Animation : Pitching Animation: Tips, Tools & IP Protection? by Cyrus Sales

Hey, Cyrus Sales. I've pitched animated short scripts and a kids' TV show. I had the scripts, loglines, synopses, one-sheets, show bible, written pitches, and posters. I think the script and logline are the most important elements to include. I think an animated proof-of-concept video and designs (characters, world, etc.) would help when pitching too.

I pitched my animated projects on Stage 32 and other social media platforms.

I registered my scripts with the WGA (years ago) before I switched to registering them with the U.S. Copyright.

I've never asked anyone for an NDA beforehand. From my experience and what I've heard from other people in the industry, writers sign NDAs, not ask people to sign them.

I started out writing animation about 7years ago, I wrote two 22-ep series and the assets I had were; episode bible, character bible with imagery, 1-pager, and a complete pilot script for each. I sent the ideas around to many animation houses and those interested usually asked for release form to be sent with the pilot script (I also included the 'treatment' which was just the 1-pager, character and episode bible stuck together). I don't know if I was doing the right thing or not at the time, I was winging it. As for IP, I felt I had enough back material, original sketches, development notes, etc., to be able to protect my ideas.

Back in the day, a guy called Eddie G. at Gotham Group really helped me with morale (I don't know why), told me to 'give him a call' which I did and he just chatted about my series, and how he'd just finished up on Maze Runner trilogy. He gave me a real boost to continue writing - I wish I kept that contact going (I have never forgotten the selfless advice he gave, I had nothing to give in return). Anyway eventually eOne took an interest, went to their 'table' but unfortunately didn't get taken up, however I got one of the nicest rejections ever. I gave up trying for a while after that.

A common issue I kept coming across was that the animation execs were (imo) too focused on the main characters being kids (so the audience could relate). I hated that, I remember scooby doo, captain caveman, He-Man, Dungeons and Dragons, etc, not led by kids, but extremely memorable. My first series was led by adults (a bit Indiana Jones style), so I redeveloped a similar series set in the future led by kids. My heart was in the first series, but the studios preferred the second.

Sorry, I rambled on a bit there... what was the question?

Maurice Vaughan - your comment was extremely helpful. I'm in the pre-production for my first original animation and have been taking time to education myself on pitching and the process. We were able to create the character designs, backgrounds (world), etc. We are currently working with a screenwriter to get a professional script together. I'll be sure to register the script with US Copyright, I would assume you would do this prior to pitching? Not something to do in the process of pitching?

Morgan Drasan - Ha! You are fine, the rambling was extremely insightful and provided clarity to my own journey. Things to look into that I haven't considered up until now. There's a lot in this message that I would like to connect and ask questions on, are you open to me shooting over a connection and us getting connected through Stage 32 messaging? Before I turn this thread into a full novel of questions and inquiries.

Glad my comment was helpful, Cyrus Sales. Yeah, I suggest registering the script before pitching it.

That’s pretty cool Cyrus. I am in pre-production for my first Kids Animated Series. I am over Music Production, as well as Storyboard writing for the series.

My tip is to constantly ask yourself 3 questions while developing your pitch and pitch deck.

1. What are you pitching?

2. Who are you pitching to?

3. Why should they care?

What are you pitching goes beyond "My show is a pre-school 2D animation" You need to know your demographic, you need to know your genre, is is sci fi, adventure, horror? Is it a short film or a 10 episode x 22 minute series or a feature? Make it very clear.

Who are you pitching to? If you are trying to actors, a production company, financier? Your pitch is slightly different depending on who you are talking to.

Why should they care? Actors tend to look more at story and characters. They want to be in a good story, they want to play interesting characters. Meaningful characters. Financiers want to know ROI, target audience, budget etc. Producers want to know who is attached, unless they bring their own attachments. They want to know if it's based on IP that already has an audience etc.

This is not to say you exclude things from certain pitches, but you will definitely front load and emphasize different things depending on who you are pitching to. Yes business people want to know you have a good story, but they want to know how much you are asking or and where you plan to distribute so they can figure out if they will get their money back. Get straight to the money.

Actors want to hear the story and about the characters first. Their concern isn't so much the money but they might still want to hear that in a summarized way after.

So always ask yourself those 3 questions constantly.

I read a book that says writing a treatment is one of the things we need to do when selling a script. But I don't know if we have to send our script as well when we send a treatment.

Ifaliana Randriamanalina I personally would not send the script unless they ask for it and personally, I would prefer if they asked to meet with me along with sending the script. Most reputable companies will tell you not to send unsolicited scripts.

Kevin Jackson - thank you for the amazing and thorough feedback. Like most things you have to tailor it to the person you are approaching and essentially make it make sense for them (speak their language). Ifaliana Randriamanalina I met two producers (power couple), and they did ask for a script, along with pitch deck, amongst other things. I do think it depends on the person/company. I'm still new to this area so I'm treading lightly on the feedback I give (blind leading the blind kinda situation). Do you remember where you read that from? Article, book, blog? I would love to glance over it, trying to get as much information as possible.

Alicia Coffey - congratulation on the pre-production for your first kids animation series! Are you creating the music for the series or getting the piece/people in place to create the music?