Hi everyone! This is my first post in here, so if this question is best posed in another area, please let me know.
I graduated from a post-grad TV Writing/Producing program last year, and have been focusing on writing animated comedies for everyone from pre-school to adult. I recently got some good feedback on an adult script, with the recommendation for the next step being to seek out production companies that may be interested in the project.
My question to you veterans of the industry: What do you look for in a company to potentially partner with? Is it better to see big, renowned ones, or try to get in with smaller companies? Should I aim high and pitch to the big wigs or send a general email through the form response on the website? What companies do you personally love?
I'm new and haven't got this far before, heh. Thanks in advance for any insights, and great to meet you all!
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Hi Cam Parkes! So glad that you're here! Personally, go to the companies making projects like yours, and don't settle for anything less than someone who will be the biggest cheerleader for your project :)
If you shoot me an email at success@stage32.com, I can recommend some animation experts who are available for feedback here on the platform
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Welcome to the Animation Lounge, Cam Parkes, and congrats on completing your post-grad program! I will definitely second what Emily said, "go to the companies making projects like yours, and don't settle for anything less than someone who will be the biggest cheerleader for your project" and in fact, double down - email her as we have LOTS of execs who specialize in animation!
I LOVE that you're thinking about what YOU want in a partner, and not just why THEY are looking for in you. HOWEVER, when you said you're developing animated comedies for everyone from pre-school to adult, it sounds like you're making every genre of animation. Is that right? If so, I would consider focusing your "type" of comedy so that future partners know what it is you do best. If you meant that you write 4-quadrant (family-friendly) comedies, then the question you need to answer beyond that is, "what age range is your intended audience?"
Take MoonBug Entertainment, for example, the studio behind CoCoMelon and Blippi. They tailored their content to early child development, 0-5 years old. Sure, it's appropriate for all ages, but it's not engaging for all ages. AND if you decide to write in that age range, don't attempt 7-12 yr old material like Avatar: The Last Airbender (one of my favorites).
Also, do your research about what "big, renowned ones" qualify as - MoonBug was acquired for $3billion, but I've never heard of it until I moved to LA 4 years ago.
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Hi Cam Parkes - it's great to meet you here in the community. Congratulations on completed your post-grad work. I third what Emily said. I also recommend this upcoming Stage 32 webinar called TV ANIMATION 101. There's a Q&A with Brandon, a dedicated lounge where you can network with other creatives and I think you'll get a lot out of it: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/TV-Animation-101-How-a-Hit-Animated-Sho...
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Emily J Thanks so much, Emily! I will send you that email shortly!
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Karen "Kay" Ross thanks you for the insights, Karen! I've written scripts/outlines etc. in pre-school, tween, adult, etc. but focusing on one makes sense. I appreciate the advice!
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Sam Sokolow Thank you, Sam! I will absolutely check out the webinar - I appreciate the link!
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I suggest pitch everywhere you can get a foot in the door. I have heard good advice though which is to prep your pitch for your audience. One pitch doesn's serve all. Could it be a tv series.. could it be a film etc..