How to pitch Warner Brothers Animation

[@shibuyes]

I’m in school for animation and these types of stuff don’t get covered all that often unless you actively look for it. It’s nice to see the spread of helpful info!!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thanks for watching! I'll keep it up!

[@CebisoMhlanga]

Instant sub. The mistake I was about to make was thinking it would be easy to pitch a show! I'll keep an eye out for your future vids and follow EVERY, SINGLE, TIP...

[@EGMotion]

Hey Eric, Erick here! Thank you for all the golden knowledge you are putting on this channel. I'd love to see a video on how to make a budget for a 2D animated series. With examples of the team behind the production and the different costs. I know that each case is different and that there is no such thing as an "universal budget", but seeing a specific example of a budget would help a lot. Is there any possibility of you talking about this subject? I'm sure other people will find it useful.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thank you for watching and what a great idea! I'll add it to the list of upcoming episodes!

[@EGMotion]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you! I'll look forward to it.

[@MakerHighSchool]

Hey Eric, it's Lori! I didnt know you had a KZbin channel until you came up in my recommendations. Congrats! I dont post videos as often as I should, but I'm currently working on the next one. I'll do my best to try to remember to give you a shout out and link to your channel. I'm only at about 6.5k subs, but hopefully it will help. 👍

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hi! Hey 6.5K is 6x my subs! Thanks for noticing me!

[@RodTejada502]

This has been really interesting, your knowledge is pure gold! Thanks for sharing it and look forward to the next episode on your series!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thank you soooooo much for watching and for your lovely comment!

[@mr_paintguy]

Not just Warner Brothers, but is it possible to use film festivals to get picked up by any of these big companies or do you always pitch to them directly somehow. I’m just trying to figure out how to get my foot in the door.

[@dreammutt4109]

POINTS: -make WB characters NEW again -have a unique production capacity -probably not the best place to pitch "original" content (unless it's a legacy title)

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey great summary!

[@dreammutt4109]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thanks!

[@shredderorokusaki3013]

@@SurvivingAnimation They must make a tv series with Velma and Daphine as the protagonists ! The story can be about it taking place in another universe where Shagy Fred and Scoboy doo dont exist and only Velma and Daphie exist. And have only them as the progtagonists solving mysteries. The series can start with how they met which can happen similar to this 2018 movie Velma and Daphinebut then dont meet Shaggy and Fred and instead they start alone solving mysteries. We must convivce warner bros to do it. I will even sent them a email with this idea.

[@chrisr3891]

Another great video Eric! For someone who doesnt have many connections in the industry, how do they get a pitch (specifically to a place like nickelodeon)

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Chris thanks for watching! To be honest, if you're new to the industry, you might want to not start with a big broadcaster like Nickelodeon. The bar for a successful pitch there is very high and relies heavily on years of experience in the marketplace or massive success in other mediums (like published comics, successful video games, large toy franchises, etc.). I would suggest you start by meeting industry people at events (see my 'Animation Business Conventions and Festivals' video). You don't want to have your first industry meeting being a major buyer! Also consider getting connected to a animation production companies or even agencies and management companies if that's your career path.

[@Distrakt]

Another golden gem!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thanks dude!

[@fxdojo]

Thank you for sharing such valuable insight in such an organized way! Great choice of animation clips too... I was hoping for some Thundar the Barbarian though haha maybe too obscure

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Dang Otto, I should have used Thundar clips!!!!

[@Dtoons]

What about Right Now Kappow? An original cartoon made for Disney XD. I wonder how they went about getting that made.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

It's kind of historic since it's the first co-production between Disney XD and Warner Brothers Animation since 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit!' As a production studio, Warner Brothers can opt to produce for another distributor, but I'm sure it was a difficult decision since they were producing for a competitive platform to Cartoon Network!

[@tooniet4964]

I’m a 14 yr old with 2 good Cartoon Series ideas and I’m not really an artist, I’m more of an creative idea kinda guy and i really want to pitch these ideas somewhere. But I just don’t really know where to start, any advice?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thanks for watching! Being an idea guy is great! and you don't need to be an artist to make cartoons. You can be a writer too! But in order for professionals want to meet with you, it's important to complete something - which means going from just an idea to a finished story! Writing cartoons is a very specific skill called 'screen-writing.' Ask your parents and teachers to help you learn how to do it! There are lots of books out there, classes, and online courses. I hope that helps and I wish you the best of luck!

[@brentnelson8137]

Another great video! Looking forward to this series.

[@anthonywyndham]

Keep up the great work. This is all a great help to my thesis project at university :)

[@NickMantisContentCreator]

Thanks Eric! or Erik! :) I pitched to a Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition Rep - (EMEA Kids & Family) at Kidscreen 2022 and she soon left the company. Who or how do I go about finding the contact on who replaced her and contact them? Thank you! Your content is very helpful! 👍

[@SurvivingAnimation]

It's Eric with a C! Thanks for watching, but my apologies, I don't give out contacts on my channel out of respect for my professional contacts! But, that person shouldn't be hard to find. Tried LinkedIN?

