How to Pitch Nickelodeon

[@BMinusCartoons]

I can't believe this dude is old enough to have been working at MTV in the 90's. How does he still look this young? I was barely old enough to flip burgers in the 90s, and I look like a piece of old steak that grew hair.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hahahaha!

[@DrPunchTV]

I pitched to Nick years ago, it was going awful so my last pitch was "kitties and puppies living the horror of the Vietnam war" the executive was horrified but she remembered me and called me a few months later for more ideas.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Wow that's crazy! Haha!

[@WorldOfARandomVegan]

Wow!

[@mayasimunek]

Your channel has given me a huge confidence boost! Im so glad I found these videos

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thanks for watching!

[@kamillaazim4862]

Great video, thank you for your effort!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Glad you got something out of it!

[@StarCastersUniverse]

I am so happy I found this channel, I've been feeling conflicting on pitching my story and your videos are amazing! I'm definitely binging them all today~!

[@culpit]

Very insightful. I've been working on this cartoon series that's both educational, but also contains crazy off the wall humor, but clean. I'm thinking it might sound like it would go between either Nicktoons or Nick Jr.

[@MuhammadBakhtawarKhan3d]

I was looking for guidance to find platforms for pitching my pilot and this video turned out to be a breath of fresh air, great video and great channel. your channel is just like a torch for animators like me.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thank you for the kind note and thank you for watching!

[@worldsfastestdrummer]

Awesome as always! Thanks for all you do for the industry.

[@annasamsart5265]

This is very helpful. I am an animation student curently in college and i was curious about how pitching works. I currently been working on storyboards, character designs turnarounds and other for a story. I am kinda curious about the format of pitching requred for the future like what should be presented ( animatic, storyboards,pilot).

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey there and thanks for watching! You can check-out my other videos for the answers to the questions you have! Maybe start with 'Why your one hour pitch should only be 5 min.'

[@wavstudionet]

Thank you Eric Calderon ! Found this via LinkedIn connection . Subscribed. I appreciate your insights and you! -J.E.

[@theempire00]

Been waiting for a new pitch video!!🙌🙌😃😃

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Haha your wait is over! Sorry I took so long for this one!

[@theempire00]

Surviving Animation Thanks this is gold! VERY interested in hearing about Disney, Amazon etc 😊

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@theempire00 They'll be coming up soon!

[@theempire00]

Surviving Animation 🙌😃😊

[@fenrirtheicewolf2019]

Hey man, love all your videos. Im 17 about to become 18. I'm a big fan of cartoons and ever since i can remember I've been writing pilot scripts and hole season episodes incase the pilot makes it. I've done at least 5 different shows with scripts. But im not that great with animation ore storyboards, i mean i can draw a little, but im not all that great. So i would really like to know if you got any tips for putting my ideas out there, cause i feel that today's cartoons are missing something... So got any tips...? Cause i would really appreciate it.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey thanks for watching! If you're doing all that at your young age, then YOU'RE an inspiration to ME! The only two things I'll tell you is to KEEP WRITING and to explore education paths that help your writing at whatever college you attend. Then, when you're in school, look to internships at places where you can keep learning. When you get to that point - look me up on LinkedIN!

[@fenrirtheicewolf2019]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thanks. I'll do that. I really hope to one day bring joy and laughter to the people of the world with beauty of animation. And inspire many people like older generations have to me in times of sadness. Thanks for the reply. And the advice.

[@HanifFree.]

@@fenrirtheicewolf2019 thats dope bro. keep writing and one day youll have an entire career doing what you love.

[@fenrirtheicewolf2019]

@@HanifFree. Thanks man 😁 Hey, i also liked your stand up comedy video, especially the superbaby part. And whatever everybody tells yah... don't low down the swearing. You are hilarious brother, keep it up.

[@shinbin118]

Your video is so helpful and very well-organized, Eric. If possible, may I please request a topic on Agreement types each network usually suggest? Most big networks will likely offer an IP buy-out for original series, but wonder if they are open for different/special scenarios (ex: international co-production).

