Thread by @FountainCartoon

#animation #cartoons #storyboards #directing #Filmmaking #tutorial #writing #screenwriting
PITCHING A CARTOON SHOW
By John Fountain

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

CHAPTER 2
"How to convince the world that they’re wrong and you’re brilliant!"

You can’t.

Whomp whomp.

NEXT INSTALLMENT - How to deal with disappointment!

Okay, okay… just kidding. Except… well… not really.

No matter how great your cartoon idea is, sometimes it’s simply “Not the right time” or “not the right fit” for whatever entity you’re pitching to.

These are very real factors - among the HUNDREDS of others that can tilt the scales of success in or out of your favor.
If you think I'm being "harsh," just wait until you're sitting across from someone listening to your pitch and hearing them say "I'm just not getting it."

You could have the greatest concept ever forged, take it to every network. Streaming service, internet channel and cable access studio on the face of the earth, and sometimes - MUCH more often than not...

...you will be met with “It’s just not what we’re looking for” along with (if you’re lucky) “Feel free to come back if you come up with anything else!”
This is where you’re faced to re-evaluate what it is you were going for in the first place.
(see Chapter 1 - "Why?")

Obviously, we tell stories because we have something to say. Was THIS story the ONLY thing you had to say? Were these characters the ONLY way you feel inspired to say it? These are valid questions.

These are, however, the questions that separate those who “REALLY WANT IT!” from those who don’t.

(And by “REALLY WANT IT!” I mean a show in the form of a widely distributed property via a media source which is ostensibly what we're covering here)

If you decide that you are content to pursue your goal and willing to tell your stories to a MUCH smaller audience, then there are several avenues at your disposal. In my day, the ONLY alternative was to go with a small-press publisher or self-publish your story as a comic.

In the 90s, there was a wave where indy comics creators were being tapped to develop cartoon shows. Some (a few) were successful and some spent DECADES in ‘Development Limbo’ where their characters never even made it into a storyboard.

Having had to face the fact that my modest little college newspaper comic had run its course, I - too - sought to do indy comics. But having never really been ‘challenged’ prior to this, I did what so many “newborn" creators do...

I unintentionally ripped off my favorite alternative comic (‘Milk and Cheese’ by @evandorkin) and pretended that my idea was original.
What I failed to realize at the time was just how important it is to stare into that deep, dark truthful mirror and ask yourself:

“Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said RIGHT NOW? And, does this need to be said by ME?!”
Was I brining a unique perspective? Why should anyone care what I had to say? Am I just shouting into the void?

Being in my mid-20s and it being the mid 90s, most of what I had to say was very angsty in an extremely trite and - by that time - tired fashion. The realization that I was not, in fact, an “undiscovered genius” hit me VERY hard.

I held on to my first two creations like they were stone tablets with holy edicts emblazoned on them.

It wasn’t until I moved to L.A. and suddenly found myself SURROUNDED by other cartoonists that I began to see my folly. I met people who had pitched DOZENS of shows.

Wait… “DOZENS” of shows!? You mean… you can just… DO THAT?!

I’m happy to report that the answer is “Yes.”

There is a tendency among creative people to let themselves be "ruled" by their creations, so they get 'stuck' digging their heels in on their first idea.

When was the last time you tried something brand new and you were immediately great at it? Like, you jump on a skateboard and INSTANTLY discover that you can pull Tony Hawk moves despite never practicing a day in your life?

How many times have you picked up a musical instrument and without even knowing what to call it, you blow into it and the results are harmonious brilliance?

Never, right?

Creating a show that reaches people is no different.

I’m not saying “Don’t pitch until you’ve studied and researched the fun out of it.” In fact, I encourage you to pitch as much as possible as often as possible because, hey, sometimes you just get lucky.

My point is, treat the experience as just that: an EXPERIENCE!

Every time you pitch and get turned down, you get a little better at BOTH. Every time you come up with a new idea, you work the muscles in your brain that force you to tap into your creativity.
And you needn’t do it alone… meet up with others… swap stories… exchange ideas…

TRY!

FAIL!

LEARN!

The fact of the matter is, if you’ve got only ONE show idea, you are casting a VERY tiny net into the ocean of mainstream acceptance. You may pitch your show and you may even get a bite, but before you know it...

... you’re being asked to change it to fit the agenda of the powers that be until it no longer resembles your creation at all. And then they pass on it anyway. You’ve sold your soul AND you feel dirty about it.

As for convincing the world "they’re wrong and you’re brilliant”… well… that’s a fool’s game. They may BE wrong, and you MAY be brilliant - but “the world” outnumbers you by, like, a LOT.
So, if you’re still reading this and you’re still determined to carry on...

...it’s time to develop a thick skin, check your ego at the door and buckle up because it does NOT get easier as it goes along!
The pain of rejection doesn’t get less agonizing - you just get better at taking it.

Thanks for reading! Please give whatever feedback or input you may have in the comments - and, please, PLEASE retweet, share, and tell your friends about this endeavor.

NEXT INSTALLMENT - "I'm still here... NOW what?!"

Zig-a-Zig AH, party people!

As usual, this installment is sponsored by ME!
So... I shill...

@evandorkin I’m gonna go ahead and take your “like” as forgiveness so that I can sleep peacefully again.

https://twitter.com/FountainCartoon/status/1560250887246839808?s=20&t=ki3qk03UN7o78y8a46O02w