[@NickMantisContentCreator]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you Eric! I totally respect that. I wasn't so much looking for the contact I need but how I would go about getting my pitch re-introduced to them. Should I find the contact and once I do explain my situation with them. She seemed interested in my property and did ask a lot of questions so I seek the status or followup meeting request. So I was just looking for that kind of direction. THANK YOU for your response!

[@theempire00]

Invaluable info, thanks! More of a general question: I'm in the process of making my bible. Once I'm finished, how do I actually get invited to do a pitch? How does that process look like? Thanks again :)

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thanks for watching and good question! Generally, if you're coming from outside of the industry, it's going to be hard to get a direct meeting with a buyer unless you have some success in another marketplace (like having a successful property or personal success in media - like being a prominent actor/performer/etc). I would start by reaching-out to talent agencies or trying to head to an animation-focused business convention to start to meet people on the inside who can help start your navigation. I hope that helps!

[@theempire00]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thanks for the ideas! Really appreciate it :)

[@shibuyes]

Thank you for the videos man!! 🤩🤩

[@gibsoncash7932]

So could I pitch my own original idea or do I have to pitch something that they made?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

I'm generally not a 'yes or no' kind of person. So, it's really hard to say since I don't know you, your experience, or the quality of your proposal. But, I hope that my video explained the nuanced answer to your question! What I will say is that it's one of the more difficult places to try and get an original approved.

[@kidwonder6381]

Hey there! What if I'm a published author, how do I pitch my movie idea based on the book I wrote to Warner Brothers?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

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

[@shredderorokusaki3013]

They must make a tv series with Velma and Daphine as the protagonists ! The story can be about it taking place in another universe where Shagy Fred and Scoboy doo dont exist and only Velma and Daphie exist. And have only them as the progtagonists solving mysteries. The series can start with how they met which can happen similar to this 2018 movie Velma and Daphinebut then dont meet Shaggy and Fred and instead they start alone solving mysteries. We must convivce warner bros to do it. I will even sent them a email with this idea.

[@andrewhirsh1179]

great content! Thank you so much!

[@charliebrown3001]

Hi I’m a 20 year old artist and I have an idea for a spin-off series surrounding an existing character with an active fan base. I’m not currently going to school for animation but I have an understanding of the process and I’ve been drawing these characters for a long time now. Would it be possible for me to pitch something like this to them for HBO Max? Or is not possible?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

It is. But if you're new to the industry, I would suggest first seeking representation before directly approaching them. Also, it's going to be an extremely long shot if you've never completed a professional TV screenplay for a client that's been produced and aired. So, my recommendation is that you also produce at least a sample spec script in order to prove your talents as a writer. Otherwise, you might want to team-up with a professional writer (agents can help with that) in order to give you enough credential to get the pitch.

[@charliebrown3001]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you!! I shall keep this in mind moving forward if I ever do go and pitch for them.

[@katharinavogel2612]

Thanks for the information :) will subscribe for more!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thanks for watching!

[@DisignerDiva]

Hi! Loved the video! Would you consider doing one for Dreamworks?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Thanks for watching! Yep it's on the list!

[@DisignerDiva]

Surviving Animation awesome, I’m looking forward to it!

[@vsociiety]

How do you pitch an animated series to Disney XD

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Gotta be honest, it's pretty difficult! Since they have the entire Marvel library as well as all of the Pixar films, and Star Wars franchise, they're very unlikely to look at something new unless you're already an award-winning and/or famous talent in animation.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@Lough Reynolds There's no simple answer for this. Networking to the right buyer at the right place takes research, networking through business conventions, virtual events, and relationships established with agents and managers. But, it's not actually impossible to find the people. Maybe start with LinkedIN. That's where I actually do a lot of my business and also keep up-to-date on the constant executive shuffles happening and distribution companies.

[@FrankJamesBailey]

Could you do a video on how to pitch to KZbin (like DC Superhero Girls and Subway Surfers are ONLY on KZbin) or...I know you covered Netflix but what about Amazon or Hulu? I know Amazon has Lost In Oz and I think Hulu has Mother Up and The Awesomes. So it is possible to pitch them an original idea...right?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Amazon and Hulu are on the list for upcoming videos! As for KZbin, I'm assuming you're talking about KZbin Red, not just regular KZbin. Because you don't need permission to just do regular KZbin. You just go for it! The problem there is, of course, getting the financial support to pay for production!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Oh and FYI - I feel pretty confident that DC did not pitch DC SuperHero Girls to KZbin. Rather, they probably just set-up the professional account on their own and also fully pay for their own animation production as part of the general licensing and IP exploitation plans for those famous DC characters!

