MUMBAI: US kids? broadcaster Nickelodeon has announced the first-ever global SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired short film competition, SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes.

SpongeBob fans and filmmakers of all ages from around the world are invited to create SpongeBob-inspired short films for a chance to win a cash prize and trip for four people to a screening event in Hollywood, California.

The call for entries has opened and will run through 28 June. Entries can be submitted in two categories (under 18 years of age, and 18 and over) to www.SpongeBobSquareShorts.com.

Nickelodeon Group CMO Pam Kaufman said, "SpongeBob is a global icon and beloved by people of all ages. We?re excited to launch a competition that lets fans around the world create compelling short films that showcase the positivity and optimism that SpongeBob brings to audiences everywhere."

Films submitted to the SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes competition should be themed around SpongeBob, his world and/or his friends, while celebrating his endearing attributes: humor, overflowing happiness and persistent positivity. The short films can be live-action, animation, stop-motion, etc. and should run no longer than three (3) minutes. Videos will be judged on originality & creativity, incorporation of SpongeBob?s attributes, and overall appeal.

Following the entry period, finalists will be selected by judges, and the top 10 in each of the two categories will be announced on 18 July as finalists. Till 2 August, fans will have the chance to vote for their favorite of the finalists. The winner from each category will be announced in August.

MUMBAI: Turner International has appointed Edward Barnieh as programming and acquisitions manager for Asia Pacific, to further expand its quality offering of kids? content.

Based in Hong Kong, Barnieh will be responsible for Turner?s acquisition strategies for its kids? networks in Asia Pacific, including Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, Pogo, Toonami and Boomerang.

His mandate will be to secure rights to the most engaging content in the region, in particular "funny" and "clever" animation from international studios and distributors.

Prior to joining Turner, Barnieh was with Nickelodeon UK for almost nine years, where he played an important role in the expansion of the network and developing content for global markets.

Turner International regional chief content officer Mark Eyers said, "Edward joins us from an acquisitions background that spans TV, online, mobile, and content licensing, which we expect will help secure our leading position in the Kids genre in Asia Pacific. His diverse expertise and proven achievements will make him a real asset to the team, and we welcome him to Hong Kong."

Having spent over a decade working in kids broadcasting in the UK, Barnieh brings knowledge and expertise to the role. He also has years of multi-platform experience to the regional team and will be a key part of Turner?s international Asia Pacific acquisitions strategy.