Pitch THIS! 2026
Do you have a great idea for an animated series you want to get off the ground?
Pitch THIS! is the OIAF’s annual pitching contest; an opportunity for Canadian creators to get noticed and kickstart their animated series concept!
This year up to EIGHT Pitch THIS! Semi-finalist projects will be selected and paired with established industry mentors. Over the course of the summer, semi-finalists will meet with mentors to refine their 10-minute-long pitches before presenting them live at The Animation Conference (TAC) in September.
The 2026 Pitch THIS! semi-finals will be held in front of the TAC audience on September 23rd. Two projects will then be selected by the semi-finalist jury to go head-to-head against one another on the TAC mainstage the following day, at the Pitch THIS! finale! These pitches will be presented before a live audience of TAC attendees, studio executives, and potential project financiers. The winner will be awarded a grand prize, including two TAC AnimaPasses to OIAF 2027, to return for more professional development, pitching, and networking opportunities!
SUBMITTING A PROJECT
Interested applicants should use the Pitch THIS! application form to answer screening questions and submit their pitch documents in the required format. The application form will be open and be available on this webpage from 12:00 pm EDT Monday, May 11, to 11:59 pm EDT Sunday, June 14, 2026. Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be contacted with results in mid-July.
Inclusive projects and creators from underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply, in particular people who are racially or ethnically diverse, living with disabilities, women, gender non-conforming, and 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the animation community.
APPLICATION CRITERIA & FORMAT
NOTE: Please read the following carefully; any submissions that do not meet the listed criteria and format will be disqualified.
- The application deadline is 11:59 pm EDT Sunday, June 15, 2026.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Pitch THIS! is open to Canadian animation projects only; lead creator(s) must include at least one Canadian resident or citizen.
- Previous Pitch THIS! Semi-finalists and finalists should wait at least ONE (1) year before applying again.
- A maximum of TWO (2) submissions will be accepted per creator.
- Pitched series can target any demographic (e.g. preschool, adult, etc.).
- Submissions should be in English; all presentations and sessions will be in English.
- Accepted pitch packet format: PDF document. Pitches will only be accepted through the official Pitch THIS! 2026 Application Form.
- Pitch Documents MUST include the following:
- Project Info: Title, genre, AND demographic
- Project format (ie. 22 episodes x 11 minutes, 1 season)
- Project synopsis
- Log line
- Character descriptions/biographies
- At least one episode synopsis (scripts will NOT be reviewed)
- Biographies and contact information of key creators
- Original concept art
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How many projects can I submit?
- You can submit up to two projects.
- Is there a submission fee?
- No! Submissions for Pitch THIS! are free.
- Do I have to be an animator to apply?
- Not necessarily! As long as you’re a Canadian creator pitching an animated project with original concept art, we want to hear from you.
- Will my work still belong to me if I apply?
- Yes! This opportunity is designed to feature creators and help them get their work off the ground. Your application materials are only shared with Pitch THIS! team members and/or judges who have signed a non-disclosure agreement.
- What do you mean by “format”? Isn’t this program only open to animated series?
- When we ask for a project’s intended format, we’re looking for information on episode and season length. For example, you could be pitching a limited series for adults with eight 1-hour episodes, or an 11-minute children’s series with 22 episodes per season. Also, let us know if you have more than one season planned.
- I am having issues submitting my application. What should I do?
- For assistance, contact sarah@animationfestival.ca. Please note that submissions will not be accepted directly by email.
- When will I hear back about the status of my application?
- Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will hear back from us mid-July with the results, once we have reviewed all project submissions.
- Can I use stock photos or AI generated images as my concept art?
- We don’t have a specific rule about using generated images, but original art that is tailored to your project will be most effective. Selected Pitch THIS! participants will be expected to prepare visually strong and cohesive slides to present alongside their pitches during the competition.
- Can I use art from shows and tv as a place holder and replace it with my own art if selected?
- Yes, as long as your image sources are properly credited and you do not present the art as your own. We recommend using existing art as mood board/inspiration only, as it could unintentionally pigeon-hole or otherwise affect your pitch presentation.
- Do all of my teammates need to attend the OIAF if we are selected?
- Selected teams can have 1-2 people present their pitch. If only one of you can make it, that’s okay!
- Can I submit a project that I am developing with a small studio?
