A pitch bible is not enough (but make one anyway)!

[@TonikoPantoja]

DUDE YES This is great!!

[@dovudieulinh]

Hi there. I actually found out about your channel through Cartoon Brew and really appreciated that there's this channel that talks about business in animation. I've been in the industry for nearly 2 years and currently working at an animation studio in Vietnam. A lot of the information you provided here are quite valuable to those new to the industry and I really wish I knew this channel earlier. I subscribed your channel right away and look forward to watching more and more videos from you. Also, I just sent an invitation on LinkedIn. Thank you Eric and wish you all the best!

[@harperproduction3935]

Makes perfect sense to me.

[@TANIMAYTO]

Congrats on the bump, Eric! You do amazing work and it's incredibly kind of you to share your insight.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey man thanks so much! Your stuff is funny! I just watched a few of your videos. Actually, I know so little about KZbin animation (other than a couple of short meetings with AlexClark). Would love to chat with you!

[@theAlphatron]

Congratulations on the new subs! I appreciate your channel, please keep going. Thank you.

[@Wonderfilled]

Awesome stuff Eric! Thanks.

[@albanamikat3840]

Thank you for the very helpful videos Eric, adds so much perspective

[@kaijunursery4778]

It might not seem much but the people that you influence cannot be measured by view counts since there are not as many animation creators as consumers. But the videos do help tremendously. Especially in countries that lack business information about the industry. So thank you for the videos. Please continue and know that there are many who you helped with the videos. Cheers.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

What a wonderful note! Thank you!

[@RandomInternetDude01]

Discovered your channel through Cartoon Brew's article and have since binged a vast majority of your videos....As someone with a lifelong passion for animation and big aspirations for what I want to do in the world of animation...your channel has really given me a greater idea and direction on how to go about doing that especially for all the show ideas that I'm constantly thinking about in my head so thank you for all you've done with this channel Eric and I look forward to all the other future videos you make!

[@diamondinthesky4771]

I just discovered this channel recently and my ultimate goal is to one day pitch & get greenlit an animated series. I'm more of a writer than an artist or animator, and currently have no experience in....pretty much anything. But I'm told I'm a very talented writer. How can I as inexperienced and no-connections as I am, make my way to where I wanna be?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey there and thanks for watching! I think the path for you is pursue getting your foot in the door of the writing process: Writing internships, mentorships, programs funded by networks and broadcasters, and perhaps writing assistant or even traditional assistant jobs. At the same time, write several spec scripts for animated series that you love to show that you can handle another show's voice. Finally, make sure that in addition to a spec, you also have an original pilot for your own series (that you back-up with a show bible). With these written materials, you can then also try to get representation by a good talent agency focused on animation. I hope that puts you on your path!

[@diamondinthesky4771]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you for responding! Can you tell me where I can go to land one of these positions or maybe agencies you'd reccomend? I find that most of the time, going onto the websites and applying doesn't really seem to....get me anywhere, or positions just aren't listed as available to me.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@diamondinthesky4771 Are you currently in school? Maybe ask them to help you navigate. Also, get on LinkedIN and follow animation production companies and animation distributors. They often post about new programs and job opportunities.

[@HazeFrederick]

Extremely informative. Thank you so much for your time!

[@jenniferdodge5878]

Thank you, Eric! Super helpful information. Congrats on 5,000 followers!

[@cdrc14684]

Thanks for all videos your perspectiv gives me a lot of motivation to keep going

[@kc1016]

Congrats! You deserve it and I enjoy your videos thanks man🤙🏽

[@virtualtourmaps]

Thank you for your transparency! ❤️

[@Reiquequela]

This is an outstanding work, I congrat you for that. I got to know the channel thanks to Cartoonbrew and I am watching all videos now. I am also a producer, writer and creator, and have pitched and sold a couple of animated shows for Cartoon Network and Netflix, and STILL l am learning a lot from your videos. Is truly great to see people with your experience producing this kind of content. Thanks for that.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Wow thank you so much!

