Cartoon Network Studios (CNS) and Outlook Company are teaming up to launch a new content development initiative designed to discover emerging artists and storytellers. Founded by former NFL star Trevor Pryce, Outlook Company is an animation studio that specializes in elevating underrepresented creators and artists in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The program will launch with six local participants and be based at Neru Projects, Outlook’s recently formed animated projects incubator. Creative executives from Cartoon Network Studios and Neru Projects will work with these individuals and help shepherd their ideas from concept to pitch through the development of a series bible. At least one project will be selected to begin formal development at Cartoon Network Studios and Outlook Company — but, through the program, all participants will learn how to collaborate with creative partners to develop and package their original animated series ideas.
“This is a great way for Baltimore artists to have their work seen, considered, and given professional animated content feedback. It is an invaluable experience, as there are now six more professional, credited animation show creators in this part of the world,” said Trevor Pryce, CEO of Outlook Company.
Sam Register, President, Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation, said, “Elevating original and diverse creative voices is one of our top priorities at Cartoon Network Studios. Outlook Company’s mission to working with artists from underrepresented communities make them a perfect partner and I look forward to the work ahead with Trevor and the amazing group of creators he has assembled.”
These initial six promising creatives represent diversity in race, gender, and age, and will use their unique perspectives to shine a light on their homes, communities and personal experiences through animation.
- Briana Bolden, Young storyteller from Delaware, who believes that cartoons are important as a way to not let go of her imagination.
- Jared Allen, Animator, artist, and recent graduate from The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
- Rebecca Stern, A High Functioning Autism Spectrum artist who has always dreamed of telling stories on Cartoon Network.
- Chiêu Anh Urban, Veteran children’s book author born in Saigon, Vietnam.
- Marina Khatin, Young animator currently working at Outlook OVFX.
- Stephen Church, A 16-year-old high schooler based in Baltimore with a wild imagination and an upcoming rap album.
Born in 2006 from inside an indie music label, The Outlook Company is a Baltimore-based new media company that specializes in owning and producing technology-driven youth IP and pop culture animated and live-action content through different distribution channels. Holdings include film, TV, gaming, consumer products and digital experiences leveraging properties like Kulipari and the upcoming Revisionists live-action universe.
With OVFX the Animation Studio, Neru Projects (dedicated to underrepresented and newly discovered talent), gaming arm OCD (Outlook Company Digital) and an upcoming state of the art post-production facility/virtual production stage in East Baltimore, Outlook is looking to consistently push the boundaries of storytelling, content creation and capability. (ovfx.com)
Established in 2000, Cartoon Network Studios (CNS) is a global animation and interactive studio recognized for its innovative approaches to IP development and world-building. Fostering a creator-driven environment, CNS is home to critically acclaimed animated series including Adventure Time, Craig of the Creek, Steven Universe, Summer Camp Island, The Powerpuff Girls and We Bare Bears. CNS has also produced Adult Swim hits Genndy Tartakovky’s Primal, Samurai Jack and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. CNS is also home to Cartoon Cartoons, the studio’s innovative animated shorts program.
CNS has been honored with Emmy, Peabody, GLAAD, Annie Awards, the BAFTA Children’s Award, Italy’s Pulcinella Award and the Annecy Festival Cristal. Currently, CNS houses a VR lab and produces an array of interactive formats and products. As part of its efforts to discover unique and promising voices everywhere, the studio has a robust global Artist Program and numerous partnerships, including Exceptional Minds, Black Women Animate and CalArts. (cartoonnetworkstudios.com)
