New York – 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 original, 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 opened on May 6 and will run through June 28. Entries can be submitted in two categories to www.SpongeBobSquareShorts.com. Videos, running no longer than three minutes, will be judged on originality & creativity, incorporation of SpongeBob’s attributes, and overall appeal.

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

SpongeBob SquarePants series is seen in more than 170 countries and territories and in more than 35+ languages. The series is a top 10 program on Nickelodeon in markets including the UK, Russia, Australia, Germany and Italy. It is the most widely distributed property in Viacom Media Networks history. SpongeBob SquarePants, a Nicktoons Production, is executive produced by creator Stephen Hillenburg. Paul Tibbitt served as a director and writer on SpongeBob SquarePants for its first three seasons and is currently executive producer.

“SpongeBob is a global icon and beloved by people of all ages,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer, Nickelodeon Group. “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.”