Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana has partnered with Chinese digital distributor WeKids and software maker Toon Boom Animation to open China Tales Incubator, a kids animation incubation program aimed to discover, develop, produce and distribute new Chinese IPs to global audiences.

The incubator’s online portal is now accepting comedic, character-driven concepts for kids ages two to five and six to 11 from China-based animators, writers, illustrators, storytellers and artists until July 6, 2018—the incubator’s first-round deadline.

Submissions can be accepted in either Mandarin or English and must include a working title, target demo, proposed format, summary and a maximum of five illustrations. All first-round submissions will be evaluated by September 30.

The partnering companies will work directly with the creator(s) of the winning concept to create a pitch bible and animation test or trailer, which will then be taken to international markets for distribution, licensing and merchandising opportunities.

To promote the incubator, production and development experts from Nelvana, WeKids and Toon Boom Animation will be hosting six workshops in Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen from April 26 to May 11. Chinese animation studios, broadcasters, SVOD platforms, animation schools, writers and artists are invited to attend.