of freedom compared to a comfortable life in prison, as they survey the luxury residential complex across the street.
Mamaia Vice (by Călin Gherghevici and Vlad Stoenescu) – a unique perspective of 2000’s nostalgia, inspired by ‘80s-style American cop shows.
Un roboțel pe nume Danny / A Little Robot Called Danny (by Marian Coman, renowned Romanian author) – a sci-fi where Pinocchio is most creatively transported to a dystopian universe where he gets to talk to the latest Artificial Intelligence.
Mi-a rămas dulapul mic / Beyond my Wardrobe (by Simona Sava) – a sensitive exploration of the adventures that a glove undergoes as it tries to find its pair.
The six finalists will be evaluated by a jury of three international animation experts: Ivana Sujová (Slovakia, screenwriter and Director of the Fest Anča International Animation Film Festival), Claudia Cazzato (Italy, VOID Animation Film Festival programmer) and Gabriela Iacob.
The winner will be announced at the Animest.19 Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 13.