Heyward heads MipJr pitch panel

Veteran animator Andy Heyward will lead a panel of digital, publishing and television executives at the inaugural MipJunior International Pitch event this fall.

Andy Heyward

The event, held at Cannes’ Martinez Hotel on October 6, will see six selected finalists pitch their ideas for new children’s brands in a bid to claim a €2,500 (US$3,080) development fund prize and a chance to have a one-on-one meeting with a key buyer the following day.

Heyward, the former DIC Entertainment chief who is now running his own studio A Squared Entertainment, will be joined by Penguin Digital’s MD Anna Rafferty, Walker Books’ MD Helen McAleer, M6’s head of kids’ programmes Morgann Favennec, Ankama’s senior VP of filmed and TV entertainment Emmanuel Franck and Mind Candy’s head of video Brad Schultz.

After hearing each pitch and grilling the participants about their visions for the project, the jury will deliberate before announcing the winner on stage.

Entrants have until August 24 to submit their pitches and the finalists will be announced in mid-September. For more information click here.