- Pitch THIS is intended to provide opportunities for creators who are looking to get their projects off the ground. If you have a project that already has studio backing, or that has already been optioned, we would recommend participating in Fast Track at OIAF instead.
- Can I apply if I’m a student?
- Yes, as long as you are over the age of 18, you can apply! If you submit a pitch that began as a post-secondary student project, make sure that it includes all of the required materials and is as refined as possible.
- Can Americans apply?
- This opportunity is open to projects from creators residing in Canada (Canadian citizens or residents). If you’re an international team with one or more lead creators from Canada who will be able to present the pitch, you’re eligible to apply!
Submissions will be accepted via the submission form until 11:59 pm EDT Sunday, June 14th, 2026.
Previous Pitch THIS Winners
2025 Pitch THIS! Participants & Jury
THANK YOU TO THE 2025 PARTICIPANTS & SPONSORS!
Semi-Finalists & Projects:
Rajan Kapila, Brown Kid Adventures
Mya Roy-Royer and Eloïse Rompré, Candlecoop
Ruby Saysanasy, Cryptid
Bouchera Tahraoui and Jihad Jibaida, Dolly Baby
David Du, DUNG FU! Beetle Royale
Miranda Li and Joy Zhou, On The Haunt (2025 Winner!)
Stephanie Ramón, The Sisters Sangre
Ri Webb, The Story Tree (2025 Runner-Up!)
Selection Committee:
Archita Ghosh, President, Rezolution Pictures International
José Pou, Director / Story Artist / Animator
Bradley Cayford, Storyboard Director, Mainframe Studios
Mentors:
Emerald Wright-Collie, Creative Producer & Development Executive
Sam Chou, Director / Showrunner, Lakeside Animation Studios / Cutting Class Media
Adrian Thatcher, Series Director
Brenda Tracy Nietupski, Producer / Development Exec / Collaborator, Rezolution Pictures International
Host:
Vladimir Jean Gilles, Film Critic, CBC
Semi-Finals Jury:
Carolyn Hay, Content Creator / Executive Story Editor / Writer
Damien Dornford, Creative Director, AirStride Entertainment
Maral Mohammadian, Producer, National Film Board of Canada
Finale Jury:
Andrea Griffith, VP Content and Development, Sphere Media
Jordan Askins, Manager of Development, Adult Swim
Kirsten Hurd, Commissioning Editor, TVOkids
Lisa Cinelli, Executive in Charge of Production, Children & Youth, CBC Kids
Sierra Martin-Persi, Supervising Producer – Digital Content, A Studio Digital / BentoBox Entertainment
2025 Grand Prize:
The 2025 winners were awarded a grand prize, including:
- One-year subscription to Harmony 24 Premium and online training courtesy of Toon Boom
- $1,000 in legal services courtesy of Edwards Creative Law
- Two TAC AnimaPasses to OIAF 2026
The 2025 runner-up received:
- A free 1-hour legal consultation courtesy of Edwards Creative Law
2024 Pitch THIS! Participants & Jury
2024 Participants
Projects:
Agnes & Cookie, Helena Love
Duchess & Drooler, Robert Pincombe
Gubbles Save The Day, Jeffrey Stewart Timmins
Moon Saloon, Mike Gilbert and Klara Woldenga
Neighbourhood Watch, Matthew McPhee
Phil Joins a Cult, Nick MacDonald (Pitch This! 2024 Runner-up)
Reunion, Harrison Seeley
Sully and Beet, Sima Naseem and Ridaa Khan
The Hare of High Park, Tarun Padmakumar and Joanna Fishbein (Grand Prize Winner for Pitch THIS! 2024)
Vampire Melodies, Talia Chase and Nathan Slowly
Semi-Finals Jury:
Sierra Martin-Persi, Supervising Producer, A Studio Digital / Bento Box
Travis Williams, Development Executive / Production Manager, GAPC Entertainment Inc.
