BBS MIRROR: https://www.newgrounds.com/bbs/topic/1531267

It’s been far too long since the release of Volume 8 back in 2013. But all of that changes today!

With all of the new Sonic media coming out recently from games to films, @thewax70 and I - along with the rest of @TheSonicParadoxTeam - are proud to announce...

For anyone not in the know, Sonic Shorts has been a long-withstanding series of animation collabs centred around the titular blue blur and all of the shenanigans surrounding him and the many pieces of media associated with the character.

For this volume in particular, we'll be operating things differently compared to previous ones through the use of a vetting process. After the absence of this series for nearly a decade, we want to ensure a high level of quality in both the animation and humour with this volume and onwards. If you’d like to know more on how to apply, and what the guidelines are for this project, continue reading below!

APPLICATION PROCESS:

We’re opening submissions to the community on a selective basis, while there’s a roster of people on board already, we’d like to give people the opportunity to join as well. You can apply by submitting your email, username and either demo reel, portfolio OR best sample of your animated work through the Google Forms below. Afterwards, we’ll then let you know if you’ve been accepted and send you an invite to the Discord Server. For newcomers, keep in mind that this will be an ANIMATION collab, so applications containing no examples of animation will not be accepted.

APPLY HERE:

https://forms.gle/AWpXUJ3XRFEDo64B8

Don’t take it personally if you don’t hear back, more volumes and projects will be hosted by the Paradox team in the near future, so there’s always another chance to get in!

SPECIFICATIONS:

LENGTH:

• 10-60 seconds (semi-flexible)

FRAME RATE:

• 24fps

DIMENSIONS:

• 1920 x 1080 (if you're using pure vector art, the file can be upscaled in Swivel, but it must maintain a 16:9 aspect ratio)

FORMAT:

• MP4

DEADLINES:

The deadline for applications will be on FEBRUARY 1 2024.

• Any late applications after that date will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but most likely you will not be accepted in afterwards.

Final submissions are due by JUNE 9 2024

We’d like to accomplish this collab in a reasonable timeframe BY Sonic’s anniversary and we need time to edit this collab together.

GUIDELINES & NOTES:

• Keep it pertaining to the Sonic universe and any related canons (mainline games, movie series, IDW comics, SatAM, etc). Also no fan-characters or OCs (donut steel).
• Humour-focused collab. While action and drama aren’t prohibited, make sure that they’re at least involved in the joke.
• No sprite animations. Pixel art and mixed media may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but for the most part, we're aiming for purely hand-drawn 2D animation.
• For 3D animators wanting to join in, contact @BoozermaN as he's currently organising a separate Sonic Shorts volume that's specifically 3D.
• Try to avoid meme-ish jokes and low hanging fruit, along with overly technical jokes (remember: show, don’t tell!). Be creative and original and add your own special flavour to it! (Side note, this also includes avoiding jokes involving “Character Gets Hit by _ or Runs Into _”, unless the slapstick is A PART of an overall, more clever gag.)
• Sexual themes are fine in moderation, but don't overuse them. Nudity will also be completely prohibited (we’re aiming for a TEEN rating)
• Progress on your submissions can be shared online, but hold off on posting your full entries until the full collab is released. Keep shared previews to screenshots or GIFs.
• If you have any concerns about your ideas and the rules, contact us in the Discord server about it!

SUBMISSION:

• Once you've completed your animated shorts, post them to the collab Discord server, or DM either myself or @thewax70 with the final video files.

We’re ready to strike back and remind the world of how far the Sonic community has come, so let’s do this! Best of luck to everyone applying!

- RGP