AniGen
THE WORLD'S FIRST SHORT-FORM AI ANIMATION COMPETITION
Where AI Meets Animation
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
Welcome to AniGen, the world's first vertical short AI animation competition hosted by Komiko, Hedra, Hailuo, and AniShort. We're bringing together cutting-edge AI technology and creative storytelling to pioneer a new genre of animation.
AniGen aims to discover and promote emerging creators in the field of animation. You are invited to push the boundaries of what's possible in animation with AI. Whether you're an AI creator, a traditional animator exploring new technology, a scriptwriter, or an animation enthusiast — this is your chance to showcase your talent and win exceptional prizes, free AI tool subscriptions, and even opportunities to publish your shows on the AniShort streaming app.
PRIZES
Animation Track
🏆 Grand Prize (1 winner)
- $3,000 USD
- 6-month free pro subscriptions to Hailuo, Hedra and Komiko
- Opportunity to further develop the animation with funding and to be showcased on the AniShort streaming app
🥈 Second Prize (1 winner)
$1,500 USD + 3-month pro subscriptions to AI tools
🥉 Runner-Up Prize (2 winners)
$500 USD + 2-month pro subscriptions to AI tools
✨ Excellence Award (30 creators)
1-month pro subscriptions to AI tools
Winning entries will be promoted across sponsor social channels, invited to release on the AniShort streaming platform, and might even have the chance to further develop their animation with funding or studio support.
Scriptwriting Track
🏆 Grand Prize (1 winner)
$1,000 USD
✨ Excellence Award (3 creators)
$100 USD
Selected scripts may be adapted into animations and released on the AniShort streaming platform with a revenue share.
THE JUDGES
Our distinguished panel of judges includes industry leaders and creative pioneers:
Ben Waller
Chief Creative Officer at Story Engine Inc., Screenwriter, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Roborockaylpse.
Michael Lingelbach
Founder & CEO of Hedra
Garrett Pollack
Social media influencer in the anime space
Aiden Guo
Animator of One Piece, AI animation creator & influencer
Leanna Ren
VP @ MiniMax
TIMELINE
April 29, 2025
April 29, 2025
Competition Launch
April 29 - May 20, 2025
April 29 - May 20, 2025
Submission Period
May 20 - June 1, 2025
May 20 - June 1, 2025
Judging Period
June 1, 2025
June 1, 2025
Winner Announcement
REQUIREMENTS & RULES
🎬 ANIMATION TRACK
Create a vertical short animation that tells a compelling story
Format:
9:16 vertical (mobile-optimized), MP4
Duration:
30 seconds to 3 minutes
Content:
The animation should tell a full story or should be the opening story of a longer series. We do NOT accept trailers or music videos.
Key Requirements:
- Use AI tools for at least 50% of creation, including:
- At least one character talking scene using Hedra's Character-3 model
- At least one character/scene image generated with Komiko
- At least one animation clip generated with Hailuo, either through Hailuo platform or through Hedra/Komiko
- Original work only - no copyright infringement
- English voiceover or subtitles required
- Post your work on social media and tag #AniGen @hedra_labs @KomikoAI @Hailuo_AI @AniShortApp so official accounts can repost
- You must be 18 or older to qualify
- No NSFW content, hate speech, extreme violence, or copyrighted material
✍️ SCRIPTWRITING TRACK
Craft an original concept for a vertical short animation series
Format:
Concept package with scripts for the first 5 episodes
Duration:
Each episode should be 1-2 minutes, designed for fast-paced, attention-grabbing storytelling
Genre:
All genres are welcome, e.g., action, romance, fantasy, isekai, shounen, etc.
Requirements:
- Title, plot synopsis, character overview, and complete scripts of the first 5 episodes
- Language: English or with English translations
- Original work only - no copyright infringement
- No NSFW content, hate speech, extreme violence, or copyrighted material
OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Hedra
AI avatar video generation model
Hailuo
AI video generation model
Komiko
AI animation & comics creation toolkit
AniShort
Short animation streaming platform
JOIN THE FUTURE OF ANIMATION
Submit your entry today and pioneer the next wave of AI-powered animation.