ABSTRACT
Do your Homework Before you pitch your project, do your homework. If you’re not familiar with animation companies, make a list from the credits of a video or series. Or, better yet, get a directory. You can find a directory online at AWN (Animation World Network at https://www.awn.com) or buy a directory from Animation Magazine. Know what each company has on the air or out in the marketplace and, if possible, what they’re looking for now. Find out a little about the executive that you’ll be pitching. What does this decision maker like? If this is a network, study their current children’s programming schedule printed in the newspaper or TV Guide. If this is a production company, find out what kind of animation they’ve produced. Consider the style and content. Ask around. If possible, go to selling markets like NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives at https://www.natpe.org). Attend animation seminars and events where programming and development executives speak. Do research on the Internet by searching for the company and their executives. Check out the archives at AWN. Or research at the library (The Hollywood Reporter, Daily Variety, Animation Magazine, Kidscreen, Animatoon).