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thanks for watching! That's a good idea! I'm a little worried though, since I'm not a lawyer! The last thing I would want to do is spread legally inaccurate information. But, what I can tell you is that there are always multiple ways to work with big media companies. In other words, there are always 'multiple paths to a greenlight.' So, I can safely say that every major has an openness to co-productions, acquisitions, and of course full IP buy-outs. The key is to know that in order to get one of these deals, you have to offer something as well. In other words, you can't come to a major with an idea, no financing, no distribution, and no IP track record and say, 'pay for my entire series, market it with millions of dollars, and then play it on your distribution channel, but please let me keep the original copyright.' That just wouldn't make sense. You need to bring something to the table if you're only selling part of the property. Does that make sense?

[@shinbin118]

​@@SurvivingAnimation Thanks, Eric! Your information is much appreciated :)

[@anthonywyndham]

Thanks a lot for this mate :) super helpful for my honours thesis :)

[@RodTejada502]

Brilliant! Thanks for this!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@RodTejada502]

@@SurvivingAnimation And thanks for taking the time to reply. It's so very thoughtful of you! :D

[@francoisbessing]

Wow - so many golden nuggets in this that I was excitedly sharing with my team. Are you available for questions/further details? My team is preparing to pitch to Nick.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, I actually do consultations. Feel free to reach-out to me on LinkedIN if you want the details. But please do not send me any unsolicited materials until we've organized the actual consultation. Thanks!

[@fluxcapacitorproductions2064]

I actually hope to make cartoons for Nickelodeon and Disney channel in my adult years (that’s if they are still there by the time I am a adult), since I also want to make cartoons as a adult, besides making movies

[@normativeaverage]

This one right here

[@5CloutKillah]

I wish to pitch an idea for something big but I want to meet and pitch it to the right people I charge for something different but worth so much.

[@anatemori23]

Hey man! Love your videos. I'm 24 and I'm trying to get my series made into an animated tv show. It's like an American anime kinda style. I'm making a comic/manga of it and hopefully get published. So I can build a following and show the producers my work and story if I was ever to pitch to them. I want to ask. Is there anything else I should do? Get a agent? Before I try my chances to pitch to an studio like Nick? Since they do out source their animation like avatar and such, I thought my series wouldn't be too different in that process lol

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey thanks for watching! I'd say you're on the right track! Just keep telling your story and marketing yourself directly to your fans so that the reputation and recognition of your idea grows! Once it reaches a critical mass (say 10,000 or more copies sold at least or 20,000 or more followers across all social media platforms), then you could potentially reach-out to talent agencies to see if they're interested in your material. Until then, be aware of the networks and buyers. But don't think about pitching them until your franchise is popular enough to notice! Another piece of advice would be to pursue a job in the industry (at any level). Once you start getting 'in the mix' your experience, skills, and network will increase. Only then will you be able to see other possibilities that can't really be seen from the outside! Best of luck to you, friend!

[@anatemori23]

@@SurvivingAnimation thanks for the advice and info. Should I approach this for all animation production studios? Or only the big ones like Nick and cartoon network?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@anatemori23 I'd generally say yes! But I'd also say, don't be too distracted by that yet. I think your main goal is to put all of your creative powers into telling your story. That's the first and most essential thing. Everything else will naturally follow if your story is founded in strong themes, artfully told, sublime in its execution, expressive, new, and bold!

[@chimebirdplayer3327]

Let's say I have this big idea for an animated full length theatrical film that's based on a pre-existing Nickelodeon show - in this case, "Rocket Power". Would I want to pitch this to "Nick Prime" or "Nick Animation", or would I want to approach Paramount Pictures instead?

[@markrobinson6577]

I don’t know how to draw at all but I have lot of ideas that I’ve always wanted to do and I’ve wanted my own animated tv series

[@SurvivingAnimation]

You don't have to draw! You can go down the path of a writer, a voice actor, or a producer. I wish you the best of luck!

[@ChuyToonsStudiosCHAP95]

I finished my pitch bible and the animated pilot, how can I communicate?