[@ianmack1317]

In Eric's video about pitching to Netlifx, he said that they only listen to pitches from established people so I was wondering about how your opportunity to pitch to them came about. Did they find you from your work? Was it networking at a festival? Just curious really, because from Eric's videos, I've realized I'm a looong way from pitching a show :p

[@Reiquequela]

@@ianmack1317 I think Eric is absolutely right. Honestly, we got a bit lucky for having the right project at the right time, and pitched the show in a pitch meeting on a film market festival. No secret here, we just submitted the project, got selected by Netflix to pitch to them and they loved the show. My company wasn't very big back then, but we had some good animation produced, so it helped having some portfolio to make them confortable of investing on the show. And studio had only 2 years old when we pitched the show, so although I know it is hard, I can't say it is impossible to close a deal with Netflix without long experience. Don't give up. :)

[@ianmack1317]

@@Reiquequela That sounds awesome, congratulations! Sounds a little bit like how I initially broke into the industry, the right looking layout at the right time.

[@CUTENESS_OVERLOADER]

Thank you so much. I'm actually about to start a kick starter soon to make a comic and then pitch it as a show. ( A good friend of mine actually got greenlit in the same method I'm choosing to use) I currently have a clothing brand with the same name to build interest and gather marketability proof and show proof of concept. It's called Happy Monstah. In about two weeks I'm going to release it and relaunch my store. IG: Happy_Monstah Even though I am picking it as a comic I created a pitch Bible in hopes if someone does notice it I'll have it. I do have experience in animation and I made a 2.5D animation of the trailer as well (like a webtoon trailer) I'm going to be marketing it to build brand awareness and conversions to Kickstarter using several avenues. I hope that this will be enough. Once I release it, I hope you check it out. I've been watching you for a while and I'm learning a lot. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@SurvivingAnimation]

That all sounds amazing! I can't wait to see it when it's released! I wish you the best of luck on it and thanks for watching!

[@CUTENESS_OVERLOADER]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you! Got my fingers crossed

[@CUTENESS_OVERLOADER]

@@SurvivingAnimation I just put the trailer on KZbin. I haven't started advertising it yet. If you'd like to take a look. Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIC7c3SebNt6oKc I'm getting bashful now. If you'd like to give feedback I don't mind. It's my first time putting myself out there like this

[@cloudsioby4332]

@@CUTENESS_OVERLOADER Update??

[@Distrakt]

What would a pitch bible look like from a generalist in animations? Thank you for another delicious morsel of food for thought.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

I have a Pitch Bible breakdown video you can check out!

[@TITASWORLD]

In regards to a pilot episode for an animated series, what is normally the length of a half-hour comedy? And how are those pages broken down? How many pages should the opening be as well as the number of acts that the episode is broken up into?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Under 30 pages is best. It's too complicated to explain in a KZbin comment about how a 1/2 script is broken down. I'd suggest a deeper dive into screenwriting for TV in order to educate yourself on that matter. It's entire profession that takes years, the right kind of education (books, the act of finishing works relentlessly, online or in-person classes, and proper professional peer review), and a true passion for the craft in order to become a professional writer.

[@A_M_Bobb]

Congrats on the subscriber boost Eric! Well deserved!

[@icabelajar448]

Hi! Thank you for your insightful video. I am learning to write an animation series. I found a lot of tips on 'How To Write A Pilot Episode' but hardly found on 'How to Write The Last Episode of The Season' (with other Season coming up). I hope you want to make a video about this. And you can tell us what is the difference in American and Japan Animation. Thank you so much! Hope you had a great day!

[@Little3Pigs]

Question: Where does the revenue for an animated series come from? Do you always need to Sell toys? What about films? And how much and how fast should you get your investment back for It to be consider a success?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

It depends on from who's point-of-view you're asking. But generally, Networks get ad revenue, streamers get revenue by increased subscribers, a variety of parties (owners, producers, distributors) get consumer products royalties, producers and production companies get production margins, and creators get producing fees and royalties. I don't think I could break down or simplify ROI in a KZbin Comment. It's a little too complex and again depends on the nature of who invested and how much per investor.

[@Little3Pigs]

@@SurvivingAnimation At least if shows the Big picture into understanding the bussiness model behind animation. I think is important if you want to bring animation to countries where the industry hasnt yet developed like Latin America.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@Little3Pigs The Latin America animation scene is really cool right now. Lots of great production companies and shows coming out of Mexico, Chile, and Brazil.

[@alstinson]

"You are not enough" "Work on yourself" Is the industry therapy?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Interesting theory, but I definitely don't agree with the 1st part!

[@theempire00]

Thanks for the video! 🤩 Question please: how does an ‘outsider’ build credibility without having access to production resources?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

The challenge for you is to find a way to animate that is cost-effective. But, even iPhones, iPads, and the most basic set of traditional tools (paper and pencil) can get you started!

