MUMBAI: Cartoon Network's unique marketing initiative the Next Big Toon has announced its "final five".
Of the 230,000 entries received for Next Big Toon, Abhishek Datta from Kolkata, PP Sai Ravi from Secunderabad, and three winners from Mumbai - Deepa V. Matprati, Govinda and Rohit Salian - emerged as the five finalists. The five original cartoons created by these kids are Madloo, Terminite, Leo – A Magic Pencil, Compman and Bulby, respectively.
A distinguished panel consisting of celebrated film Lagaan director, Ashutosh Gowariker, advertising personality Piyush Pandey, well-known animation producer Ram Mohan and Cartoon Network representatives Ian Diamond and Anshuman Misra were the judges.
The Next Big Toon judging panel: (from left) animation producer Ram Mohan, film director Ashutosh Gowariker, advertising personality Piyush Pandey and Cartoon Network's Anshuman Misra and Ian Diamond.
“We are delighted that through Next Big Toon, Cartoon Network has yet again successfully encouraged kids to think laterally and stimulate their creative potential. The rules of entry for the contest were by no means simple, and the 230,000 odd entries that we have received from Indian toonheads is a testament to their inherent creative talent and passion for the medium of animation. Cartoon Network salutes the creative spirit of these young participants,” said Ian Diamond, senior vice president and general manager, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc.
Commenting on the entries, Ashutosh Gowariker said, “I am just amazed at the talent these kids have exhibited through their designs for the Next Big Toon contest. Not only are they good artists but they are also excellent weavers of a back-story for each character.” .
The five finalists will win an HP Pavilion computer each, a special plaque recognising each of the five finalists’ as creative toon geniuses and exclusive Network goodies. In addition, a three-member Cartoon Network creative services team will travel to meet the five young celebrities to find out more about their lives, their friends, and especially about their original character. The best entry from these five will be converted into an animated short and have the honour of being showcased on Cartoon Network in December 2003.
Launched on 23 June, Next Big Toon is a creative contest giving Indian kids an opportunity to create their own original cartoon character complete with a name, a personality, a family, enemies if required, and superpowers if needed.
The presenting sponsor of Next Big Toon is Joyco, with Laughing Cow Cheese, Kellogg's Chocos, Atlas Cycles and Hewlett Packard as associate sponsors.
