How to Create an Animated Series Pitch Bible in 2024

Hello, and welcome to my channel! Be sure to subscribe for future content on Animation Career Advice, Art Portfolio Tips & much more!
Learn how to conceptualize ideas to create an original animated series pitch bible in 2024! Having your story, characters and world fleshed out will help you deliver a compelling pitch! Scroll down to the bottom of the description box for additional resources and references :)
Time Stamps:
Intro 0:00-
Logline: 1:24
Synopsis & Format: 2:41
Tone, Audience & Animation Style: 3:43
Character: 6:33
World-Building: 8:29
Potential Episodes/Season Map: 11:33
Final Thoughts: 13:00
Outtro: 13:17
*DISCLAIMER: All images and clips used in this video are for commentary and educational purposes, and are covered under "fair use”, section 107 of the US Copyright Act 1976.
✨SOCIAL MEDIA ✨
Follow me on Instagram: / piixelatte
Connect with me on LinkedIn: / jaidenjanusllanes
✨EQUIPMENT + SOFTWARE✨
Camera: Sony Alpha A6400
Microphone + Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen (bundle)
Editing Software: Final Cut Pro (Video), Garageband (Audio)
Thumbnail assets/template: Canva.com
KZbin SEO Tool: www.tubebuddy.com/JAIJUU
Computer: 2019 MacBook Pro 15in with Touch Bar
Songs used: “You should” by Patrick Patrikios (Outtro Song)
✨SOURCES✨
“Adventure Time” Pitch Bible: cartoonpitchpro.com/adventure...
Dan Harmon’s “Story Circle”: www.studiobinder.com/blog/dan...
TV Animation Writing Resources: docs.google.com/document/u/1/...
3-Act Story Structure: blog.reedsy.com/guide/story-s...
TV Age Ratings Article: blog.imon.net/2016/09/07/know-...
Animation/Art Resource Masterlist:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Courtesy of Marie Lum (@PuccaNoodles on Twitter)
#animation #pitchbible #animationpitch

[@pedrosaabedra5653]

I'm making an indie animated show, the pilot movie, a hero named Kenyon would meet 5 heroes, the pilot would be about the introduction of our 6 heroes working together fighting the pilot villain near the climax which would lead into the series, in case you're wondering no, its not going to be an adult show, I want to stand out from most of the indie animated shows on KZbin, its an action kids show, the main series would be about meeting new heroes/villains, a group of anti heroes would be seen. (the anti heroes will have their own mimi series) The slice of life episodes would be about the heroes doing normal things when there is no villain to fight, the series will focus on certain characters either about the main heroes, sometimes the side heroes as well, I just wanted to know what do you think about me making an action kids show for kids and adults to enjoy by everyone. Also its TV Y7-FV

[@guanimos1638]

YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!!!!!!! OMG, you are good. This was the most helpful "pitch bible" walk through that i have ever had. Its so clear now 🤩 thank you!

[@Piixelatte]

You’re too kind 🥺💖 thanks for watching!!

[@powergirlart5333]

​@@PiixelatteI have a question, can a pilot episode be two parters like part 1 and part 2 or not? I'm very curious

[@Piixelatte]

@powergirlart5333 I would personally stray away from trying to make a pilot a two-parter, since they’re usually one episode. Depending on what format you choose to go with (11min vs 22min) I’d try to establish the main characters & exposition within that timeframe. Remember, the point of a pilot is to win over your audience enough to get a greenlight, and if folks aren’t invested enough in the first episode they won’t continue watching. No need to pad for time with extra fluff, less is more! 🙌🏼

[@powergirlart5333]

@@Piixelatte oh I see, thank you so much for the response 🙏

[@ZyxthePest]

Hi Jaiden! Thank you for making this video. I've had an 11 minute pilot script on hand for a couple years now that's gotten great feedback and support, but I've always been intimidated by pitch bibles themselves, since they really are the show summed up and it's hard to organize all those ideas. This video was a really good, succinct summary of how to lay everything out.

[@Piixelatte]

Congrats on having written a pilot! 🎉 I appreciate the feedback, and happy that my video proved useful to you 🥹✨

[@DDog.]

A show idea I have is about a toddler that is super smart and becomes a super spy. My inspiration comes from Rugrats and Mission Impossible (or whatever spy movie you can think of). This video might help me with developing the idea more as well as pitching it to cartoon network or nick when I am ready. Thanks so much for this video.

[@darnelsharpe7597]

This is incredibly informative and clear! Thanks for taking the time out!

