Screenplay writing for an animation series is very crucial. The written language used in books is very different from the screenplay language and needs specific crew to transliterate in case of adopting a comic book or any other story’, opined renowned animator and CEO of beQ Entertainment, Dr. Christian Jezdic.

Addressing a masterclass on ‘How to Pitch your Animation IP’ on the sidelines of the ongoing 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on Friday, Dr. Jezdic informed that animation shows are a costly business. A 26-minute animation show may cost anywhere between $ 7-10 million.

Finding producers, directors, colourists, screen-players is important, but having an original idea is of utmost importance, he observed, according to a MIB press release on IFFI activities.

Highlighting the evolution of video games, VFX and animation industry from the 90s, Dr. Jezdic said the growth is remarkable and it is replacing the traditional industry not only in Europe and US, but also in India.

“I used to come to India with different companies in the 90s. Now, we are actively working with many companies in India at Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, etc.”, he said.

Here are some of Dr. Jezdic’s suggestions for the newcomers on pitching animation series’ ideas to potential financiers, producers, broadcasters and other stakeholders.

· The best way to make an animation TV series is to have an original idea.

· To whom to pitch your animation IPs? Festival or specific markets. In Europe, it should be done in cartoon forums where more than a thousand producers and broadcasters go to pitch their projects. So, first meet any broadcaster or even YouTube.

· Choose your setup. Avoid reading from a written material to the potential financier if you can. Find your way to remember the topics.

What are the essential elements for a pitch? According to the master himself, the following:

§ Summarise your concept in three rows: Concept, Characters, Universe.

§ Show a trailer, which is short and well made.

§ Introduce your characters in the trailer.

§ Have a storyline to prove that you know the story.

§ Read out your storyline while pitching – show what you have in mind.

§ Think of a design/style as one idea and how it can be made in infinite ways.

§ Know the budget required for implementing the work.

§ Think of your team and partners from beforehand.