[@zillianer]

Could you consider how to pitch to Netflix or a company Called p.a works

[@SurvivingAnimation]

I already did a how to pitch Netflix video! You can find on my channel! As for how to pitch p.a. works, I'd refer to my 'business of anime' which generally covers how the economics for anime production companies work. I hope both videos are helpful for you!

[@zillianer]

Surviving Animation thanks I will be sure to check them out one last thing say I get my show accepted by Netflix and wanted my show to have a anime style how would that work out or choosing the animation style

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@zillianer I'd watch the videos first to answer your questions!

[@zillianer]

Surviving Animationi did I couldn’t really find anything about the 2nd part

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@zillianer Well I guess the general answer to your question is that for Netflix the 'package is the pitch' which means it's more about your prestige in the industry and prior credits. So, if you understand that, you'll see that an 'anime style' is the least of their concerns! What matters most to them is that you're an award-winning industry talent that they can rely on to create an incredible work. Or, you're a proven brand in the marketplace that has an established audience that they can bank on coming to view the series. Hope that helps!

[@musicmodjoe2139]

Many years ago you worked on a show called the five killers, what happened to it? Is their any art, script or other props from development that exists?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey there and thanks not just for watching but for remembering my old project! Unfortunately, that project is fully owned by the anime studio Gonzo in Japan. But, they no longer have any serious representation or efforts in markets outside of Japan since I left the company. So, I'm afraid it will likely never get made! But, we had full outlines for all the episodes and some very nice character art!

[@musicmodjoe2139]

@@SurvivingAnimation does it exist? The art, the outlines for episodes? This priject was interesting, what were your inspirations for it? How did you get to work with George kristc among others? I'm very interesed to hear more about this story and this project.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@musicmodjoe2139 They all exist! But they're owned by Gonzo, so I can't share! :( George and I have known each other since early days of MTV in the 90s! My inspiration was to make a 'sci-fi spy love story.' I was lucky enough to have George and Mark Waid help me write it!

[@jimfalcone5374]

provide the contact for the pitch please.

[@kidwonder6381]

How do I pitch a movie to Warner Bros?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

You first need to establish your reputation in either TV or film as a uniquely talented and reliable professional. Then, once you start to establish your professional credits and experience, you can take the next step and get an agent who will help manage how your talents can best serve the industry. Once you're there, then you can start to present your first big features! Think of an animated movie as the goal you can achieve through a 10, 20, or 30 year career committed to animation. It's not a first step. I hope that helps!

[@kidwonder6381]

@@SurvivingAnimation I mean, how do I contact them? How do I set or ask for a special confrence with them? I know this idea for Godzilla that I have is gonna be great! I need help, how do I contact and/or ask for a specialized meeting with them???

[@kidwonder6381]

Alright thanks! But how on earth will I contact them? I’ve got this idea for a Godzilla movie and I really want to submit it to them but how do I get a special meeting or anything? How do I do so Eric please tell me!!!

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@kidwonder6381 Hey there, sorry I tried to respond, but somehow your comments kept disappearing. Anyway, the rights for Godzilla are managed by Toho in Japan. But all film rights are handled by Legendary Pictures, which is owned by the Chinese company Wanda. Unfortunately, they already have a fully coordinated plan for Godzilla. So, I would assume they're not open to new ideas at this time. You're much better off being inspired by Godzilla and then make something truly original that's yours to own!

[@TheMetalVagabond]

Batman is due for another animation series

[@purplemonkeytheanimator6468]

Could u do cartoon network next?

[@dillonwright13]

Why is it that the Warner Bros. universe is about 100x larger than the Disney universe?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Haha! Do you mean the fictional universe or the size of the actual companies?

[@dillonwright13]

@@SurvivingAnimation I mean literally, at first Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network, and DC Universe were their own thing, but then Hanna-Barbera showed their connection with the DC Universe in Scooby Doo and The Powerpuff Girls, and the Cartoon Network shows had connections too, but then it truly expanded when Animaniacs 2020 connected the Hanna-Barbera cartoons with Looney Tunes and other cartoons(which would make The Powerpuff Girls take place in the same universe as Animaniacs).

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@dillonwright13 You're right! So cool and fun to see them interconnect!

[@dillonwright13]

@@SurvivingAnimation And it's not just the old cartoons, it's the new ones as well(despite Uncle Grandpa claiming his crossovers non-canon, they had to have happened somehow), heck even Loonatics is canon in the Animaniacs.

[@Oscar95451]

Dear Surviving Animation. I was thinking of pitching a Sonic the Hedgehog animated series to both Frederator Studios and Warner Bros. Animation for either Netflix or AT&T's WarnerMedia Streaming service.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

You need to speak to Sega first since they're the right's holders!