[@Piixelatte]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@annien.1727]

I'm planning to create an animated series about the paranormal and supernatural. This is a MAJOR big help, very informative and precise. Thank you!

[@arkanimation9833]

I just found your channel by this video, didn’t even search this, but it’s been on my mind for the past couple of years.

[@Piixelatte]

I’m glad this video found it’s way to you! 😂 I hope it provides some inspiration and guidance on creating your story!

[@Cr3ateTV]

@arkanimation9833 That makes two of us kid.

[@quazrmusic]

Thanks for the very well made and detailed video!!

[@ReyRey42315]

I was taking notes while watching this video lol it's very helpful.

[@yishaizukkol3099]

I'm glad someone can give a pitch Bible with full information 😏

[@buxtonxp4997]

I love how u used fairly odd parents as an example hahha havent watched that show in ages

[@Piixelatte]

I haven’t either tbh, but it helps explain world-building pretty easily! 🧚‍♀️

[@luismunana8171]

Thank you 🙏🏾. This was helpful

[@Piixelatte]

Thank you for watching! ✨

[@IMGOINGTOCRYSJSJJSHA]

Thanks so much for this video! I love how it felt full of information without being an hour long. Also thanks for linking some Pitch Bibles in the description, because they’re gonna help a lot!

[@Piixelatte]

I appreciate the feedback! I sometimes worry about boring my audience, so I’m glad to hear it was concise enough! ✨

[@ShySparrow]

I have been thinking of creating an animated series and found this very helpful. Thanks!

[@Piixelatte]

You’re most welcome!! 🙌🏼✨

[@Dxiemond]

U are a hero 😭😭😭❤❤❤❤❤❤ THANKS

[@knotyourthoughts6861]

Thank you so much for the information

[@KyleLucasMusic]

Thank you!

[@jasonwilliams174]

Wow you're a life saver!🎉

[@sherlythomas5632]

Excellent job! THANK YOU!😊

[@katestransky2031]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much. You broke it down and explained it perfectly.

[@CharlieGill-vx7xf]

This is fantastic--SOO helpful. Thank you!! :)

[@tracyfreeman9170]

THIS is FANTASTIC. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much

[@TattooSushiiChannel]

I love you! Subscribed!

[@AphroditeLee]

THANK YOU!

[@wyrmghost]

Very informative and well made thank you

[@morbidmacaroni]

Thanks so much, this was great info! I'm hoping to make a show one day so here's hoping!

[@SugarViv_]

Thank you, you saved me a LOT of stress

[@ViVerna]

Very helpful! There were some things I could've never figured on my own! Thank you for this ❤

[@cmheating8949]

excellent informational video. thank you!

[@buxtonxp4997]

Really helpful thx dude

[@Jjrmtv]

so glad of the algorithm... very well done!

[@Piixelatte]

I'm glad too! 😂 Thank you!

[@meemnun_ALiF-lost]

thank you ...

[@crystaljam9661]

Thank you so much! This was very helpful!

[@InvasionAnimation]

This was helpful, thank you! I like your voice!

[@Piixelatte]

Ahhh Thank you! ☺️

[@nabiloukhai2483]

After watching tons of videos related, yours was certainly one of the best. Clear and concise. thank you so much !

[@Piixelatte]

Aahh thank you!! 🙌🏼 it means alot 🥹

[@malloryj.stevens2911]

This was an utterly informative, concise, and clear pitch bible for a children's animation series. You've been enormously helpful!! Thanks so much, Jaiden!

[@thatsadogslife]

Great video. Thank you. Liked and subscribed!

[@PizzA_TimE]

Neato, this will certainly help me!

[@pixelxunt4718]

man.. this is really helpful man! ^^

[@Piixelatte]

Glad it helped!

[@kitisuneslights2627]

This is so good and on point!Your channel is so underated

[@Piixelatte]

tysm 🥺🥺🙏🏽

[@gnelson7225]

Thanks for this vid, brother.

[@Piixelatte]

Thanks for tuning in! 😎🙌🏼✨

[@Deacon8or]

Insanely good vibes. Instantly subscribed!

[@Piixelatte]

Thank you! 🥺 I appreciate that! I try to give off positive vibes~ ✌🏼✨

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

This was so well explained and inspiring to watch!

[@Piixelatte]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it and got some inspiration! 🥹

[@adriansandlin556]

Thanks a million for making this video! I have a great idea that I would love to see get turned into a full fledged series and this video helped a ton!