Tammy Semen, COO, Industrial Brothers
Semi-finals Host:
Bradley Cayford, Storyboard Director, Mainframe Studios
Finale Jury:
Andrea Griffith, VP of Content and Development, Sphere Media
Cameron Tang, VP of Development, Adult Swim
Kirsten Hurd, Commissioning Editor, TVO Kids
Swin Chang, Development and Production Executive, CBC Kids
Tommy Gillespie, Senior Director, Content Production, PBS Kids
Finale Hosts:
Chantal Ling, VP Original Series and Co-Productions, Mercury Filmworks
Emmanuelle Gignac, Supervising Director, Mercury Filmworks
The 2025 winners were awarded a grand prize, including:
- $5,000 cash prize from Mercury Filmworks
- Toon Boom Harmony annual license and Harmony Fundamentals on-demand videos from The Animation Study valued at $400
- $1,000 in legal services courtesy of Edwards Creative Law
- Two TAC AnimaPasses to OIAF 2025
The 2025 Runner-up received:
- A free 1-hour legal consultation courtesy of Edwards Creative Law
2023 Pitch THIS! Participants & Jury
2023 PARTICIPANTS
Projects:
Beccs Champagne, Ghost Stories (2023 Winner)
Paula Peroff, The Breakfast Guild (2023 Runner Up)
Allison Lownie and Onyka Gairey, Best Witches
Daniela Smith-Fischer, Claudia Heights
Elton Su, Crimson Mandate
Emma Fiorante, Earth to Schneider
Hugo van Essen, Ferdinand The Self-Aware NPC
Justin Smith-Fischer, Marley and the Underdogs
Sadaf Amini, Maple Treehouse School
Shannon Fewster, Monster Problems
Mentors:
Casey Gonzalez, VP of Development, FredFilms
Emerald Wright-Collie, Director of Development, Sony Pictures Television Kids
Kris Pearn, Director, Sony Pictures Animation
Niki López, Creator/EP/Showrunner/Writer/Designer, Nickelodeon Animation Studios
Rikke Asbjoern, Writer/Director/Executive Producer
Semi-final Jury:
Grégory Magné-Grand, Original Content Director, Tonic DNA
Hoda Elatewi, Executive Producer, President / CEO, GAPC Entertainment
Sam Chou, Director/Creative Director, Look Mom! Productions
Semi-final Host:
Spencer Moreland, Animator/Filmmaker
Finale Jury:
Kirsten Hurd, Commissioning Editor, Kids TV, TVO Kids
Lauren Martinez, Vice President, Original Series and Movie Development, Cartoon Network
Lisa Cinelli, Executive in Charge of Production, CBC
Niki Williams, Sr Manager, Production and Development for Pre-K, Nickelodeon
Tommy Gillespie, Senior Director, Content Production, PBS Kids
Finale Host:
Heath Kenny, Chief Content Officer, Mercury Filmworks
2022 Pitch THIS! Participants & Jury
2022 PARTICIPANTS
Semi-finalists:
Mansa Chintoh and Malachi Ellis, Project Blackout (2022 Winner)
Peter Ricq, Mini Police Chief (2022 Finalist)
Mike Regis, Taxi Underground (2022 2nd Runner-up)
Alex Lemay, Misery Loves Company
Anne Douris and Joel Buxton, Knights of the Folding Table
Joy Zhou and Miranda Li, Ivy & The Sunset Hearts
Michael Melanson and Stuart Buckley, Big City Mech
Rajan Kapila, Brown Kid Adventures
Zi Chen, Pine Point
Mentors:
Adrian Thatcher, Showrunner, Super Wish, Nelvana
Casey Gonzalez, VP of Development, FredFilms
Dave Padbury, Development Executive, Guru Studio
Melvin Benson, Development Coordinator, Atomic Cartoons
Phil Rynda, Producer, Artist (Independent)
Vanessa Esteves, Showrunner, Super Wish, Nelvana
Hosts:
Heath Kenny, Chief Content Officer, Mercury Filmworks – Finals
Sarah Lamoureux, Development Manager, OIAF – Semi-finals
Semi-finals Jury:
Chantal Ling, VP, Production & Co-Productions, Mercury Filmworks
Grégory Magné-Grand, Director, Original Content, Tonic DNA
Marney Malabar, Consultant
Finals Jury:
Alfredo Marun, Director of Development, Disney Television Animation
Kirsten Hurd, Executive Producer, TVOkids
Leslie Wishnevski, Manager of Development, Nickelodeon
Lisa Cinelli, Executive in Charge of Production, CBC Kids
Sam Chou, Director, Creative Director of Development, Look Mom! Productions