In an effort to further develop the Chinese kids animation industry, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has implemented a new multi-year Nickelodeon academic program in kids animation development for undergraduate students at the Communication University of China’s School of Animation and Digital Art.

The four-week 2018 academic program is part of the school’s undergraduate animation degree and offers course modules taught by international execs from VIMN and Nickelodeon who will share expertise in research, storytelling, character development, animation skills and commercialization. VIMN licensing partner Wellcome Forefront (Beijing) Culture Media will provide additional support for the program.

The program is the most extensive international curriculum conducted by the Communication University of China and is an expansion of a similar Nick program, which began as a summer workshop in 2017.

VIMN’s new training push in China follows the launch of the company’s inaugural Nickelodeon Chinese Animation Development Project last month. The five-year initiative aims to bolster animation co-productions in and with China. Backed by China’s National Radio and Television Administration, the first project will see Nickelodeon and Chinese online entertainment company iQIYI co-produce the second season of iQIYI’s original animated series Deer Run (working title).

VIMN Asia also recently partnered with Mall of China developers to co-create Nickelodeon’s first indoor theme park in Asia, which will also be its largest indoor park at nearly seven acres.