[@Piixelatte]

Thanks a million for watching! It makes me happy to hear that my video is inspiring/helpful to fellow artists :)

[@adriansandlin556]

@@Piixelatte No problem

[@Abshir.Yariis]

good channel. keep posting these type of videos.

[@Piixelatte]

Thank you for enjoying my content! This encourages me to keep making videos ✨

[@corinneferguson3453]

This video is great and inspiring since I’m trying to create an animated series and pitch bible myself.

[@Piixelatte]

I’m always excited to hear that my content is helpful to others! Get creative & start brainstorming, you can do it!! 🙌🏼✨

[@ryanw5500]

Good video. I have an idea for a tv series I want to make someday and this video has helped me understand a little of what to add for a pitch bible.

[@Piixelatte]

I’m glad it helped! I hope my advice can give you a head start on where to begin 🙌🏼✨

[@ryanw5500]

@@Piixelatte I already wrote a pilot script for a possible first episode, now I just need to write a pitch bible. Thanks.

[@johnpavlick7740]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm actually using this to create a comic book, which I do not consider all that different from animation.

[@Piixelatte]

For sure!! A series bible can definitely be used to pitch a comic concept to a publisher (something I'm currently doing my own research on). I wish you the best in crafting your story! :)

[@andrejjandric9125]

Awesome video!

[@Piixelatte]

Thank you!! ✨

[@rafaelaochoa8011]

Excelente!

[@Piixelatte]

Gracias!

[@Alexnival]

This needs way more views. Wow thank you…

[@Piixelatte]

I appreciate you saying that 🥺 Thanks for watching!

[@Alexnival]

@@Piixelatte Truly an honor, I can only imagine the amount of time you took to make this informative video. Cant wait to see your channel SKY rocket as I know it will.

[@Piixelatte]

Here’s to hoping!! 🤞🏽 Thank you for supporting my channel! ✨

[@enosjdraws8063]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@phyynarts666]

Nice vid and helpful info im making a video series going through pitch and series bibles, allwhile making my own shows and comics, any productions you favor over others? i wish to do extensive research to upstart a production studio

[@Piixelatte]

Thank you! 🙌🏽 If I had to choose, I prefer 2D animated production for TV. (Though I'd like to try working on a feature film and experience a change in pace!) I wish I could offer advice on how to start a production studio, but that's outside my area of expertise 😅 If you're looking on advice on how to produce your own series and where to start, I recommend "The Animation Producer's Handbook" by Lea Milic & Yasmin McConville. I've been reading it lately and it's been extremely insightful!

[@kingskyless]

thank you so much for this! i have to ask, do you have any suggestions as to where to write the pitch bible? like google docs, indesign, or something else 0:

[@Piixelatte]

Of course; honestly there's no right or wrong format! I've seen examples of pitch bibles done in powerpoint/keynote/google docs as a slideshow presentation, video with voice over and some still drawings/images, etc... In today's day and age, the format has become more fluid because of the option to pitch virtual/remote. My advice would be not to get caught up in making it look fancy, but rather showcasing your personality in the delivery of your ideas! Hope that makes sense/helps :)

[@kingskyless]

@@Piixelatte tysm!

[@OuttaMyHead]

Thank you for making this video. Just FYI, the Adventure Time Pitch Bible link in your sources section is broken.

[@Piixelatte]

Thanks for letting me know; I updated the link, hopefully it's working now! :)

[@kirstengray1573]

This is so informative! Love all the examples you used. Say if I had made a pitch bible would you be willing to look it over on discord and critique it? I'd love some advice 🥺🥺🥺

[@Piixelatte]

Thanks for commenting! At the moment I'm unable to critique pitches, but I'm definitely considering creating a community Discord in the future! So stay tuned for that c: ✨

[@lucas25884]

Hey, thanks for the content! Just one question: if I'm a little bit of an artist myself, as a cartoon creator I get to choose and create characters design ?

[@Piixelatte]

Hi, Lucas! Being an artist definitely helps demonstrate your vision for the overall look of your story. However there's two sides to this coin, and it depends on what kind of deal you get with the studio you pitch your idea to; you can either be brought on as a character designer for your series, or hire character designers to join your crew (or both!). One thing I will say is to keep an open mind when it comes to your character designs, and not get married to your initial ideas. Alot of things are bound to change in the early developmental stages of your project, and you'll be collaborating with other creatives to make your story the best version it can possibly be, and streamlining the designs to fit the needs of the animation pipeline. (Look at pearl's design from the Steven Universe pilot compared to the greenlit series, HUGE difference!). TLDR; yes you can design your own characters, but be open to tweaking those designs down the road :) I hope that makes sense!

