As an aspiring animator or cartoonist, getting your show on television can be a dream come true. However, the process can be daunting, especially for those who are new to the industry. In this article, we will take you through the steps necessary to bring your cartoon to life and get it on TV.
Developing Your Concept
Before you can start pitching your show to networks, you need to have a solid concept in place. This includes developing your characters, storyline, and target audience.
Creating Memorable Characters
Your characters should be unique, relatable, and engaging. Give them distinct personalities, backstories, and motivations. Make sure they are well-designed and visually appealing.
Tips for Creating Great Characters:
- Make them relatable: Give your characters universal desires and flaws that audiences can identify with.
- Make them unique: Avoid clichés and stereotypes. Give your characters distinct personalities and traits.
- Make them visually appealing: Use bright colors, bold lines, and dynamic poses to make your characters stand out.
Developing a Compelling Storyline
Your storyline should be engaging, entertaining, and easy to follow. Develop a narrative arc that includes a clear beginning, middle, and end. Make sure your story is well-paced and has plenty of twists and turns to keep audiences engaged.
Tips for Developing a Great Storyline:
- Keep it simple: Avoid complex, convoluted storylines that are hard to follow.
- Make it engaging: Use humor, action, and suspense to keep audiences engaged.
- Make it relatable: Use universal themes and emotions that audiences can identify with.
Identifying Your Target Audience
Who is your show for? Is it for children, adults, or a mix of both? Understanding your target audience is crucial in developing a show that resonates with them.
Tips for Identifying Your Target Audience:
- Research your competition: Look at other shows in your genre and identify their target audience.
- Analyze your content: Look at your characters, storyline, and themes. Who do you think would be most interested in your show?
- Conduct market research: Use online surveys, focus groups, and other research methods to get feedback from potential audiences.
Creating a Pitch Bible
A pitch bible is a document that outlines your show’s concept, characters, storyline, and target audience. It’s a crucial tool in pitching your show to networks and studios.
What to Include in Your Pitch Bible
- Show concept: A brief summary of your show’s premise and genre.
- Character descriptions: Detailed descriptions of your main characters, including their personalities, backstories, and motivations.
- Storyline: A brief summary of your show’s narrative arc, including key episodes and plot points.
- Target audience: An analysis of your target audience, including demographics, interests, and viewing habits.
- Visuals: Concept art, character designs, and other visuals that showcase your show’s style and tone.
Tips for Creating a Great Pitch Bible:
- Keep it concise: Avoid lengthy, rambling descriptions. Keep your pitch bible brief and to the point.
- Use visuals: Incorporate concept art, character designs, and other visuals to showcase your show’s style and tone.
- Make it engaging: Use humor, action, and suspense to make your pitch bible engaging and entertaining.
Pitching Your Show
Once you have a solid pitch bible in place, it’s time to start pitching your show to networks and studios.
Researching Potential Buyers
Research potential buyers, including networks, studios, and production companies. Look at their current shows, target audience, and submission guidelines.
Tips for Researching Potential Buyers:
- Look at their current shows: See what types of shows they are currently producing and airing.
- Analyze their target audience: See who their target audience is and whether it aligns with your show’s target audience.
- Check their submission guidelines: See what types of shows they are looking for and how to submit your pitch.
Preparing for Meetings and Presentations
Once you’ve identified potential buyers, it’s time to prepare for meetings and presentations.
Tips for Preparing for Meetings and Presentations:
- Practice your pitch: Rehearse your pitch until it feels natural and confident.
- Bring visuals: Bring concept art, character designs, and other visuals to showcase your show’s style and tone.
- Be prepared to answer questions: Anticipate questions and be prepared to answer them confidently and concisely.
Producing Your Show
Once your show has been greenlit, it’s time to start producing.
Assembling a Team
Assemble a team of writers, animators, and other crew members to help bring your show to life.
Tips for Assembling a Team:
- Look for experience: Look for team members with experience in animation, writing, and other relevant fields.
- Check their portfolio: Look at their previous work to see if it aligns with your show’s style and tone.
- Conduct interviews: Conduct interviews to see if they are a good fit for your team.
Creating a Production Schedule
Create a production schedule that outlines key milestones and deadlines.
Tips for Creating a Production Schedule:
- Break it down: Break down your production schedule into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Set realistic deadlines: Set realistic deadlines that take into account the complexity of each task.
- Leave room for flexibility: Leave room for flexibility in case things don’t go according to plan.
Marketing and Promotion
Once your show is produced, it’s time to start marketing and promoting.
Creating a Marketing Strategy
Create a marketing strategy that outlines your goals, target audience, and tactics.
Tips for Creating a Marketing Strategy:
- Identify your goals: Identify what you want to achieve with your marketing strategy.
