(28 March 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Always dreamt of creating a blockbuster animation like Howl's Moving Castle or Death Note that will take the world by storm? Dream no more! You now have a rare and golden opportunity to tell the world a story you have longed to be made into an animation, and possibly join the ranks of iconic animators like Hayao Miyazaki and Osamu Tezuka.

Animax, the leading youth channel for the latest and hottest anime, has launched its debut pan-Asia scriptwriting competition, Animax Awards, for both amateurs and established artists to showcase their work and 'break out' on the international stage!

Animax Awards has been staged in Japan for five consecutive years since 2002, and has become a prestigious competition where the grand prize is coveted by many in the industry. For the very first time, Animax Awards is expanding its scope across Asia to call for talents to the animation industry.

The extension of the competition only means good news for aspiring animators beyond Japan. Animax Awards is now open to applicants from seven regions across Asia. The regions are Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Philippines and South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand). Top entries from each region will enter the Finals where the grand prize winner will have his or her entry developed into an original production by a top Japanese animation studio!

Now keen animators have the chance to tell the stories they have been waiting to share with the world. Going on the theme, "A Story I Wish to be Animated", contestants are free to create scripts that may be in script, novel or comic format for a 30-minute short film. They also have the option of incorporating original characters created by Animax into the scripts to form unique and creative works of art.

Mr. Ricky Ow, General Manager of SPE Networks - Asia, the broadcaster of Animax in 17 countries across Asia, says, "The animation industry is thriving around the world and as a leader in providing the ultimate animation entertainment and lifestyle, Animax is dedicated to play a role in shaping the animation industry of the future. Animax Awards is truly a dream come true for aspiring animators!"

Leading Japanese Animation Studio to Develop Winning Entry
The winner of this year's Animax Awards will not only take home JP¥ 2 million (approximately US$18,000), but will bag the golden opportunity to have his or her winning entry developed into an original production by leading Japanese animation studio, A-1 Pictures of Aniplex (famous work like Full Metal Alchemist) and broadcast Asia-wide on the Animax network. Finalists from each region will also be awarded with US$2,000 prize money.

Each region will have home-grown talents - people who are passionately and professionally connected to the creative world of animation, film and design - judge the script entries from their region. These illustrious judges have been selected as they are recognized leaders in their respective fields.

From there, top entries from each region entering the Finals will be judged by creative professionals from Japan, including renowned sci-fi and adventure writer Baku Yumemakura.

Animax is calling for all keen contestants to submit their original script for a 30-minute short film, from now to May 31, 2007. Visit www.animaxawards.com for more information on how to participate and to find out more about Animax's original characters.