[@jjonahjameson7726]

Am Making a show called spy club or jullet and the Shining Stars for Nickelodeon but which one also how many seasons for a show on nick

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Sounds fun! These days, I think a season is typically thought of as 10 episodes.

[@ZyxthePest]

Nice B.O.B. figure in the background!

[@dynamicsketch]

So Nickelodeon is aiming for a two season length format for shows so that fresh new shows can be introduced while the currently airing show does not grow stale?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

I wouldn't necessarily say that. I'd say that the trend is for more series that are generally less seasons. That could mean 3 or 4 seasons or even 5. But at the same time, maybe as you said, they'll be spinning up other series at the same time!

[@dynamicsketch]

@@SurvivingAnimation That is what they use to do in the 80s and 90s for Saturday Morning cartoons and some weekday afternoon shows.

[@dymitrinestor3679]

I got a question do you need to sign a contract on nick and walt disney or cartoon network

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey there and thanks for watching! I'm not totally sure what you mean. But, I'm assuming you mean a 'submission release form' for sending in a proposal? If you are new to the industry, then definitely yes. But if you have an agent, they can submit on your behalf and they typically don't need release forms.

[@KeemoAnimatedFilms]

What do you mean by a educator?? For Nick hr signing?..you mean a teacher? The boards? Who do you go to to get that?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Will respond to you on linkedIN!

[@kidwonder6381]

If I'm an published author, is there any way for me to pitch my movie idea based on my book to Nickelodeon?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Probably best to get your work to a literary agent who can find an accredited screenwriter interested in adapting your work for screen!

[@andreamaccarini2609]

Is possibile to subject projects from Italy ?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Yes but you should approach the local Nickelodeon Italy division.

[@theadventuresofkeesenicko6198]

Could you point out the location to pitch a boys live action show? I've got a show I've filmed a few episodes of and I think they'd be great for the company. Thanks for the tips!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey there and thanks for watching! Although I'm not sure how to answer your question other than this actual video. It really depends on the business structure of your proposal and the level of talent of your team. Are you asking specifically for Nickelodeon or for the industry in general? Other quick tip, Nick is particularly into comedy at the moment, even when it's an action show. One rule I just heard from them is 'we're looking for 3 things - comedy, comedy, comedy!'

[@theadventuresofkeesenicko6198]

@@SurvivingAnimation thanks for responding so fast. To clarify, I mean to whom do I reach out to with a proposal. Should I first acquire an agent or is the company taking open submissions? My proposal would include a written package as well as a link to a live action pilot. I won't spam your comments section with links but if you search my page you can see the video "Revenge of King Corona Chapter 2". This is the show I wish to pitch. And thank you for the tips on what they're looking for. My concept does not focus on comedy but perhaps I can tweak the concept to include it. Really appreciate the feedback

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@theadventuresofkeesenicko6198 No problem. Ahh I see. I would suggest that you first check out my video 'submission release forms' because major companies (and myself) don't accept unsolicited proposals. If you want to acquire an agent, you can do that too. if you're lucky to get that, they will help navigate your sales path. Unfortunately, I don't review proposals and development materials on spec. But if you're interested in my professional consultation, you can review my guidelines via my website captaincalderon.com/faq. Wishing you the best of luck!

[@theadventuresofkeesenicko6198]

@@SurvivingAnimation much appreciate(ed)

[@jaysonmcclain3075]

Is there easy ways to ask Nickelodeon for my idea for an episode for a Nicktoon that is currently airing on Nickelodeon on email or something or the other way around?

[@butchdeadlift10]

So I guess if I wanted to pitch something between Ben 10 and Avatar the last airbender, nick animation short would be best? 7 or 11 minutes?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey there and thanks for watching! Without knowing anything about your prior work or your concept, it's very difficult to say. But the two shows that you mentioned are both 22-24 min per episode in format.

[@butchdeadlift10]

@@SurvivingAnimation even the pitch pilot needs to be full length? Ok. Gonna roll up those sleeves then

[@butchdeadlift10]

@@SurvivingAnimation My prior work has been mostly contract work for internet parodies. See Matthew Lintschinger on IMDB. My art is on Mattoons.com, but I rarely update the website. It has been too long since college for me to qualify for most internships, but I will gladly work for free in the right studio if it means getting my dream project done in 10 years.

