Oct 29, 2018

How to Market an Animated Series (Building Trust): Part 3

In the first part of our multi-part series about tips for pitching and selling an animated series, we explored some of the fundamentals of setting up a pitch presentation, while in part two, we explored best practices for communicating ideas clearly.

In part three, we look at techniques for building trust with the audience to whom you'll be pitching your ideas. Combined with the earlier advice, these tips and tricks will elevate your presentation to the next level.

As noted in the first couple sections, remember that pitching practices vary all over the world, so not every pitch tip will apply to every pitching situation. For example, in the United States, most animated series are not pitched at production forums in the presence of distributors and broadcasters. It's vital to do your research beforehand and understand to whom you'll be pitching your project and in what format. Although these tips are based on experiences at European markets specifically, you will find that most of the tips will be applicable to other pitching situations as well.

While creators often pitch solo at American studios, at European pitching events it's common practice to pitch as a team. It helps you with jitters, and moreover it makes your project feel more robust.

When you pitch with several people, make sure all of you look interested while the other person talks.

Be sure to mention anything that shows other parties have already put trust in you or your project.

Know what works for your market and target group, and flaunt that knowledge every chance you get.

Be sure to include a personal note in your pitch. It helps the audience understand why you want to make this project happen, and to be inspired by your enthusiasm.

Instead of you saying how fun/beautiful/special your project is, you should give your audience reasons to think it. Your project's fun/beauty/uniqueness should be obvious from the content in your pitch.

Including jokes in your pitch is a great way to lighten the mood and make yourself memorable. Choose your jokes carefully though; if you're not 100 percent sure you can pull off the right timing and tone of voice, then don't include it. Be especially careful with cheeky jokes that could come across as simply sarcastic/mean/cocky.

Don't be afraid to pause and breathe every once in a while. You'll become more calm, and it actually makes you look thoughtful.