Taiwan’s first children’s public platform, PTS XS, is set to launch phase two of its All Star Pre-School Animated Series Creative & Co-Development Program in February 2025.

Launched in partnership with Hong Kong-based regional production house AR Asia Productions, the initiative aims to transform Taiwan’s pre-school animation sector while addressing global challenges such as declining birth rates and shifting market demands.

The programme is structured into three phases: masterclass, pitch selection, and co-development.

Phase two will involve a broader pool of Korean companies in the concept selection process, aiming to develop two concepts into fully greenlit bibles by February 2025. The deadline for submitting concepts is 17 December 2024, with interviews and pitches scheduled for 20-21 January 2025.

The initiative kickstarted on 13-14 November 2024 in Taipei, featuring 27 Taiwanese companies and over 60 participants. 

Four Korean animation experts, including Gemma Joo and Hansol Park from The Pinkfong Company (creator of Baby Shark), mentored participants during the masterclass session, sharing valuable insights on global business strategies and creative development. 

Jinsu Shin from Korea’s EBS discussed public broadcaster support for preschool animation, while Yongkeun Na, CEO of Campfire Aniworks, offered strategies for sustainable collaboration models for smaller production companies.

The final co-development phase, designed to provide Taiwanese animators with the resources needed to expand globally, will guide selected projects into production by late 2025.

Launched in August 2023 for age 3-18 demographics, under the umbrella of Taiwan’s public TV system Public Television Service (PTS), PTS XS has committed NT$600 million/US$18.5 million annually over the next four years to support local children’s content. 

This investment aims to nurture Taiwanese talent, develop diverse programming, and position Taiwan’s preschool animation industry for global success through strategic partnerships with leading international animation studios.

Brought to you by AR Asia Productions
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