Pitch Perfect Animation

The Go-To Guide to Crafting Pitches for Any Animation Artist and Every Audience Is the system of animation development hopelessly broken? Author David B. Levy argues that if it is broken, it's not for the first time, and, more importantly, he doesn't care. And in Pitch Perfect Animation, he suggests that readers shouldn't care either. Sassy, huh? The goal of this book is not to exclusively help animators create the perfect pitch to sell to a buyer in the traditional model of animation development. While that might happen, a pitch might just as likely be used as part of Kickstarter materials. Or maybe it will simply be a “North Star” document that you follow with your co-creators to launch your own “Tiny Chef” on Instagram. The point is, understanding how to develop and document your idea can serve the animator's journey, no matter the destination, semi-broken industry or not. Come along for the ride as a successful animation development professional shares his tips and trips and shares the advice of top talents in the business of making episodic animated series––including celebrated creators Natasha Kline (Primos), Rachel Larsen (The Tiny Chef Show), Lauren Faust (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic), Craig McCracken (The Powerpuff Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Matt Fernandez (Dino Ranch), Jennifer Twomey & Traci Paige Johnson (Gabby's Dollhouse), Emily Brundige (Strawberry Vampire), Halle Stanford (Wowsabout), Gary Doodles (Breadwinners), as well as leading executives such as Rob David (Mattel), Bin Jeong & Marina Lee (Pinkfong), Joe D'Ambrosia (Sony Pictures TV - Kids) Linda Simensky (former head of content for PBS Kids), Eric Calderon (Surviving Animation, LLC), Madison Pierce (Scholastic), Koyalee Chanda (Lion Forge Entertainment), Ellen Doherty (Fred Rogers Productions); and dozens of others. This comprehensive guide will use proven expertise to show animators how to tap into something personal, be informed by research, organize elements efficiently, and be successful in their pitches.

David B. Levy is the author of Your Career in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive (2nd Edition), the essential career guide for animation artists working in North America. Levy is the head of studio at Pinkfong USA, where he leads a team developing and producing original short-form content for YouTube and long-form series for top streamers. Previously, Levy was the director of animation at Disney+, where he led a team making original short-form content for social media, including several series for Lucasfilm and Pixar. Levy has developed and sold original projects to Disney Jr, Netflix, Warner Bros. Animation, Apple+, Silvergate Media/Sony Pictures Television, Discovery Kids, Amazon Kids, YouTube Originals, and Peacock. Levy has also directed and supervised series and pilots for Nickelodeon (Blue's Clues), Cartoon Network (Assy McGee), Sesame Workshop (Word on the Street), and Fox Broadcasting Company (Bob's Burgers). Levy has lectured and taught at Parsons, SVA, NYU, RISD, and Pratt, and was president of the New York chapter of ASIFA (Association International du Film d' Animation). He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, daughter, and cat.