PITCH DAT FUNNY SHOW
Hey Cartoon Kats and Kittens!!!!
Yup…….the Frederator cartoon pitch thing has been going on with all kinds of good cartoon stuff happening!
Now that The Finster Finster Show is on the animation path at Rough Draft, it’s been time to pitch some new stuff.
I’ve been pitching the “Oh……..it’s Larry” show for the last few times to Fred and the gang. It’s been going quite well, with good, solid, creative suggestions happening after each pitch. You gotta figure, we’re working in a creative vacume and these are the times we push pin our creative heart and soul to the wall and wait for the response we’ve been waiting for. Sometimes in areas we never expected. It’s hard to judge what the audience will laugh at, until you pitch that golden gem of an idea!
But, every time I’ve pitched the Oh it’s Larry show, it’s gotten better and better. During my last reboard, the show took on the energy and comedy we were waiting for. Simplicity was the key. I was getting too complicated and needed to streamline the story. This was suggested to me early on and it worked. But, simple is always harder to do because your relying on a strong story and not a lot of extras to use as crutches.
Masters like Chuck Jones and Tex Avery believed in simplicity.
Anyway, pitching for me is like going on stage or running a game show. It’s an adrenalin rush that can’t be beat. I put a description of the characters in the audience’s head then start the pitch. I fall into an energetic tunnel-vision and become part of the show being pitched. I act out the characters with intended voices, putting in the right rythym and timing as I pitch. I can hear people laughing in the background and keep going. When the pitch is complete, I’m totally exhausted and go through a wind down period while the room starts to discuss the show. It’s all good.
My last board was 200 board pages long with 2 panels per page. I reboarded the show almost entirely from the last pitch. And this happened the pitch before that. You get to know the characters so well as you go from pitch to pitch.
This has always been one of my favorite parts of creating a cartoon. But it’ makes a difference when the room “gets it.” We’re lucky because the Frederator group understands cartoons very well, thus having good, smart suggestions when you’re finished with your pitch. But, every room is different in every studio you pitch to. If it’s a tough room, don’t let it throw you. Pitch the cartoon like you always do. You’ll be surprised at what comes out of those quiet rooms too. All the audiences you pitch to, deserve the same respect. Some rooms may need more explaining to. That’s OK. It doesn’t mean you didn’t cover your bases well. It just means they may not be as educated in animation as the rest and need a little TLC and explaination. I’ve created toys including remote control toys for pitches. You don’t need to cover all the unknowns about your show. Remember that the studio and you will act as a team; developing the show from front to back together, if picked up.
If I feel strong about a show, I’ll keep pitching it. If I feel it doesn’t have legs to stand on, I’ll give it up and put it back in the closet. Some shows I bring back out after a few years to rebuild, if I feel they’re strong enough. I don’t go for cheap laughs. I like classic cartoon shows that are smart with no inside jokes. I keep it all on the table.
Have several ideas in your heads at one time. Don’t put all your time on one show. have a few others to work on. It’s fun!
I have several cartoon shows in some form of development at a time, with up to 30 shows on my cartoon aircraft carrier. That’s the way I like it.
That’s my opinion and experience on pitching for what it’s worth.
Enjoy yourself and have fun!
The good time you have will show in the end.
Take care and we’ll talk soon!
Your Cartoon Pal….. Jeff
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On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
“I like shows that are smart with no inside jokes that go over little kids heads.”
that is probably the most misguided shortsighted and idiotic thing i have ever read about cartoons, and i keep reading it over and over from people in the industry.
hence the glut of quality cartoons we have today.
here’s a little experiment:
go talk to a kid like he’s an adult. pretend he’s your age and don’t hold yourself back - watch how he responds.
he’ll engage you and his interest will be constatnt throughout your time together.
now go talk to a kid like he’s a kid.
in other words, talk DOWN to him, because you don’t want anything to “go over his head”. then see how he responds.
those who want to walk on eggshells when making entertainment for kids are insulting them. i am to believe that you understand how Chuck Jones and Tex Avery made cartoons and then two paragraphs later explain your approach is that you don’t want anything to “go over a kids head”
i don’t think i’m talking out of turn here when i say that you have huge misconceptions about how Jones and Avery made cartoons.
On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
There’s a difference between talking down to a kid and communicating smartly so they understand. When’s your next pitch and we’ll be there.
On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Instead of complaining, why not do something about it and pitch?
On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Jeff, thank you for this post, I found it inspiring, and exciting!! I know how you feel about “the thrill of the pitch” when you are all revved up about your idea, and are on stage right along with it..I am sure you had the room rollin’!
On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Wow Jeff, i read the entire thing and its very inspirational. especially to me! I appreciate the suggestions in pitching and all the other advic eyou gave me. This will help me out alot when i pitch this friday! Thankyou so much!!!
On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Tex Avery never even CONSIDERED children when he made cartoons. he made what he thought was funy and smart.
the minute you start tyring to cater to the lowest common denominator of “communicating smartly” you will end up with crap. you think Jim Henson was trying to “not go over a kids head” when he made the Muppet Show?? give me a break. have some guts.
On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Wonderful post, Jeff! Your enthusiasm is always contagious. Thanks for sharing.
On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Thank you, Aliki, Stephen and Anne.
I appreciate your comments back to me very much. They mean a lot to me.
I don’t have the answers to everything in animation, but I like to share my personal experiences with everyone.
We’ll talk soon!
Jeff
On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and expertise with us all! I’m sure the novice as well as the veteran will take something positive from your advice. (It’s too bad we a dissenter in the ranks)
On January 18th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Hi Mommala!
Thanks for your kind response back to me.
And thanks for your great commentary to everyone involved in the Frederator Blog sight.
You spend a lot of time looking and reading everyone’s work.
Take care and we’ll talk soon!
Your Cartoon Pal…..
Jeff
On January 20th, 2006 at 12:00 am
BRAVO! That’s some darn good bloggin’ there Jeff! After reading your post I was thrilled to find that I’m not the only one who thinks like that. Pitch your heart out! Keep it simple! But most importantly remember the Masters. Ther’s alot to be learned by studying Chuck Jones and Tex Avery. (Let’s not forget Bob Clampett!) These days most artists tend to get too gimmicky with technique or the latest technological advance, relying on fart jokes for cheap laughs. It’s refreshing to see someone who doesn’t take the easy route in their story telling. Sure things have changed since the old Termite Terrace days, but one thing hasn’t; audiences still appreciate a finely crafted story. By putting the extra effort into your work you are giving the audience what it deserves. Viva Finster and Finster!
On January 20th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Thanks, Raul!!!
We’re on the same page and we shall rock on into cartoondom!
We’ll talk soon.
Jeff
On February 2nd, 2006 at 12:00 am
Thanks for the info. I am just going through the process and making some connections. What is the biggest mistake that you can do when pitching a show?? And on an other note, after you pitch and its taken, do you lose all rights after you sell? Do you make the money you deserve? Thanks, good luck.