[@lucas25884]

@@Piixelatte Wow thanks a lot for the reply! I have to admit, sometimes is hard to be humble and let others tweak my own creation haha but I know that great cartoons are never done alone but with tons of help! Anyways, new sub and waiting for new vids :)

[@Puffs]

This video was awesome! Thank you! Can pitch bibles be cold mailed to buyers and networks or are they strictly reserved for pitch meetings?

[@Piixelatte]

Thank you for watching! From what I’ve been told, it’s not recommended to send unsolicited pitches to studios; it’s best to get an Agent or Manager to help arrange a pitch meeting with a potential buyer. (I’m still learning how to do that myself) Hope that helps!

[@Puffs]

@@Piixelatte thank you for your response! I subscribed to your channel and can’t wait to see more videos!

[@Piixelatte]

I’m happy to help, and thank you for subscribing! :)

[@Can-A-Da-n-D]

You mentioned at end that you can pitch without a finished story. Correct me if I'm wrong. However, when you copyright it, you need to send in the completed story. Do you know much about the copyright and protecting your work process that you could mention or point to a video you may have completed on the topic before. Thanks!

[@Piixelatte]

Great question! To clarify: the STORY needs to be complete, you should have a clear beginning, middle and end regardless of the series format. It's the WORLD BUILDING that doesn't have to be 100% hammered out. When pitching to sell your concept, you want to leave some wiggle room for your potential studio partner to add their own input, especially since it'll go through development & pre-production phases anyway. That being said, having a "complete" story doesn't mean it won't be subject to change as well, so you need to go into it with an open mind! As far as copyright goes, I'm not really familiar with the process, and still exploring that myself. However, here's some helpful resources I came across on the official copyright website! Motion Pictures: www.copyright.gov/registration/motion-pictures/ Literary Work: www.copyright.gov/registration/literary-works/ If you scroll down a little bit, there's a box titles "resources" that has a few videos explaining the components of the process. Sorry my response was so lengthy, but I hope this helps!

[@Can-A-Da-n-D]

Thanks kindly for the advice!!!@@Piixelatte

[@hollisterbchboy]

Thank you so much for this! Does anyone here know where one should go if they need help creating their pitch bible?

[@Piixelatte]

My best advice would be to look for online classes/workshops that are taught live, (so you can ask questions) or ask your closest friends/family to look over your stuff and give you feedback! It’s important to gage how people react to your story/characters to know what’s working and what needs editing. That’s just my two cents!

[@hollisterbchboy]

@@Piixelatte much appreciated! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Furian.diemoon.616]

My guy i'm becoming an animator and i need to make a pitch bible :') please wish me luck

[@Sydyoon09]

Hey how can I get clothes, toys, other merch made of the characters from my cartoon?? Ideas??? Like how many shows do

[@Piixelatte]

I’ve seen alot of indie creators make their own merch and sell it via etsy/store envy/Shopify (at least for charms, buttons, prints & apparel). For shirts, there’s lots or print-on-demand websites where you upload the artwork and request the sizes/quantity that you want (one example I’ve seen is Stickermule.com). As for plush toys, there’s a website called makeship, where you can create campaigns (kinda like a lil kickstarter) to have plush designs made. If you reach the pre-order goal, they go into production! Pretty cool, def worth checking out. As for toys, I’m not sure to be honest because I don’t have experience with manufacturing products like that😅 but the other resources I mentioned are a great place to start! I’d say the key to success when it comes to selling merch is making sure there is an audience/following for it. I hope this helps!

[@ryanw5500]

I want to write a pitch bible for an I idea I have for a serialized series. What exactly do you recommend I put on there? I ask this concerning the overarching plot and character arcs.

[@Piixelatte]

Hi Ryan! I would advise to add the components mentioned in the video, starting with a logline & synopsis. That should give a concise and general idea of what your story is about. Character arcs aren’t necessary, just a brief description of their personality, goals, and relationship to other characters. Less is more! If all you have is an idea so far, I would challenge you to explore that further. Think about what your central theme is. What is the main character’s objective, the stakes (consequences) of not achieving that goal, why this story matters, and how to get your target audience invested in finding out what happens next. I hope that helps! Best of luck 🙌🏼✨

[@ryanw5500]

@@Piixelatte Thanks. Also my story takes place in an alternate world. How should I describe that?

