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 specializing in uplifting underrepresented creators and artists in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The program will be launched with six local participants and will be based in Neru Projects, the animated project incubator recently created by Outlook. Creative executives from Cartoon Network Studios and Neru Projects will work with these individuals and help take 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 ideas for animated series.
“It’s a great way for artists in Baltimore to see their work, be considered, and receive professional feedback on animated content. It’s an invaluable experience, as there are now six other professional and recognized animated show creators in this part of the world,” said Trevor Pryce, CEO of Outlook Company.
Sam Register, chairman of 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 work with artists from underrepresented communities makes them an ideal partner and I look forward to the work ahead with Trevor and the incredible group of creators he has assembled.
These early six up-and-coming creatives represent diversity of 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 to not let her imagination run wild.
- Jared Allen, Animator, artist and recent graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
- Rebecca Stern, A top autism spectrum artist who has always dreamed of telling stories on Cartoon Network.
- Chieu Anh Urban, Veteran author of children’s books born in Saigon, Vietnam.
- Marina Khatin, Young animator currently working at Outlook OVFX.
- Stephen Church, A 16-year-old Baltimore-based high school student with a wild imagination and an upcoming rap album.
The first group of CNS/Outlook Company creators.
Born in 2006 into an independent music label, The Outlook Company is a Baltimore-based new media company that specializes in owning and producing technology-driven animated and live-action content for young people. and pop culture through different distribution channels. Holdings include movies, TV shows, games, consumer products and digital experiences leveraging properties such as Kulipari and the next Revisionists live-action universe.
With OVFX the animation studio, Neru Projects (dedicated to underrepresented and newly discovered talent), the game branch OCD (Outlook Company Digital) and an upcoming state-of-the-art virtual post-production/production stage facility. technology in East Baltimore, Outlook seeks to constantly push the boundaries of storytelling, content creation and capabilities. (ovfx.com)
Established in 2000, Cartoon Network Studios (CNS) is a global animation and interactivity studio recognized for its innovative approaches to intellectual property development and world-building. Fostering a creator-focused environment, CNS is home to critically acclaimed anime series including Adventure Time, Craig of the Creek, Steven Universe, Summer Camp Island, The Powerpuff Girls and We bare bears. CNS also produced adult swimming hits Primal, Samurai Jack by Genndy Tartakovsky and Harvey Birdman, lawyer. The CNS also houses Cartoons, the studio’s innovative program of animated shorts.
CNS has been honored with Emmy, Peabody, GLAAD, Annie Awards, the BAFTA Children’s Award, the Italian Pulcinella Prize and the Annecy Festival Cristal. Currently, CNS houses a virtual reality lab and produces a range of interactive formats and products. As part of its efforts to discover unique and up-and-coming voices everywhere, the studio has a strong global artist program and numerous partnerships, including Exceptional Minds, Black Women Animate and CalArts. (cartoonnetworkstudios.com)
