WarnerMedia has drawn up another new mentorship and training initiative for Indigenous and historically underrepresented talent – and it’s canvassing Canada for animators.

Up to seven artists will be chosen for the inaugural North American program and receive a budget of up to $75,000 (US$60,000) to create original animated shorts suitable for primetime viewing. The projects have a chance to reach HBO Max’s growing global audience – with the streamer also unveiling its platform expansion in 27 new European territories this week.

In Canada, the HBO Max x WarnerMedia Access Animated Shorts Program specifically seeks Indigenous artists, who will be selected collaboratively by the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival and WarnerMedia Access Canada based on their visual artistry and originality of their project proposal.

Applications are open to creators over age 18 until Oct. 24. Artists who have not created work for a network are streamer are eligible. The six- to nine-month program – themed “Only You” – begins in January 2022.

“So many of the world’s best animators got their start with an animated short,” said Aaron Davidson, HBO Max’s director, comedy and animation, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a space where creators that have yet to be discovered can nurture and share their ideas with the world while learning from and working with the very best storytellers the industry has to offer.”

Chosen creators will receive tools, instruction and resources to create a one- to five-minute animated films for adult audiences. Industry experts will deliver virtual master classes on everything from scriptwriting, storyboarding and animatic, to character and location design. A select few creators will work independently on their projects, with a dedicated mentor and seasoned producer checking in to guide them.

WarnerMedia Access Canada launched in September 2020 with the goal of connecting Canadian talent from historically marginalized communities with global opportunities and audiences.

It has previously unveiled three other programs: to nurture writers with the Canadian Academy, production assistants in production and location departments with the B.C. branch of the Directors Guild of Canada, and help mid-level filmmakers navigate 10 Canadian festivals, which launched at TIFF ’21.

Later this month, B.C.’s diverse job seekers will gain access to a special streams within a new industry website connecting to potential employers, unions and learning opportunities in the film and TV industry; Creative BC led the development with the Motion Picture Production Industry Association.