[@Piixelatte]

@@ryanw5500 Well, I can't write your pitch bible for you 😅 As the creator, you have the freedom to make your world anything you want it to be! I struggle with world-building myself, but here's some books that I found very useful: "On Writing and Worldbuilding: Volume 1 & 2" by Timothy Hickson www.amazon.com/Writing-Worldbuilding-I-Timothy-Hickson/dp/1798967650/ref=pd_bxgy_vft_none_sccl_1/138-1771640-4201228?pd_rd_w=y6U16&content-id=amzn1.sym.26a5c67f-1a30-486b-bb90-b523ad38d5a0&pf_rd_p=26a5c67f-1a30-486b-bb90-b523ad38d5a0&pf_rd_r=YDYX7FZJJRKZ8Q2V7M3W&pd_rd_wg=77zup&pd_rd_r=76c3f556-3f11-4964-81c0-0bcefd61ec88&pd_rd_i=1798967650&psc=1

[@ryanw5500]

@@Piixelatte That's not what I meant. I already know what world I want to create. I was just wondering what aspects I should focus on when describing it. I don't want to overwhelm the reader with too many details. I'm just trying to follow your advice on less is more. Also, thanks for the suggestion on that book. I also appreciate your advice very much.

[@Piixelatte]

Aahh I see; then I suggest using images to demonstrate the style/tone/overall feel of the world, because that’ll paint a better picture that describing it in writing! If you’re not able to illustrate it yourself, make sure to site your sources and credit the images you’re using. You can also use a comparison in the description. Example: it’s “Cyberpunk” meets “Phantom of the Opera” (this establishes the story taking place in a gritty futuristic world, with dramatic musical elements and possible romance). Using comparison will ground the reader in something familiar so they can better understand what you’re going for.

[@user-ox2ru4tk5h]

but how are characters animated? like which software do they use to make an animated cartoon, like Adventure Time?

[@Piixelatte]

There’s a variety of different software used for animation depending on the style! I don’t know what specific software was used on Adventure Time, but Toon Boom Harmony is the most commonly used in the industry. I’m pretty sure the bulk of animation was done overseas though (Korea).

[@ryanw5500]

What do I do if I need my pitch bible reviewed?

[@Piixelatte]

I don't offer reviews on pitch bibles; I made this video to share what I've learned from courses I've taken and feedback I've received on my own pitch bible through mentorship experience. If you'd like feedback on your work, your best bet might be to take a class with live instruction (which is what I did). Here's a couple of courses I know of that are starting this week that offer reviews: www.projectcity.tv/projects/1880/2023-02-27/creating-a-pitch-bible www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-4-Part-Class-How-to-Package-Pitch-and-Sell-Your-Feature-Film Both of these sites have TONS of workshops and on-demand videos for reference at varying price points. 🙌🏽

[@ryanw5500]

@@Piixelatte These look good. If I didn't work on Wednesdays I would take that class. The other one seems to mainly focus on films rather than tv series. However, these links have given me an idea to look into other classes like these. Thank you very much. You're an inspiration.

[@Piixelatte]

I know sometimes classes can be tricky to balance with work availability, but the good news is that there’s always different courses circulating every few months or so! Hopefully you’ll be able to find one that aligns with your schedule and works for you. Glad to be of assistance! :)

[@ryanw5500]

@@Piixelatte Though those websites look interesting. May need to visit them more often.

[@BigFlusteredMess]

I’m making a show and I need as much information as possible so I know what to do when I pitch it. If there’s anything else you think you could help me with, do you think you could make a part two? Also my pilot episode is in my channel if you want to check it out and give feedback.

[@Piixelatte]

Hmm...I never really planned to make a part 2, but now you've given me something to think about 🤔 I'll seriously consider it! (Stay tuned✨) As for giving feedback, I'm not open to reviewing work at this time. Apologies for the inconvenience! However, I recently started reading a book that I strongly recommend and might have some of the info you're looking for! It's called "The Animation Producer's Handbook" by Lea Milic & Yasmin McConville. books.google.com/books?id=Umnu3M05XZUC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false The link above is a preview of the book, but I've found the ebook version through my local library and started reading it for free before it was gifted to me by a friend. Definitely check it out!

[@joshellias6381]

can I make a pitch bible in google doc's

[@Piixelatte]

You can use whatever software/apps available to you; I’d say the content and story itself matters more than the format!

[@Furian.diemoon.616]

My guy i'm becoming an animator and i need to make a pitch bible :') please wish me luck

[@Piixelatte]

You got this!!! 💪🏼🔥🔥