Thread by @FountainCartoon

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PITCHING A CARTOON SHOW

By John Fountain

INTRODUCTION

Let’s talk about pitching a cartoon show, shall we?

Before we get started, let me sort of lay down how this is all going to happen.
I’m gonna do my best to give you some perspective on how to go about pitching and/or selling your original ideas to a network or media platform based on MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Why do I put those words in BOLD CAPS, you ask? Because my experiences are unique, personal and potentially outdated. I haven’t REALLY “pitched” anything in over a decade - and that should tell you something right there.

I was active in the animation industry - living in Los Angeles, working on popular series, had an agent, had a good reputation as a “talent” and even with all of that going for me, I sold exactly six shows - only one of which (my first) made it all the way to the pilot stage.

The rest were all in some form of development when I would eventually get word that it was a “pass.”

My point is, THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU!

I’m really sorry to be the bearer of such harsh-sounding news - but it’s the truth.

And that’s why I’ll be approaching this with a two-pronged intent… 1) To give you practical tips on how to put together a pitch, and 2) To give you the advice I WISH I had gotten when I was actively pitching.

This means that, at times, the advice I give is not going to sound altogether encouraging. If you’re here for “validation” or to have someone say “Follow your dreams!” then you are talkin’ to the WRONG guy!

Which is another reason that you should NOT treat what I have to say as “GOSPEL”! It’s far from it. It’s all just MY opinions and perspectives. Other people in the industry may tell you something COMPLETELY different from me and they may be 100% right. I truly don’t know.

Starting today, I'll try to make installments at least once a day, but don’t hold me to that. “Life happens” and I'm juggling lots of projects, not the least of which is being Supervising Director on an upcoming series of shorts for Cartoon Network (no, it’s not my creation).

I absolutely welcome any and all comments, discussion, etc.
But, as usual, my only requirement for participation is “civility.”
I’m HOPING to spark discussion, debates and even disagreements, but the second anyone gets too pissy or mean spirited, they’ll be blocked.

I’m gonna go at this pretty casually, while still making it as entertaining and informative as possible. I’ve found that if I “overthink” stuff, it just never gets done - and considering I’m not making any money on this, I can’t really spare the time to make it “professional.”

So… ya git what ya pay for with this little endeavor.

These essays will probably be riddled with errors, inconsistencies, typos, repetitions and exaggerated hyperbole. One day it’ll be super organized, the next it’ll be all over the map. You have been warned.

Which brings me to “Why am I doing this?”

Well, it’s for a couple of reasons…

Firstly, I get asked “How do I get my own show?” ALL THE TIME and I just figured it was time to put the answer into an easily accessible place so that I don’t have to keep singing the same song.

But, secondly, I want to grow my audience.
I don’t wanna have to pretend that’s not a goal. It is. Why? Because I’ve got stuff happening, and I’m just someone who likes a big audience.

That’s it. I’m not selling t-shirts or looking for subscribers (necessarily)… I just wanna reach a large, diverse population. Not out of a desire for “fame” (I gave that up ages ago) but because I sincerely enjoy helping, entertaining and hearing from lots and lots of folks.

So - please - by all means: Like, share, retweet, cut-and-paste to your heart’s content. Just be sure to attribute it to me and, of course, the artwork - should not be used without my permission. Copyright and Trademark John Fountain 2022 blah blah blah.

I’m sure other people have already done something akin to this - and probably done it better. I don’t need to hear about it. I’m doing it for my own enjoyment as much as anything else, so if someone else is doing a much better job, you can go ahead and keep that info to yourself.

I won’t be numbering “pages.” I find it burdensome. I’m just gonna free-form every day and when I’m done with each chapter, you’ll know by my telltale nod to The Spice Girls, “Zig-a-Zig AH!”

I also reserve the right to abandon this entire thing on a whim without explanation.

If you’ve read this far, then you must TRULY be serious about wanting to learn how to pitch a show, and I commend you for your determination!

I will do my best to make it worth your while.
Until next time…

Zig-a-Zig-AH, party people!

NEXT INSTALLMENT - Pitching a show: Why?

This installment is sponsored by…

My original art for sale!

Go here and follow the links and buy original art so that I can pay off my mafia debts!

https://twitter.com/fountaincartoon/status/1559543389791690752