[@haynesrobert2830]

Can you know the interns?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Sorry I'm not sure I understand your question! Can you explain a little bit more?

[@haynesrobert2830]

I'm sorry about that! Just to be specific. Can You can your LinkedIn account to search for interns from WB to volunteer your pitch to tell them your story, if so?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@haynesrobert2830 OK! I understand your question now! Hmm. I would not do that. The main reason is that interns are usually college students who have no experience in the business, so I would not put the responsibility of passing on your pitch in their hands. If you are completely outside of the industry and have not yet completed any animation, there is almost zero chance that a network like WB would pick-up your proposal. I think your first step would be to complete some kind of finished work and introduce it directly to the marketplace - like a novel, graphic novel, or short animation. FInally, as I stated in the video, WB is almost exclusively about either promoting their existing IP (like Batman and Bugs Bunny) or working with major brands that they license (like Bunnicula). I hope that helps!

[@haynesrobert2830]

@@SurvivingAnimation Thank you for that! I understand! In another subject matters, in other cases mind asking can you use the interns on the side to like your animated product as show n tell because they see something in the field they can relate in to your work and they can spread others your animation what your promoting, but not pitch at all to relate with WB.

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@haynesrobert2830 Maybe! Every intern is different, so it's tough to make a general rule. But normally when I have an intern, I help them learn about the business and production of animation in exchange for them helping around the studio in any manner they can (but legally they cannot do actual art production work). BTW - I was once a freelance producer for WB, but I no longer work there!

[@satishtilokani2990]

I like cartoons I want to make my own cartoon

[@superiormultiverse467]

Ok, I have an Idea, Should I pitch it?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Hey there and thanks for watching! Based on the one word of your pitch... I have no idea! It really depends on a dozen factors at least. But the first thing to be aware is that bringing a pitch to a major company and/or distributor and expecting any kind of response first requires for you to be a professional in the industry or at least an animated filmmaker who has completed an animated short film that can be seen publicly. The other route is to perhaps be a screenwriter with at least a sample or two to show your talent. I hope that helps!

[@superiormultiverse467]

Ok thanks

[@ZenithQuinn]

lol what kind of answer did you expect when you gave literally zero details other than a name

[@superiormultiverse467]

@@ZenithQuinn I was just asking for advice.

[@ZenithQuinn]

@@superiormultiverse467 the advice is the video

[@satishtilokani2990]

can I pich Batgirl the animated series ?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Sure! Are you an animation director?

[@shredderorokusaki3013]

They must make a tv series with Velma and Daphine as the protagonists ! The story can be about it taking place in another universe where Shagy Fred and Scoboy doo dont exist and only Velma and Daphie exist. And have only them as the progtagonists solving mysteries. The series can start with how they met which can happen similar to this 2018 movie Velma and Daphinebut then dont meet Shaggy and Fred and instead they start alone solving mysteries. We must convivce warner bros to do it. I will even sent them a email with this idea.

[@DogNingenAuthor]

I sent you something in your dm on instagram. Can you check it?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Ok will do!

[@tvrotafic]

The Cat Tom Black and White and Bugs Bunny

[@satishtilokani2990]

I have a ida for a animated series called Batman and the teen titans I can use mrz animatatin studio in sunrise Florida I can pich my ida fo owner b et others studio I satish tilokani

[@2cool-he6ih]

What if I want to make a Theatrical animated Superman film like Spider-Verse?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

Realistically, very very difficult. The Superman franchise is very difficult to join as there are experts in all fields waiting in line to tell stories based on Superman and a new movie reboot in the works with James Gunn. To be honest, your best bet is to make something inspired by Superman but with your own original spin (like Invincible or Hancock).

[@2cool-he6ih]

@@SurvivingAnimation What about the Elsewords films?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@2cool-he6ih Sorry what’s your specific question about the Elseworlds Films?

[@2cool-he6ih]

@@SurvivingAnimation if Elseworlds(not connected to the DCMU)films are allowed by James Gunn,then can’t I just make it an Elseworld film?

[@SurvivingAnimation]

@@2cool-he6ih Oh Ok I understand now. In terms of canon and lore, I see what you're saying. But in terms of realistically convincing DC to let someone who hasn't made big budget films, animated series, or significantly successful mass media, it can be a difficult proposition. If you do attempt to discuss wth them, make sure you find the right brand manager at DC and ask them if they're accepting unsolicited pitches for their franchise characters before you pitch. For example, Marvel currently does not. I wish you the best of luck!

[@nicholasthefoxcat9561]

Hi. My name is Nicholas but you can call me Nick. I have autism and am high functioning. Also am a young kid. What's Warner Bros. Animation's email?