Every try to get a cartoon sold?

[Cullen]

Have you ever created a cartoon series at home and tried to get it sold?

All my life, I've created and drew original characters and ideas for cartoon series. A few years ago, I tried to mail my ideas to famous cartoon studios like Hanna-Barbera, Disney, WB, Klasky-Csupo, and many others hoping they'd like my work and want to make them animated specials or series. But so far, all I got were rejections and my works mailed back. Some said they don't accept outside work while WB said my project was worth while but wasn't in the direction they were going in right now.

Maybe one day I'll get one of my cartoons sold and hopefully join the ranks of famous cartoonists like Matt Groening, Chuck Jones, Seth MacFarlane and John K. But I've been dreaming that for many years though.

[aalong64]

I don't think I've ever heard of any studios making a pilot, special or series based on something that was mailed to them (it's probably happened, but I've never heard of it). I've heard of comic book companies printing comics that were sent to them though.
Normally, concepts for animation are pitched in person, or thought up in exec meetings.

I'm thinking of doing something like this... I might create a pilot film on my own or something, write a series bible or proposal, or both, and then maybe shop it around, or at least try to generate interest by showing it at festivals, etc.
I'm still not sure what the best way to do it will be, especially with the constant changes in the market, new technology and all that. In a few years, the animation scene will probably be drastically different, and who knows what changes and trends will appear?

[Dee]

A pitch is also an excellent way to get real feedback from them, and not just a form letter.

It helps you make changes so you can re-pitch.

[Cullen]

I don't think I've ever heard of any studios making a pilot, special or series based on something that was mailed to them (it's probably happened, but I've never heard of it). I've heard of comic book companies printing comics that were sent to them though.
Normally, concepts for animation are pitched in person, or thought up in exec meetings.

I'm thinking of doing something like this... I might create a pilot film on my own or something, write a series bible or proposal, or both, and then maybe shop it around, or at least try to generate interest by showing it at festivals, etc.
I'm still not sure what the best way to do it will be, especially with the constant changes in the market, new technology and all that. In a few years, the animation scene will probably be drastically different, and who knows what changes and trends will appear?

I wish you luck with that idea. I'm also thinking maybe I'll make a cartoon and post it on the internet for everyone to see. And if it ends up becoming popular, maybe someone will contact me and want to make it an animated series. I believe the Homestar Runner series started out as an idea by two guys. They put it on the net and look how popular it's suddenly become.

[kempobot]

get a site. if it gets popular, they'll come to you. :)

[Cullen]

get a site. if it gets popular, they'll come to you. :)

Thank you. I'm working on a new cartoon series right now and I'll see if I can try getting it posted.

All this reminds me of an Animaniacs episode where the Warners tried to get a screenplay sold to Mr. Plotz. And they give tips on selling a story. Like how to pitch, learning to shmooze, and learning the variety speak so that Hollywood producers can understand you.

And also, Bart Simpson created a comic called Angry Dad where someone wanted to make it an internet cartoon.

[aalong64]

I'm pretty certain that both of those instances were more for entertainment value than to actually teach how to pitch or start a series. There are a few good articles on the internet about it, here:
http://mag.awn.com/index.php?ltype=search&sval=pitch

[Cullen]

I'm pretty certain that both of those instances were more for entertainment value than to actually teach how to pitch or start a series. There are a few good articles on the internet about it, here:
http://mag.awn.com/index.php?ltype=search&sval=pitch

Thank you for the link. I found lots of interesting info. Like Amy Poehler pitching an idea for a cartoon. I wish her luck with it.

I also remember Gary the Rat starting out as an internet cartoon, then Spike TV ended up making it a short lived TV series.

[Hordesman]

Thank you for the link. I found lots of interesting info. Like Amy Poehler pitching an idea for a cartoon. I wish her luck with it.

I also remember Gary the Rat starting out as an internet cartoon, then Spike TV ended up making it a short lived TV series.

If you decide to pitch, it's best to know whether or not you want to be in charge of the production or not. Because if you go to a studio with your idea and don't have industry experience, at best you'll be a consultant.

[Wussycat]

I have an idea for a cartoon. I'm waiting until I go to college, where I can hopefully make a pilot with Flash.

The BBC and Channel 4 occasionally ask people to send them their ideas for new animated shows.

[Cullen]

I also heard if you do manage to get a cartoon sold, the executives might make some or a lot of changes in your creation. Like changing the characters around, adding their own characters, changing the plot, or making it from a comedy to a drama or vice versa. Until it's something you don't recognize anymore, and then they take all the credit and then say goodbye to you. I'll probably have to prepare for that if I ever do get one of my works sold.

[Shredder565]

I also heard if you do manage to get a cartoon sold, the executives might make some or a lot of changes in your creation. Like changing the characters around, adding their own characters, changing the plot, or making it from a comedy to a drama or vice versa. Until it's something you don't recognize anymore, and then they take all the credit and then say goodbye to you. I'll probably have to prepare for that if I ever do get one of my works sold.

Which is exactly why I don't want to go to Hollywood anymore after interviewing some TV pro's and reading the Book, 'The Late Shift'. Too much slimy business practices, and we have all the technology we need to do it on our own now adays, anyway. It may not come off as polished as the pro's stuff, but it's just as do-able..

Plus, you're in control of all your own content. Only downside is that it's a HUGE learning curve.