NICKELODEON’S INTERGALACTIC SHORTS 2022

SHORTS PROGRAM GOAL

We are looking for original shorts IP that has the potential to be a Nickelodeon full-length series rather
than just a handful of shorts. We are looking for big kids (kids 6-11) as well as preschool (kids 2-5)
concepts. Each short we choose will be produced as a fully animated “proof of concept” for a series
greenlight.
Instead of a wide-open, scattershot approach, this program is intended to be curated towards
storytellers with previous animation series experience, who will be able to drive an element (writing,
boarding, etc.) on both their project and in series.

HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM

Nickelodeon’s Intergalactic Shorts Program launched in June 2019 and resulted in the series pick-
up of Rock Paper Scissors. See press coverage here.

Previous international success stories of the program include:

It’s Pony, originally a 2013 Short and then greenlit for 2 seasons on Nickleodeon!
See an episode of It’s Pony here.
Sharkdog, originally a 2015 Pilot derived from the shorts program and then greenlit as a series
of 20x90sec shorts and now a Netflix Series. See an episode of Sharkdog here.
Ollie’s Pack, originally a 2015 short which was then greenlit for Nickelodeon. See an episode of
Ollie’s Pack here.
Other shorts produced in the program can be found here.
WHAT IS THE NICK DNA?
• Nick is funny, broad, surprising, irreverent, relevant, optimistic, inclusive, authentic, silly and
smart with heart. Our vibe is energetic, catchy, and unique – just like our audience.
• We want to reflect kids’ lives back at them and with a Nick sense of humour.
• Our content speaks at eye level to all kids – neither talking up or down to them. We show them
as real people – warts and all!

WHO IS OUR AUDIENCE?

• While targeting kids, our shows also aim to bring in the rest of the family for co-viewing
opportunities.
• We reflect the fullness of our audience.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• We are looking for that next hit original Nickelodeon show!
• We are seeking preschool (K2-5) and big kid (6-11) show ideas.
• We are looking for passionate storytellers with a point of view, compelling and charismatic
characters, and a juicy story to tell.
• We want funny, character-driven and timely shows that all genders will love. We’re looking for
characters we want to hang out with and worlds we want to spend time in.
• We are open to any genre as long as there’s a strong element of comedy – whether it’s
adventure, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, spooky, futuristic - and anything in between.
• Our preschool shows share the Nick DNA but are a bit softer and more focused on social-
emotional learning than an academic-based curriculum.
• We are open to any style of animation.
• Since Nickelodeon already has some big franchises in production it is best to stay away from
fighting turtles, underwater comedies, giant robots, big orange cats, monsters in high school as
well as hit shows from Nickelodeon’s past.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PITCH?

• A short, written introduction. Let us know more about yourself, your creative process and your
previous experience.
• A 2-3 page pitch document including the basics: short logline or synopsis, main characters and
their relationships to each other, a sense of tone, setting, plus a few episode springboards.
• If you have a partial script or storyboard to showcase your tone and talent, we’d love to see it
(Optional).
• As materials will be reviewed by international partners, all submission materials must be in
English.
WHAT WE WILL PRODUCE AND HOW
• A 5 min or less (less if CG or stop motion) fully animated short that can be a linear story, a sizzle
or broken into a few short pieces that will act as a proof of concept for series.
• There is also an optional development step where Nickelodeon may order a bible and a
midseason script to road test the idea.
• If a Creator’s pitch is selected we will enter an expedited contracting phase to come to an
agreement on the production of the short. Any contracting related to a series pick-up will only
occur after the production of the short.
• Creators who submit their short idea will be expected to play a part in the production of the
short in their area of experience and expertise, and historically have also had a role after series
green-light.
• Creators will be compensated for their work on the short as part of the short production
agreement.
• We believe in working with and supporting creators. In the case of an individual submitting to
the program, this would mean pairing them with a local studio that can oversee the production
of the short. In the case of a studio, this might mean identifying any additional talent which
might help with the execution of the short.
• Nick will offer editorial feedback at every step of production.

THINGS TO CONSIDER
• Although we are open to receiving pitches of already developed IP, we will only consider IP with
a clear line of ownership where the submitter owns the rights.
• In the case of previously developed IP, we strongly encourage you to succinctly summarise the
short concept into a 2-3 page document so we can more clearly envision how you see this IP
under the Nick lens.