Tips on pitching an animated project. Tips on pitching an animated project.

Our series of how to pitch and sell an animated show concludes today with this list of additional tips that will give an extra ‘oomph’ to your pitches.

In part one of this series, we explored some of the fundamentals of setting up a pitch presentation; in part two, we explored best practices for communicating ideas clearly; and in part three, we looked at techniques for building trust with the audience to whom you’ll be pitching your ideas.

As noted in the other sections, it’s important to remember that pitching practices vary all over the world, so not every pitch tip will apply to every pitching situation. For example, in the United States, most animated series are not pitched at production forums in the presence of distributors and broadcasters. It’s vital to do your research beforehand and understand to whom you’ll be pitching your project and in what format. Although these tips are based on experiences at European markets specifically, you will find that most of the tips will be applicable to other pitching environments as well.

If you’ve followed the series, we hope it’s been helpful to you. Best of luck to everyone who’s pitching all their amazing ideas – let us know how it goes.

PART 4: EARNING BONUS POINTS
Give a taste of your project

The absolute best thing is for your audience to feel like they’re watching an episode or scene for a while. There are endless opportunities to achieve this feeling.

Tips on pitching an animated project.
Test with your target audience

Do a test screening with your target audience, and share the reactions with your pitch audience. A quote from your niece is already a good start, but of course the bigger the test audience, the more convincing you’ll sound.

Tips on pitching an animated project.
Mention cross-media potential

Cross-media opportunities are becoming increasingly important in the market. If your project has those opportunities, be sure to mention them. If you can’t name anything specific though, it’s better to not mention it at all.

Tips on pitching an animated project.
Be remembered through a prop

Sporting a funny prop makes you easy to recognize. Don’t be afraid to get creative – just don’t overdo it to the point where they start confusing you for Carrot Top…

Tips on pitching an animated project.

If you’re unconvinced of the prop technique, listen below to former Nickelodeon executive Eric Coleman talk about what he remembers about Stephen Hillenburg’s pitch for Spongebob Squarepants. Starting at the 6-minute mark, Coleman describes how Hillenburg came into the pitch with an underwater terrarium with models of his characters in it.

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Tunde Vollenbroek

Tunde Vollenbroek is a writer at Cartoon Brew, focusing on issues related to professional development. She is currently the head of programming at KLIK! Amsterdam Animation Festival, and a producer at Studio Pupil.

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