In an effort to address underrepresentation in the animation sector, screen industry agency Film London and Arts Council England have launched a new commissioning initiative to support up-and-coming animators who identify as Black.

Open until June 22, FLAMIN (Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network) Animations is looking for submissions from artists/animators living in the UK who are in the early stages of their careers. Entrants must be 18 to 25 years old, no formal education is required, and the program is open to people working in partnerships with other artists. All content themes will be accepted.

The program is designed for artists and creatives who are of African or Caribbean descent; who have Black African, Caribbean, Afro-Latinx and African-American heritage; and who have mixed-Black heritage or identify as such. More application info can be found on the Film London website.

Four winners will be selected, with each receiving US$3,500 (£2,500) to create a one- to three-minute animated short that will bow on Film London’s website this winter. The agency will also provide a variety of networking and mentoring opportunities for the other applicants in the coming months.

Since launching in 2005, FLAMIN has commissioned more than 150 productions from UK-based artists, including animated short BAME of Thrones (pictured) from visual artist Hardeep Pandhal.

FLAMIN’s animation program joins several other new initiatives giving underrepresented voices in animation a foot in the door, including Women in Animation’s 2021 mentorship program and the UK-based Secret Story Draw talent development program.