Project PRISMation

jp

Application Guidelines

■ What is "Project PRISMation"?

Project PRISMation is a support project for next-generation animation creators, hosted by ABEMA. We are seeking original anime concepts and their subsequent expansion plans. Selected projects will receive full backing from ABEMA to produce a pilot film. We will walk alongside creators through global commercial development and ensure that the returns are shared with them.

■ Project Mission

In an era where individual passion transcends borders, our mission is to create an environment where next-generation creators can unleash their talent without compromise.
Leveraging the powerful platform of ABEMA—the "New Future of Television"—and the content creation expertise of the CyberAgent Group, we help deliver works to a wide audience while preserving the purity of the creator's expression. Our goal is to first ignite the initial excitement with a pilot film and ultimately produce an "original anime representing the next generation".
Let’s launch your "captivating characters" and "intense worldview" to the global stage!

■ Project Overview

Call for Proposals

  • We are seeking "Original Pilot Film (short animation) Proposals" and "Future Expansion Plans." (Deadline: August 31, 2026 (Monday), 23:59 JST)
  • Approximately 3 projects will be selected through a screening process.
  • ABEMA will fully fund the production costs to create the "pilot film."

Establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership Model

  • Production Support: In addition to production costs, we provide specialized support such as casting, sound production, and translation based on the needs of each project.
  • Promotion: We conduct multi-faceted promotion, including distribution on ABEMA, utilization of dedicated websites/SNS, and participation in events and film festivals.
  • Commercial Development: We handle all aspects of commercial development, including domestic and international licensing and merchandising. Revenue generated will be actively shared with the creators.

■ Submission Details

We welcome original projects with high "character appeal," "storytelling potential," and "entertainment value" that show a unique worldview and promise for future commercial expansion.

1) Original Pilot Film (Short Animation) Proposal

  • Length and Structure: Approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The content should be somewhat self-contained as a single video work.
  • Production Techniques: Any technique or software is acceptable, including hand-drawn (2D), 3DCG, stop-motion, or live-action compositing.

2) Future Expansion Plan

Proposals should illustrate the vision for expanding the project commercially after the pilot film is completed, such as:

  • Plots for sequels, series development, or feature-length films.
  • Characters not appearing in the pilot, or a more expansive worldview/setting.
  • Specific merchandising ideas and business expansion concepts.

【Ineligible Genres】

  • Music videos
  • Fine arts
  • Content targeted solely at children
  • Adult (pornographic) content, or content contrary to public order and morals

【Ineligible Specifications/Conditions】

  • Branching/interactive content where the story changes based on viewer input
  • Content infringing on third-party copyrights or portrait rights
  • Proposals already submitted to other contests
  • Proposals receiving funding or sponsorship from other companies/organizations
  • Proposals funded through crowdfunding
  • Proposals that use Generative AI for the creation of images or video

■ Eligibility

Production Experience

Must have experience producing and completing an animation work as a director or in a similar capacity.

Attributes and Language

No restrictions on professional/amateur status, age, gender, or nationality. Smooth communication in either Japanese or English is required.

Form of Application

Individuals or teams are welcome (Corporations should consult separately).

■ How to Apply

1) Prepare the following two documents in PDF format:

  • A. Original Pilot Film Proposal
  • B. Future Expansion Plan

    *The format is free, but you may refer to the provided templates (A and B) for items to include.

    ＜Template：A＞
    ＜Template：B＞

2) Submit via the dedicated application form, attaching the proposal materials.

Application form

Deadline: August 31, 2026 (Monday), 23:59 JST.

■ Selection and Results

  • Selection Criteria: The following will be evaluated comprehensively.

    a) Appeal of the Proposal

    • Entertainment value capable of gaining a wide fan base
    • Elements such as characters, story, and worldview
    • Expandability for series development, product development, etc.

    b) Applicant's Capability

    • Feasibility and ability to complete the pilot film
    • Ability to produce visually compelling animation
  • Selection Process: Individual online interviews will be conducted for those who pass the document screening.
  • Result Announcement: Scheduled for around October 2026 (Tentative). Selected projects will be notified via email in advance, followed by a final announcement on this website and official SNS.

■ Support for Selected Works

We provide comprehensive support so that creators can concentrate on their creative work and deliver their projects to the world.

  1. Production Funding and Specialized Support
    • Full Production Funding: ABEMA will fully fund the costs necessary for pilot production based on the proposal.
    • Sound and Translation Support: As needed, we provide casting for voice actors, sound production (music/sound effects), and multi-lingual translation for global expansion.
  2. Maximizing Promotion and Exposure
    • Expansion on the ABEMA Platform: In addition to distribution on ABEMA, the completed pilot film will be given extensive exposure through featured segments in various programs and special programming.
    • Multi-faceted Online Promotion: We will fully promote the project using official assets, including dedicated websites, YouTube, and SNS.
    • Events and Film Festivals: We will conduct various real-life events and submit works to domestic and international film festivals to increase awareness and value.
  3. Global Commercial Development and Returns
    • Driving Commercial Development: A dedicated team will act as the point of contact for domestic and international sales, handling commercial development such as merchandising. Furthermore, based on the reception and evaluation of the work, we will consider and promote next steps such as series or theatrical adaptations.
    • Returns to Creators: Revenue generated from these developments will be actively shared with the creators.

■ Rights and Ownership

  • Contract: A separate agreement will be signed post-selection regarding the production and operation of the project.
  • Production Execution: Based on the aforementioned agreement, the applicant shall, in principle, perform the production work as the main creator (director, etc.) to produce the pilot film of the submitted proposal.
  • Ownership: All rights regarding the submitted proposal and the completed work (including rights under Articles 27 and 28 of the Copyright Act, as well as various rights concerning the original project concept) shall, in principle, be owned and managed by ABEMA.

■ Important Notices

  • No Infringement: The submitted proposal must be an original work created by the applicant themselves. Please guarantee that the work does not infringe on copyrights, portrait rights, trademark rights, or any other rights of third parties regarding existing works, characters, fonts, sound effects, etc.
  • Production Commitment: If selected, the applicant shall, in principle, perform the production work as the main creator (director, etc.) to produce the pilot film of the submitted proposal. Those currently active as professionals, such as freelancers, please take note regarding securing your schedule after selection.
  • The Use of AI Technology: Applications using works or materials created through "direct use of AI," such as image generation AI or video generation AI, are strictly prohibited (this includes usage for image boards, concept art, etc., within the proposal).
    *Use as a "supplementary tool" for non-creative tasks (e.g., machine translation for text) is permitted. In such cases, the purpose of use must be clearly stated in the proposal.
  • No Double Submission: From the time of application until the notification of the selection results, it is prohibited to post, apply to other contests or platforms, or publicly release the proposal in question.

Application form

Deadline: August 31, 2026 (Monday), 23:59 JST.