Disney ties up with Indiantelevision.com to invite pitch for new ideas

[khurramdar]

Disney ties up with Indiantelevision.com to invite pitch for new ideas
MUMBAI: The Disney network of channels in India has partnered with leading online network Indiantelevision.com to call for new show ideas as a part of a first-of-its-kind nationwide pitch that seeks to promote new creative talent in the television business.

Christened ‘Pitchkiaow!’, the pitch event will be held on 11 March in Mumbai at Imax, Wadala. Anyone who has an original idea for a kid’s TV show that fits with the brand promise of the network’s three channels will be invited to the online screening process to participate at the event.

The winner of the pitch will win Rs 5, 00,000 as prize money to develop the idea into a production bible with the ultimate aim of creating a series that could exclusively be aired on Disney Channel, Disney XD or Hungama TV. There are two development grants to be won, one for an animation concept and the other for a live action idea.

Commenting on the initiative, Walt Disney Television International India VP and GM Natasha Malhotra says, “Creativity and originality are important strategic pillars of Disney’s content strategy. This initiative is a step towards encouraging and inspiring new talent in India to showcase their creativity, original ideas and give them a strong platform to bring it all alive. Our channels together have witnessed great loyalty from viewers already and we look forward to some really good content ideas that will further strengthen the viewer’s affinity with our network.”

“The Disney network is committed to promoting Indian stories and local talent. We are certain that Pitchkiaow! will be the nurturing ground for good talent and content ideas in line with Disney’s storytelling values of fun, optimism, decency, community, quality and innovation.” adds Malhotra.

As part of the initiative, interested applicants will have to showcase their creativity in line with the brand values of Disney network’s three channels in any genres of their choice. This could be either live action or animation wherein the format could be long, short, fiction or non-fiction. The entries will be judged on uniqueness and originality of the concept.

Says Indiantelevision.com Group CEO & editor-in-chief and India representative for TV content markets - MipTV and Mipcom Anil Wanwari, "We are really excited to partner this unique initiative by the Disney network. Disney's content is loved and trusted by kids and families alike. Pitchkiaow! is a rare opportunity for local talent to create delightful entertainment for viewers and contribute to the universally acclaimed Disney brand of storytelling.”