After the success of its second annual US animated shorts program, Nickelodeon has expanded the format globally for the first time, attracting more than 100 submissions from content creators representing 20 countries.

The 2013 international  program, which is intended to cultivate creative talent and develop original comedy-driven kids content, received pitches from writers, artists, directors, designers and comedians across six continents (Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia).

Fifteen finalists, whose ideas will be developed into animated shorts with the potential to air on Nickelodeon, Nick.com and the new Nick App, will be announced later this summer. Nick announced its 12 finalists from the US program in May.

Nick has now received more than 1,000 pitches in all styles (2D, digital 2D, CGI, stop motion, mixed media) from the combined submissions of the US and global shorts programs. Finalists are able to create their shorts with help from artistic and production support teams provided by Nickelodeon.

Looking at the progress of Nick’s 2012 inaugural US program, six of the final 12 created shorts are currently in series development, including Pam and Sid’s Port-a-Party, with two set for pilot orders. All of the shorts will air on the network and across Nick’s websites globally.