ATL FILM FEST: Can You See the T-Shirts and Dolls? Pitching Animation

 with Keith Ingham, Craig Hartin, Charles Askew, and Stephen Mank

• research what they are looking for
• always pays to meet in person whenever possible
• know your market
• know who will be at the meeting and research them-this can help with small talk at the beginning to find common ground and relax the room
• be able to roll with other ideas on the fly
• try to warm-up pitch to other places you're not serious about to hone your pitch
• make them feel like it's partially their idea-let them have input
• do not be married to any one idea-be flexible-it's collaborative
• be very open to feedback
• grab their attention within 5 seconds
• remember:networks want something completely new and examples of where it has worked before
• don't over-develop
• a pitch is a dialogue NOT a monologue
• if you're green, partner with a studio or someone who has developed shows and pitches before-this will instill confidence
• remember-you're pitching YOURSELF as much as your idea