[@adeleandabiane]

How do you know whether your idea for a show is classed as educational if the education may not necessarily be textbook, if that makes sense. If I was to have an idea for teaching children about culture then how would that be certified?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

General social/emotional/cultural education isn't programmed in the same way as more official STEM education (which can be on channels like PBS). But if you want something more official, then you need to find an educator with a master's degree or higher who can certify your creative work. Once it's certified, you present that certification along with your creative materials to buyers. I hope that helps you!

[@adeleandabiane]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you!Where abouts can you submit the ideas to Nickelodeon? is there a website link?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@adeleandabiane You're welcome! As for submitting to Nick, dig a little bit and you'll find out the best ways to reach them! But, they're not really a 'click here to pitch us' kind of company. So, even if you find something similar to that, it's much better to try and get more researched into the industry and find the right person with whom you should be speaking.

[@monicatierney2435]

I pitched to Nick last month to the head of Development and he liked it. He told me to submit it via the portal so that his team could review my materials. I know it could be weeks before I hear back but how long should I wait? Should I hold off on pitching to other networks? Just not sure how to move forward.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Check out my Follow-Up Game video for some tips!

[@MrsDawnWilfeard]

How did it go??

[@ricardofranco7419]

I'm looking to make a transition to animation but I'm not sure how. It seems that most of the opportunities are offered to new grads or industry veterans. Considering I'm neither a new grad (I graduated almost 10 years ago) and I'm not an industry veteran (I'm a teacher that does freelance illustration), what do you advise?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

First of all, thanks for watching! I would say if you're interested in moving into animation as an artist, the first step would be to create a diverse and wonderfully executed portfolio. There's plenty of advise out there on that. Then, try to approach animation production companies with your portfolio of work. You can reach them through their recruiting portals (like I mention above for nickanimation.com) or at conventions where they do recruiting (a big one in LA is called CTN Expo). I hope that gets you started!

[@ricardofranco7419]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you so much for the quick reply! I really appreciate it! I'll definitely refine my portfolio to something hopefully studios will like. Also, I subbed to you! Great video!

[@dinerobeats47]

Hey I’m trying to pitch a cartoon to Netflix I had the first season written & completed summaries for each, characters, and voiceovers, theme song instrumental, lyrics etc .. ready I just don’t know where to start what do I do please help me I’m registering myself to get an agent.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

I have a video about pitching Netflix that you can find on my channel. I wish you the best of luck!

[@TheRealFocalors]

If I want to work at Nickelodeon and pitch to them, do I need to graduate from an Animation School if they want them to take me seriously? Because, I plan to learn animation through online courses because I don't have to learn stuff unrelated to animation(BloopAnimation said they had to learn a code in Animation School).

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hmm. If your ultimate goal is to just work at Nickelodeon, I don't know if pitching a new series to them is the highest probability of your success. I'd say you're better off at looking at the available job positions you can find online and apply. Although I think animation school graduates have a more rounded chance of success, it's ultimately your work that counts. So, if you crush a storyboard or design test - I'd say you could get hired.

[@TheRealFocalors]

@@SurvivingAnimation thank you for answering, Eric.

[@kellz103koc]

Where would one submit an animation pitch for Nick Jr?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Look up the point people on LinkedIN for starters!

[@jakewhritenour4900]

Here’s a question, perhaps you could do a video on the subject. A friend in the industry told me a great way to try getting into animation or get a cartoon produced is to try and start an idea as a web comic. That maybe with enough traction it could get picked up by larger companies. What are your thoughts on trying that route ?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey Jake thanks for watching and asking your question! The simple answer is that it's a real long shot. If you compare the number of independent comics being produced to the number of actual animated series that comes from it, it's probably a number less than 1%. It's not impossible, but it takes hundreds of thousands of copies to get the attention of the major production companies. Having said that, you could focus on getting a passionate smaller audience (say 10,000+) and trying a kickstarter campaign to get a short pilot made. Generally, I say do comics if you love comics. But don't expect it to be a reliable path to getting an animated series made! Hope that helps!

