History, Aniboom draw up animation contest

By James Hibberd

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The cable channel History is launching an animation contest for its "People Speak" project. The winner gets a television development deal.

The network will team with online animation community Aniboom, challenging animators to create interpretations of 10 readings and musical performances in History's upcoming film "The People Speak."

Animators will attempt to bring to life readings by such actors as Matt Damon, Sandra Oh, Josh Brolin and Morgan Freeman, who are giving voice to the experiences of Americans who have changed the course of history. The film is based on the book "A People's History of the United States," by historian and activist Howard Zinn.

"We've noticed a trend culturally where there's an enormous number of nonfiction stories being told with animation," History senior vice president marketing Chris Moseley said. "This is another aspect of storytelling that's about showing, not telling."

The competition will be in two stages, beginning with a call for entries starting July 15 based on 10 celebrity recordings in the film. Five finalists will be granted a chance to further develop their entries and might have their work featured on History. The grand-prize winner will receive additional on-air promotion, a cash prize and a development deal with the network.

(Editing by Sheri Linden at Reuters)