- Analyze your target audience: Analyze your target audience and identify the best ways to reach them.
- Choose your tactics: Choose the tactics that best align with your goals and target audience.
Using Social Media
Use social media to promote your show and engage with your audience.
Tips for Using Social Media:
- Choose the right platforms: Choose the platforms that best align with your target audience.
- Create engaging content: Create engaging content that showcases your show’s style and tone.
- Interact with your audience: Interact with your audience by responding to comments and messages.
Getting your cartoon on TV requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success and bring your show to life. Remember to stay focused, keep working hard, and always be open to feedback and criticism. With persistence and determination, you can make your dream a reality and get your cartoon on TV.
What is the first step in bringing my cartoon to life?
The first step in bringing your cartoon to life is to develop your concept. This involves creating a unique and engaging idea for your show, including the characters, setting, and storyline. You should also consider your target audience and what type of content they would enjoy. Take the time to brainstorm and refine your idea until you have a solid concept that you can build upon.
Developing your concept is a crucial step in the process, as it will serve as the foundation for your entire show. A well-developed concept will help guide the creation of your characters, scripts, and storyboards, and will ultimately determine the success of your show. By taking the time to carefully develop your concept, you can ensure that your cartoon is engaging, entertaining, and memorable.
How do I create a compelling pitch for my cartoon?
Creating a compelling pitch for your cartoon involves distilling your concept down into a concise and engaging presentation that showcases the unique elements of your show. This can include a brief overview of the concept, character designs, and sample storylines. You should also be prepared to discuss your target audience, marketing strategy, and any other relevant details that will help sell your show to networks or studios.
A good pitch should be clear, concise, and visually engaging. You should use a combination of images, videos, and live presentation to bring your concept to life and capture the attention of your audience. Practice your pitch until you feel confident and comfortable presenting your show, and be prepared to answer any questions that may arise. By creating a compelling pitch, you can increase your chances of getting your show noticed and picked up by a network or studio.
What is the role of a show bible in the development process?
A show bible is a comprehensive guide to your cartoon, including character descriptions, backstory, and world-building details. It serves as a reference point for writers, animators, and other crew members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that the show remains consistent throughout its run. A show bible can also be used to pitch your show to networks or studios, providing a detailed and engaging overview of your concept.
A good show bible should be thorough and detailed, including information on characters, settings, and storylines. It should also include concept art, character designs, and any other relevant visual elements that help bring your show to life. By creating a show bible, you can ensure that your cartoon is well-developed and consistent, and that everyone involved in the production is working towards the same vision.
How do I find a production company or network to partner with?
Finding a production company or network to partner with involves researching and identifying potential partners that align with your show’s concept and target audience. You can attend industry events, conferences, and festivals to network with other professionals and learn about potential opportunities. You can also submit your pitch and show bible to production companies and networks that you’re interested in working with.
When approaching a production company or network, be prepared to present your pitch and show bible, and be open to feedback and suggestions. You should also be prepared to discuss the business side of things, including budget, scheduling, and distribution. By finding the right partner, you can secure the funding and support you need to bring your cartoon to life.
What is the typical production process for an animated TV show?
The typical production process for an animated TV show involves several stages, including development, pre-production, production, and post-production. During development, you’ll refine your concept and create a show bible. In pre-production, you’ll create storyboards, write scripts, and design characters and settings. In production, you’ll animate the episodes, and in post-production, you’ll add music, sound effects, and final editing.
The production process can vary depending on the specific needs of your show, but it typically involves a team of writers, animators, directors, and producers working together to bring your concept to life. By understanding the production process, you can better plan and prepare for the creation of your show, and ensure that it meets your vision and goals.
How long does it take to produce an animated TV show?
The time it takes to produce an animated TV show can vary greatly, depending on the complexity of the animation, the number of episodes, and the resources available. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to produce a single season of an animated TV show. This includes the time it takes to develop the concept, create the storyboards and scripts, animate the episodes, and add music and sound effects.
The production schedule can also be influenced by the network or studio’s requirements, as well as the availability of the production team. By creating a detailed production schedule and timeline, you can ensure that your show is delivered on time and meets the expected quality standards.
What are the key factors in determining the success of an animated TV show?
The key factors in determining the success of an animated TV show include the quality of the writing, animation, and storytelling, as well as the show’s ability to connect with its target audience. Other factors, such as marketing and distribution, can also play a significant role in a show’s success. By creating a well-developed concept, engaging characters, and compelling storylines, you can increase your chances of creating a successful animated TV show.
Additionally, understanding your target audience and what they want to see in a show is crucial. You should also be open to feedback and willing to make changes to improve the show. By focusing on these key factors, you can create a show that resonates with audiences and stands out in a crowded market.