Mediafreaks 3D Animation Studio Blog

A gentleman from the UK called Michael Hull had some questions regarding pitching a cartoon series to producers. Here is the Q&A.

1) Question: What’s the best way to actually budget the show, speak to a producer?

Answer: There is a certain formula to budgeting for a show by dividing it into 3 phases - preproduction, production and post-production. The percentage split is roughly 30-40-30 (in some cases 30-45-25) but can differ slightly depending on who you engage and where your work is being done. As for speaking to a producer, the best way is to meet them at TV Licensing shows, such as MIPCOM, MIPTV, Kidscreen, etc. Producers are usually open to discuss co-production opportunities at these shows, but do make sure you engage them as early as possible. Do your research on what companies will be going and look up their background to see
if they are producing shows that suit your genre. Then write a polite email requesting for a meeting during the shows. Alternatively, you can ask to visit them. But meeting them at shows is a better idea because you can get to meet many companies at one such event.

2) Question: Once we have completed our pitch package what is the next stage?  We have the name as a registered trademark and the website domain name are there any other routes that are important to take in order to protect ourselves?

Answer: After you’ve completed your pitch package, hook up with a producer or an investor for a meeting! If you are looking for funding, clearly state your intentions. If you are looking for co-production opportunities don’t be shy about it. Producers and investors will be quick to indicate any interest, although it does take much longer to close any deal. Regarding protection, you can copyright your materials by sending them off
to international copyright offices for filing. These can act as your backup proof and be retrieved during legal suits. You can also trademark your brand and characters under various categories in various countries if your pockets are deep enough.

3) Question: Should we phone around/use contacts to get a Pitch Meeting or is it more important to first get an entertainment lawyer and/or agent?
Answer: Both are fine. There is no right and wrong. It all depends on who you know and who they know. What I am trying to say is - if you have the contacts, use them. If not, start from scratch. I did that.

4) Question: With regards to the pitch, I don’t consider myself the best public speaker, is it common place to hire a seasoned professional to pitch the idea?

Answer: I don’t know if it is common. But I do believe it will help. But at the end of the day, if your concept is weak and your character designs are not well-done, then even the best motivational speaker is not going to save the day. Also, while your speaker can do the pitch, you still have to do the Q&A yourself since you should know the concept much better.

5) With regard to the pitch, would it be frowned upon to create a video presentation pitch, then be available for questions afterwards and leave a CD behind, rather than doing the whole printed pitch bible thing and trying to sell it with your own mouth?

Answer: The answer is no, it won’t be frowned upon. But do make sure that you keep your presentation short and straight to the point. Also, make sure it’s really good because you have only one chance to impress anyone. The downside is - you might not be the only one sending in a pitch and they might miss
your package altogether.

6) Are cartoons now produced at high definition? Or are they still 720 by 576. What is the standard these days?

Answer: More and more channels are picking up HD nowadays. Although they will still purchase 720 x 576, you might want to make your program in HD as more and more channels open up to HD. They will pay more for HD and there might be an eventuality that they might only accept HD shows. It won’t happen overnight though.