The television premiere of the four Cartoon Network Imagination Studios’ locally produced animated shorts follows the recent FupiToons Film Festival, hosted in conjunction with African Animation Network (AAN) and Ster-Kinekor.
Cartoon Network’s Imagination Studios,
a drawing contest run in April, was created with the aim of inspiring, motivating, and celebrating the imaginations of children between the ages of six and 12-years-old, allowing them to conceptualise and create their very own Cartoon Network character duo, similar to the ones found on Cartoon Network.
The shorts are a first in Cartoon Network’s aim to collaborate with local African talent to bring to life authentically African stories and characters. The four winning drawings have come to life through the infusion of style, motion, and sound from local animation professionals and will broadcast in time for the festive season.
Imagination Studios reveal – Cartoon Network Africa
Dida Bafor from Nigeria (eight), Katlego Khambule (10), Maia Janse (11), and nine-year-old Zo?-Jane Mans from South Africa, all had a look into the world of animation and an opportunity to add their personal touch to Cartoon Network Africa’s animated duos.
"I am so happy knowing that my drawing has been turned into a cartoon on Cartoon Network," says Bafor, whose tale, Adventures of the Talking Pizza – The Great Escape, is a story of siblings John and Lizzy who are pizza slices.
"Seeing my creation coming to life is a dream come true," adds Katlego Khambule, creator of The Doodling Duo – Attack of the Slug Monster, a short animated film about a giant slug monster that moves into Dash and Diana’s city.
Llama Drama creator, 11-year-old Maia Janse, says, "This year was actually the third time that I have won the Cartoon Network Imagination Studios competition, but the first time that I have won the actual animation of my drawings – I am very proud and excited."
In Mans' animated short, her character duo, Robo and Tekna, journey to the source code to find the truth and settle their bet before their dad finds out in Smarter Phones – Appside Town. "I am so happy and in awe of the way that my creation has been taken to a whole other level," adds Mans.
Creative director at Mind’s Eye Creative, Ryan van Eyk, says, "The really cool thing about this initiative is getting kids involved in understanding animation production and, the whole process of animating their drawings locally has shown them that their imaginations can come to life."
"We’re excited about showing the winning four animated shorts across Africa on Cartoon Network. We have been extremely impressed by the creativity and collaborative efforts from all our partners in making this possible. It has been amazing to walk this journey with the Imagination Studios winners and see their imaginative entries coming alive right before their eyes," says Jaime Ondarza, senior vice president for Turner Southern Europe and Africa.
For more information, visit www.imaginationstudios.cartoonnetworkhq.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook.
media update recently spoke to Jaime Ondarza why animation is such a versatile form of entertainment. Read more in our article, Why African animation has proven to have a local appeal.