[@theempire00]

Surviving Animation Thanks so much for your reply! It’s indeed quite challenging at this point haha. Suppose I need to get started :) Keep up the awesome content!

[@CUTENESS_OVERLOADER]

@@theempire00 if you have an iPad. Flipaclip is a great app. Using After Effect to add special effects and such is helpful. You can also get special effects online. Just make sure it is rendered as an alpha channel. You can also animate on photoshop. Check out this short..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXPOZKykh8enqdk It was done in photoshop. When I worked on Sid the Science Kid, we did animation in flash (now animate) and colored it in photoshop. Also, try and find a tribe that's willing to work with you. FB groups and redit are good places to find people who are interested in what you're into. Some people animate just for the sake of getting better.

[@bonefaceandpumpkinhead8851]

Hi Eric! I have a question. If you've already started a cartoon show idea as a webcomic and it's starting to gain some traction. Could this idea still be used for a pitch or would it be better to come up with a completely different idea? This is great content by the way! Keep up the good work!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

It's a great idea! Buyers love to see that your Intellectual Property has an established presence and existing fan base!

[@jde1311]

Great video, thank you. I have a question if you have the time to reply. I wish to become a writer for animation. I have recently finished an Animation Pitch Bible (minus original art, I'm not really an artist) and have written the first 5 episode scripts. I graduated from University in Computer ANimation but I do not have any real outside experience. Is it possible for me to pitch my scripts somewhere or sell it? If so, do you know somewhere good to start? As I mentioned I wish to be a writer, I am perfectly fine not running the show. Thanks for your great videos.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey there and thanks for watching! I'd start by making email inquiries into talent agencies that focus on animation for writers. Then, I'd perhaps try to get your scripts into places, festivals, or contests that evaluate scripts. Finally, I'd look for opportunities to meet with other animation writers by looking them up on social media - LinkedIN is the most professional.

[@jde1311]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you very much for your reply. That is very helpful. I'll be keeping an eye out for your new videos.

[@MillarVideoProductions]

First off great video. Secondly, where would be the smartest place to pitch if u cant draw but can write scripts? Also i am 15 almost sixteen with a passion for screenwriting😁? And can a pitch bible be more focused on writing rather than art?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thanks for watching! I'd say the first place to go would be contests for student and youth screenwriting. But I would also ask your parents and teachers if they know places where students can get their screenplays read for feedback and advice before you try and submit to a professional company.

[@addster124]

When it comes to showing proof of finish work when presenting yourself as a talent in the animation series industry, does having finished screenplays count or would it only mattered if the screenplay won a contest or came close?

[@pausantandreu]

here n subbed bc cartoonbrew 👋

[@amirali-zare]

What happens after writing a pilot and a show Bible (my script is around 37 pages for a animated pilot)

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Is your pilot for a 1/2 hour show? If so, 37 pages is a bit long. I'd say try to get it in the mid-twenties if possible! As for next steps, I would try to submit to some animation talent agencies to see if they'd be interested in presenting your ideas to network or packaging you with some of their experienced talent.

[@amirali-zare]

@@SurvivingAnimation Its a 23 minute animated show like Rick and Morty and since I had reviewed that it had around 30 pages plus and I guessed it was good enough to work like that. And a question, what happens if i dont have legal representation nor a copyright? I don't know about submission release from either, not what it is, but how I could do it.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@amirali-zare Copyright is actually created the moment you create something. Copyright protection is made by filing your work, which you can look up online (will be easier than me trying to summarize the legal specifics). If you want to submit to a network, streaming company, or broadcaster, they will likely send you a Submission release form (I have a video on Submission release forms on the channel which you can find!). Finally, don't worry about legal representation until you have a deal coming in. Then just search for an entertainment lawyer that will take you as a client!

[@amirali-zare]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you so much man, great to watch these videos.

[@usmsnm7529]

Hi I have a question, is that I want to submit a project to cartoon network, please could explain to me the process of how to do it. Thank you

[@SurvivingAnimation]

If you're not a professional in the business yet, I would do an initial reach-out to talent agencies that specialize in animation. But, if you're already a working professional, I'd look up their executives on LinkedIN and politely ask what is the best way to submit to them. You'll likely be sent to a general administrative person who will also require you to sign a Submission Release form.

