Back on the Lot: Animation Edition — sunset view down the palm-tree-lined entrance gate of the Fox Studios Lot, with storyboard and film-strip art framing a golden hour sky

Back on the Lot: Animation Edition — Call for Submissions

Open Call · Animation

An open call for original animated shorts from creators who own their IP — get it made, and get it seen on the Fox Studios Lot.

Submission Deadline
October 15, 2026 · 11:59 PM PT
Submit Your Short See How It Works

Selected films screen live at Back on the Lot: Animation Edition — October 22, 2026, Fox Studios Lot

Overview

We want your project.

FoxNXT is opening a call for original animated shorts. If you own the IP and the idea is strong, we want to help you get it made — and get it seen.

1

Original IP

Original characters, worlds, or stories that are fully yours to submit — no prior sale or option in place.

2

Short Development

Three standout submissions get $5,000 to further develop their original short.

3

Animation Showcase

The three selected films screen live at Back on the Lot: Animation Edition.

4

Pitch Your Concept

The winner gets lunch with Head of FoxNXT, Jon Flynn, and a pitch with Fox Entertainment CEO, Rob Wade.

Visual Reference

The style we're looking for.

There's no single look we're after — these stills show the range of what could work, from rotoscoped noir to stop-motion, claymation, woodcut, and mixed media. Bring your own visual voice.

Rotoscoped noir-style illustration of a man and an oversized pigeon sharing an umbrella at a rain-soaked bus stop
Stylized animation still, example of visual reference range
Stylized animation still, example of visual reference range
Stylized animation still, example of visual reference range
Stylized animation still, example of visual reference range
Stylized animation still, example of visual reference range
Stop-motion style illustration of an ornate stained-glass beetle conducting an insect orchestra among leaves
Stylized animation still, example of visual reference range

How to Submit

Submission instructions

Four steps from your short to the studio.

  1. 01

    Prepare your package

    Your animated short, a pitch deck, visual style references, character sheets, and proof of IP ownership.

  2. 02

    Submit through the form

    Upload your materials via the submission form below before the deadline.

  3. 03

    Studio review

    The FoxNXT team and creative leads review every submission against the brief.

  4. 04

    Selects move forward

    Three chosen projects receive development funding and screen at Back on the Lot: Animation Edition.

Key Dates & Criteria

Mark your calendar.

Submission Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
11:59 PM PT
Studio Review
Rolling
FoxNXT & creative leads
Live Showcase
Oct 22, 2026
Back on the Lot: Animation Edition, Fox Studios Lot

Eligibility & requirements

  • The IP must be wholly original and fully owned by you — no prior sale or option in place.
  • Submission package must include your animated short, a pitch deck, visual style references, character sheets, and proof of IP ownership.
  • Any animation style or medium is welcome — 2D, 3D, stop-motion, mixed media, and beyond.
  • One submission per creator or team.
  • All materials must be submitted through the form below by the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

Submit

Submit your animated short.

Ready to submit? Click below to open the submission form. You'll need to be signed in to a Google account to complete it.

Open Submission Form →