[@shrenp.1313]

@@SurvivingAnimation Hi I love this channel! I'm really glad you made these videos! I know this is an intense question but I feel like I need to ask someone with more experience since its a whole new field for us and we don't really know anyone else in the industry. My partner and I have a webcomic with 150k+ subscribers so far and we were contacted by an animation studio who said they were open to us pitching our comic. Though, we have yet to pitch our comic as an animation. We were also offered a small percentage IP acquisition deal by another party. Would taking the IP acquisition deal lessen our chances to get our project made? Like how much of the IP would the studio or potential network want in order to go ahead with our animation project? I assume they would want a stake in the IP. Thanks!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@shrenp.1313 Hey there and thanks for watching! This is a pretty complex question and is very context-specific to your IP, the type of animation production company that approached you, and the nature of the other party. It would be unwise for me to advise you without knowing much more detail. So, apologizes I can't give general advise here! But if you want to engage me in a more detailed consultation, I can do so. Just HMU on my LinkedIN profile and we can discuss!

[@mr.kevinamponsah7410]

Surviving Animation, i have a problem, the problem is i have a cartoon idea i really wanted to pitch it to Nickelodeon it about a Beatles parody band called the Buffoons, i draw the characters because it how much i hate the Beatles, and i draw the characters in my local coffee shop when they were crayons to draw at the coffee shop, and i draw them in a Bob Clampett style since Bob Clampett is one of my favorite cartoon heroes, i designed the same clothes and mop top haircuts, when the Beatles had these early in their career, and they have weird adventures around them, and the manager of the band is George Estevez he is based on my dad, because i have a snobby dad growing up, because he had a large underbite on his mouth like these evil cartoon dogs on Tom and Jerry and was treating me like a baby, originally it supposed on saturday morning channels not pitching to other kids networks like Cartoon Network or Disney Channel originally it supposed to be on Qubo but since it disappeared this year. So i cant do that it, so i really want to pitch it to Nickelodeon, and originally i want the band members to be young adults, but ending making them teenage boys since Nickelodeon didnt want human adults as main characters

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Sounds wild! Since you're a newer creator, I wouldn't suggest going directly to Nickelodeon without having any experience or finished animated projects that have earned you recognition (unless you have and I just didn't know about it). as a first step, I would suggest trying to complete a screenplay and then an animatic of a short episode. Use whatever tools you can and get it out there for the world to see!

[@mr.kevinamponsah7410]

@@SurvivingAnimation but im only 16

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@mr.kevinamponsah7410 You can still write a story! You can do it!

[@dymitrinestor3679]

I got another question you dont need to be a holly wood to get acapted in nick cartoon network right let say if I went to los california that day that I apply for that when I given them a called they will tell me what day time should I getting in interview because one day I wanted to work on nick or cartoon network I created my project hero called marcus the guitar man anti heroes he fight monster fallen angel and with his magical hero and also I created yhe anti flash superhero and the justice twin superhero

[@SurvivingAnimation]

It's kind of unlikely that you will get a meeting the same day you come to Los Angeles. I would plan more in advance! Also, you will need to show professional work that you've already done in order for them to seriously consider your proposal.

[@MariaGines]

oh wow im learning a lot about Nick i get excited that and frustrated also because how if they dont like me , Well, I didn't get the 1 year free Toon Boom Softwares and i can't afford if it i dont get the Gomerment money , Canada Recovery Benefits that will end by March and i am still looking for work hoping i won't cacht Covid in the tunnel ( construction work) LOL..

[@dymitrinestor3679]

And also that I created ashern and Alexis ashern is a vampire and alexis is an angel these two poses the two note book the lught book and the dark note book its abilities they got abilities to summond angel archangel devil titans and titans gods

[@dommenickvillarreal1993]

Teen Nick

[@Jay4FIN]

Do not pitch your shows to NICK. 1 they won’t give your shows A chance unless it’s SpongeBob or loud House. 2. they will give bad timeslots . 3 and finally. They will move your show to NICKTOONS to die.