Channel 4 has commissioned award-winning studio Aardman and leading indie Lupus Films to develop a new online channel devoted to animation.

The website, 4mations, will provide a lively new home for animators to view and vote on the latest and greatest animation, upload videos and games for cash prizes, get commissioned to create new work and view classics from the Channel 4 archive.

4mations launched at the British Animation Awards, of which Channel 4 is a sponsor, with a call to action for the animation industry to register interest at www.4mations.tv. The 4mations team will keep registered users up-to-date as the site develops, ahead of the wider launch in the autumn.

Jan Younghusband, Commissioning Editor, Arts and Performance, said “Channel 4 has been a major supporter of the UK animation industry for the past 25 years. We recently enjoyed Oscar success with Suzie Templeton’s film of Peter and the Wolf and are continuing our commitment to animation with the commission of 4mations. I’m delighted we are working with two of the leading lights in the animation industry, Lupus Films and Aardman, in developing this unique outlet for creative talent.”

Jon Gisby, Channel 4’s Director of New Media and Technology, said “4mations will enable us to meet the needs of an audience that is increasingly online. It’s also the logical next step in working with the great creators of animation and we’re thrilled to provide an online home for such a vibrant community. This is another example of Channel 4 working with its partners to reinvent itself for a fully digital future”

The teaser site is now online, and there will be a call to upload films in May. June through to August will see a Beta site launch prior to a Full Launch in Autumn 2008.