Genres > Children & Youth

Who We Are

Kids' CBC champions Canadian kids and their families by making accessible on all platforms interactive content which is focused on the "whole child". We connect directly with our audience, and partner with parents to reflect back to kids the rich diversity of peoples and places that make up Canada today.

Our focus on the "whole child" means that we go beyond curriculum and look for shows which encourage children's development in the areas of creative expression, socio/emotional intelligence, cognitive learning (e.g. numeracy, literacy, problem solving, science and technology), physical development and awareness of themselves and the world around them.

Our need for shows in these different areas varies depending on what we have on air and in production - it is recommended that producers familiarize themselves with our programming block and interactive sites to understand what we already have and what we might need.

What We Are Looking For

In addition to what is presented below, types of shows we are specifically looking for include:

• A really strong show for 4-7's that can air in the early morning that appeals to preschoolers and 7 year olds alike. Maybe a dramedy for that age, perhaps a narrative. But looking to fill the early morning slot with strong shows that will attract kids of a broader range than our pure preschool
• School aged: Always interested in strong interactive properties with potential for a series of shorts.
• In preschool, we get the least amount of pitches in the area of early science (all sciences). Also interested in shows that are under the umbrella of "physical development" and "dramatic play".

Pre-School, mornings
Target Age: 2-6 yrs

We are looking for child-centered programs and interactive projects that:

• Are highly entertaining and developmentally appropriate to our age target;
• Have clear and well - executed educational goals that support the "whole child" in the areas of creative expression, socio/emotional intelligence, cognitive learning (e.g. literacy, numercy, problem solving, science and technology), physical development and awareness of themselves and the world around them;
• We strive for gender equality to be reflected in our programming, therefore, it is important for you to keep this in mind when submitting your proposal to us. It is essential to connect to preschoolers with an equal representation of both male and female characters (note that there is a disproportionate number of male driven shows on air worldwide at this time, and the majority of the pitches we receive are with male leads). This is not to suggest change Mike to Michelle in your pitch, but rather in the development of show ideas, that you consider this imbalance;
• Are full of engaging, memorable characters;
• Tell great stories;
• Encourage kids to think and do;
• Are tied to a book or an appropriate, well-established brand;
• Show outstanding production value (art design, music and casting);
• Are unique and have a great hook that sets it apart from other projects
• Relate to Christmas (please forward all such pitches to Michael Serafini (michael.serafini@cbc.ca)
  

Saturdays and "Preschool Plus"
Target Age: 4-9

We are looking for child-centered programs and interactive projects that:

• Appeal to preschoolers but also children in the early elementary grades;
• Are highly entertaining;
• Are full of engaging, memorable characters;
• Tell great stories;
• All genres: 2D, 3D animation, live action;
• Less obviously education than pure preschool shows, but still with some level of educational content, whether it be direct (i.e. a game show) or more subtle (pro-social content);
• Pushing the envelope in animation or design- we love shows with a fresh and original look.

School-age

• We have limited financing available for school-age programming therefore, we looking for pitches with creative financing models.
• We are always interested in strong interactive properties with potential for a series of broadcast shorts.

Interactive

We are looking for:

• Engaging content that fits under our overall Kids' CBC strategy;
• Is a unique approach to interactive or game development;
• Is age appropriate and aims to maintain a preschooler's attention;
• Is built within our Kids CBC parameters.

We are interested in:

• Projects that have been developed with both television and interactive in mind;
• All genres: 2D, 3D animation, live action, hybrid, puppets etc.
• We are also interested in content for our Parent's site, let us know if you have a blog.

How To Work With Us

Submissions may take the form of a one-sheet summary or concise creative outline. Some form of written material. Submissions can include, but are not limited to:

• A brief synopsis;
• Creative outline detailing the programming concept;
• Information regarding talent, guests and/or individuals/companies affiliated with the project;
• An estimated budget;
• An idea of the target audience;
• Opportunities for multi-platform content or sponsorship opportunities;
• Promotional DVD or prototype or concept/storyboards for Interactive;
• Bios & CVs for the Key Creative(s) presently attached, if any, including affiliated Canadian or foreign partners and the nature of their involvement;
• A fully executed release form. Unfortunately, Children's and Youth cannot review materials unless accompanied by a completed release form.

Due to the volume of proposals submitted, we will only set up meetings for projects once we have reviewed materials, and if there is significant interest on our part.

What if you are not a director, writer or producer?

CBC welcomes proposals from all Canadians. While a good idea can come from anywhere, the development and production of a television program requires an in-depth understanding of television industry and process and involves many people, not just the creator of the original concept. If you bring us an idea we really like, we can help connect you with an appropriate production company.

100 per cent CANADIAN CONTENT

CBC's Children's department airs only programs that qualify under CRTC regulations as Canadian Content. We do however work with foreign companies that partner with Canadian companies and who qualify under the CRTC guidelines for Canadian content. For more information on how to qualify, check out http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/TV11.htm. For information on co-ventures or co-productions, please visit http://www.telefilm.gc.ca/en/?q=en.

CBC Submission Release Form

Materials will not be reviewed unless accompanied by a signed CBC Submission Release Form, downloadable here: Submission Release Form

We will respond to all submissions within 4 - 6 weeks of receiving a signed CBC Submission Release Form. We cannot return materials submitted.

Contact Information
Lisa Cinelli
Children & Youth Assistant
(416) 205-7155
lisa.cinelli@cbc.ca

Postal Address
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
PO Box 500, Station "A"
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5W 1E6

Shipping Address
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
205 Wellington Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5V 2G7