[@usmsnm7529]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you for your answer, I wanted to ask you something else if I do my own animation studio, cartoon network could invest in my studio, hence work with my own project? Thank you

[@CeciliaBohemien]

Question: so do you think that is essential to build up a fanbase on Internet about the project before to search a producer? What about the premiere status? I would prefer that they evaluate the idea for what it is, rather than say "you are not enough". By the way, it is quite impossible to find job ads for animation screenwriters... while you find easily them about the artistic side of this industry. Thanks for the video. 🎬 Someone had to post it: MIA - Because I'm probably not good enough. SEBASTIAN - Yes you are. MIA - No. Maybe I'm not. MIA (CONT'D) Maybe I'm one of those people who's always wanted to do it but never had a chance.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey Celilia and thanks for watching! I think building up a fanbase is certainly a great idea if you can do it. But, in terms of wanting to be involved in the TV Animation writing world, it's not so much 'you are not enough' it's more about 'we need to see more finished work that shows your expertise and ability to deliver on time, working with teams, and being professional and amiable.' So, although the idea is the core, without the experience and practiced skill, it can be risky to work with an inexperienced writer. The good news is though, the more you write and complete finished works (even on your own), the better you'll get so long as you can find people to give you honest, constructive, and professional feedback!

[@CeciliaBohemien]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thanks for the answer! Well, sometimes I think that to write for the sake of writing is pointless... especially, as you said, when there is no feedback (neither in screenwriters contests! So bad!). Well, but to left cartoon ideas only on paper is very difficult for me, so I will go for the indepedent start... to write the pitch bible and the pilot was so much fun! About getting involved in the TV Animation writing world, I have to say that here in Europe is very country-language oriented. It isn't really an easy job for non English-native speakers. :) A video about how to protect your ideas or if websites like Black List are worth a try can be interesting as well. Keep on!

[@TheRealFocalors]

If I am going to use a copyrighted song in the pilot that I will use for pitching, do I need permission from the song's distributor?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Nope. But remember if you sync the music to any part of the animation and then later a distributor or partner wants to air publicly, the music will have to be either licensed (which will be very expensive if it's a famous song) or changed (not difficult, but a hassle).

[@TheRealFocalors]

@@SurvivingAnimation can you also make a video on getting a license for the song, and the part where I have to change it?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@TheRealFocalors Hmm. There's really not much to say about that! Acquiring a song license is just a simple matter of calling the music label who owns it and giving them a bunch of money!

[@TheRealFocalors]

@@SurvivingAnimation oh thank you.

[@TheRealFocalors]

@@SurvivingAnimation also, if I am gonna use the song, can I use the whole thing or should I shorten it?

[@Blitzthesquirrle]

Hi man, I've got a question: I'm a voice actor who is getting a foothold in the industry and I am also developing my own animated series. My question is: would my career as a voice actor help towards "becoming enough" to pitch a series to larger networks?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey there and thanks for watching! Yes it would! Olan Rogers, Seth McFarlane, and Justin Roiland are also creators/voice-actors so you can follow their mold!

[@jayrockhammer]

So basically what you're telling us is - if you don't have prior experience, then don't even bother writing a bible or a show.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

I think as a creator, you should follow your passion if creating something original is in your heart. Writing a bible can be a great tool for organizing your thoughts and making sure your vision is clear. But, generally, also yes. Unfortunately, if you have no experience in the field I would say it's very difficult, if not impossible, to get a major buyer to be interested in your concept if it's just a bible. But, if animation is your career goal, begin working in it somehow! Then, after a few years of experience, buyers will be more interested in financing your original concepts!

[@jayrockhammer]

@@SurvivingAnimation I am not an animator but have been pouring my heart and soul into a screenplay for the past 5 years. I've never written one before and nor has my partner but I live in Manhattan and have some very high up connections. But those connections aren't agents, just people who definitely know the creme de la creme. But even so, do you think it could be possible? How are networks supposed to find new refreshing content if they're not willing to meet new refreshing people?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@jayrockhammer I hear ya, man! It can feel frustrating at times, but I admire what you're doing. Unfortunately, from my personal experience, talent discovery doesn't happen at the distributor buying stage. It happens in agencies, at screen-writing competitions, at online collectives like Blacklist where new work is read and vetted by scores of readers, and in some cases through network connections (Michael Dougherty was famously taken under Bryan Singer's wing where his writing career really took off). I hope that helps and I hope you keep at it!

[@latroletteeeee]

HE'S TALENTED AND SO HOOOT. I WANNA CARRY HIS BABIES.