Netflix and Shonen Jump+: Empowering Fans with Cash Prizes and Anime Production Opportunities

Netflix has partnered with Shōnen Jump+ to launch a storyboarding competition, where the winning concept will be developed into an actual anime release.

As reported by Natalie, Netflix and Shonen Jump+ are currently accepting submissions for their "Netflix x World Maker Anime Contest." Through the World Maker app, which enables users to create visual storyboards based on their ideas, animators can submit their concepts for a chance to have their idea transformed into an anime short film. Submissions must not exceed 10 minutes in length. The Grand Prize recipient will also be awarded 500,000 yen (approximately US$3,312) in prize money. The submission period will conclude on January 8, 2024, with Netflix and Shōnen Jump+ announcing the winners in March 2024, according to World Maker's website.

The competition's main focus is discovering the next groundbreaking original anime franchise, disregarding the contestants' professional background in animation. To be eligible, submissions must be entirely original, with no prior publication in commercial magazines, websites, or comics, regardless of any past awards received. Aside from the Grand Prize, the competition also offers an "honorable mention" award of 10,000 yen (approximately US$66) in Amazon store credit.

World Maker is an app that allows users, both seasoned and casual animators, to create storyboards using a variety of pre-existing templates. These templates encompass backgrounds, layouts, and visual effects. Ever since its launch in July 2023, the app has gained a user base of over 20,000. Shonen Jump+ has shown a particular interest in World Maker and has organized two other competitions in collaboration with the popular app.

The World Maker Short Film contest, a collaboration between Shonen Jump+ and Toho Animation, took place in September and is now closed for submissions. The winner of this contest will have their concept brought to life as a short live-action feature. The winners will be announced in December.

In addition to this, Shonen Jump+ has also organized the "World Maker Manga Contest." The submission period for this competition ended last month. Participants were required to showcase their manga production skills by creating original thumbnail art using World Maker. The Grand Prize winner will receive 500,000 yen in prize money and their concept will be transformed into a manga by Taishi Tsutsui, the creator of the romantic-comedy series We Never Learn.

Furthermore, submissions for the Netflix x World Maker's Anime Contest are open until Jan. 8.

Sources: Natalie, World Maker website

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am thrilled about the collaboration between Netflix and Shonen Jump+ to launch a storyboarding competition. This contest provides an incredible opportunity for aspiring animators to have their creative anime concepts brought to life. The fact that Netflix and Shonen Jump+ are disregarding the contestants' professional background in animation is particularly exciting, as it opens the door for fresh and diverse perspectives in the anime industry.

Moreover, the "World Maker" app, with its user-friendly interface and pre-existing templates, lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring animators, allowing them to easily create and submit their storyboards. This initiative aligns with Gen Z's appreciation for accessibility and inclusivity in the arts. Overall, this contest is a testament to the power of collaboration between established platforms and emerging technologies to empower aspiring artists and foster creativity in the anime community.