Introduction
The LAIKA x The Gotham Animation Accelerator aims to support early- to mid-career animation creators in refining a compelling, production-ready pitch for an animated short film, with an emphasis on visual clarity, storytelling strength, and viability for the ever-evolving animation marketplace. Both The Gotham and LAIKA champion and elevate original storytelling and this collaboration will shine a light on creators working at the forefront of animation.
The cohort will be selected with LAIKA’s values in mind:
Be Brave Every LAIKA film is more inventive and more ambitious than the last.
See Beyond the Norm Behind every new challenge LAIKA sees a new opportunity.
Thrive Through Community LAIKA cares deeply for the craft of filmmaking, and also cares deeply for building and sustaining communities.
Respect the Quest Every film is born through collaboration.
Bring Your Story Our diversity is our strength. To tell stories that entertain, inspire, and challenge audiences, LAIKA is committed to continuing to foster a culture that welcomes, supports, and challenges every creator.
Program Overview
Selected fellows will participate in a six-month intensive program featuring:
— Individualized monthly mentorship sessions with industry professionals
— A curated one-day visit in late May to LAIKA’s Portland, Oregon headquarters, including tours of LAIKA facilities, discussions with key team members, conversations about handcrafted and hybrid animation techniques, sessions on LAIKA’s filmmaker-led creative approach, and case studies inspired by Wildwood
— Preparation for and participation in Gotham Week programming elements (September-October 2026), with fellows presenting their work during a pitch event
— An opportunity to attend the Annecy International Film Festival
—Visibility through Filmmaker Magazine features
Who Should Apply
— Animation directors, storyboard artists, visual development artists, character designers, stop-motion fabricators or stop-motion/2D/3D animators
— Creators or teams with prior animation experience (professional or high-quality independent work)
— Applicants with a strong portfolio showing visual storytelling and animation craft
— Writer-creators are welcome if partnered with an experienced animation artist
Submission Requirements
— A pitch for an animated short film (logline, synopsis, or brief treatment)
— High-quality visual materials that convey the project’s style, tone, and world (concept art, storyboards, animatics, puppet concepts, costume fabrication samples, stop motion set pieces and/or animation samples) Examples: style frames, concept art, character designs, world design, or an animatic/scene sample
— Previous animated work demonstrating the applicant’s or team’s capabilities
— Applicants must be U.S. based, meaning either a U.S. citizen and/or currently living & authorized to work in the United States.
— Apply by Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET / 8:59 PM PT.
