March 2005
Pitching a cartoon series to a network is Hollywood’s “backdoor”. Cable networks are more open to unsolicited material and unproduced writers than other markets in the entertainment industry. When you pitch a cartoon you’re allowed more creative freedom than one would be allowed when presenting an ordinary screenplay for a television series or movie. If you’re an artist and a writer, you could easily become head writer for the duration of your show. If this is your cup of the tea, the question you might be asking now, is what do I do next?
A marketable concept
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A pilot script (standard spec, 22-23 pages)
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A bible (a thirteen episode outline of your cartoon series)
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Animation and character bios
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A Network (or whomever you plan to pitch your cartoon to)
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A toy prototype (optional)
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A DVD presentation (optional)
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If you need help with finding animation software send me an email as I can recommend a few. Occasionally there are free easy to use animation programs out there. (or scroll down)
You first need a high concept plot… for example, take the Power Puff Girls on Cartoon Network. The Powerpuff Girls is about a scientist who mixes a potent brew of “Sugar and spice, and everything nice” thus inventing three adorable little girls who happen to have superpowers and must save “Townsville” from big ugly monsters. This is your outside story. The inside story is the girls trying to get the professor and “Miss Keane” to go on a date. The Powerpuff Girls is an action/comedy. An example of an action/drama would be Dragon Ball Z or The Avatar.
To pitch your idea, you’ll need to include a few important things. The first of which, is a pilot script. If you’ve already written a few screenplays this is the easy part – especially if you’ve got your story down pact. Most networks prefer a 22 or 23 page script for a thirty-minute program (but only 23 pages since there would likely be commercials). Your next step is writing a thirteen episode outline which is usually called a “bible”. Each episode must include a beginning, middle, and end. To convince a network to use your cartoon series will require you to prove longevity. In other words, is there enough material to last a few years? Read More »
