Top Ten Animation Pitch Mistakes

Pitching - Hit the Bullseye

What is a pitch? A pitch is defined by Wikipedia as "a short summary used to quickly and simply define a profession, product, service, organization, or event and its value proposition". Animators often pitch their projects, hoping to get their own unique project off the ground.  

A great pitch is funny, interesting, grabs your attention, and makes the listener think "wow, that could really work".  A great pitch leaves the listener wanting more.  But pitching is harder than it sounds. Below are some of the most common mistakes in pitching.

Every project needs a poster

1. Lack of Confidence
Rookie presenters tend to lack confidence, and can seem afraid to take up too much space. This hesitancy comes across like an apology to the audience. Be confident - you have a right to be there.

2. Inaudible
Lots of pitches simply can't be heard because the speaker doesn't speak loudly enough - even if they use a microphone. Speak up, and speak clearly. If you use a microphone, hold it just under your chin so the vowels don't pop. 

3. Low Energy 
This is a common problem with many (perhaps even most) speakers.  Many presenters lack energy, and they come across as unenthusiastic.  Speak with passion. If you don't believe in your project - no-one else will.

4. Lack of Preparation
Experienced speakers prepare their pitch well.  An animation pitch needs a great premise, a great story, character designs and - ideally - an Animatic. You might want a poster and a pitch bible - you can read more about Pitch Bibles here.   

5. Not Enough Practice
Experienced speakers practice their material.. You can do this in front of a mirror, or in front of friends or colleagues. Try to simulate the environment of the pitch presentation - including the tech. Practice makes perfect.

6. Too Much Information
Keep it simple. Don't include a lot of writing - people cannot read and listen at the same time. Your goal is to throw out a hook, not invite your audience to read an essay. 

7. Too Much Material
Keep it short. A good animation pitch should be 5-10 minutes long. Don't bore your audience. 

8. Talking too Fast
Speak slowly, especially in a big room where acoustics aren't great. There is no rush. 

9. Reading Your Pitch

Try to memorise your pitch, or use key words in the slides as prompts. This way you are not reading from a script. Reading a script is boring for the audience. 

10. Not Stating What You Need

Who are you pitching to and why? Make it clear what you need to move the project forward. 

Pitching Animation & Cartoons

Pitching is a skill - and an art form - that every animator needs to learn. Whether you are pitching a movie, a TV series, or an idea for a commercial, Life (as an animator) is a Pitch. Some succeed, others don't. But it is an illusion to believe that, no matter how great your work, the world will beat a path to your door.  For more information on how to pitch animation and cartoons, see the blog posts below:

How to Pitch an Animated TV Series

• How to Pitch an Animated TV Series
• UK Animation Industry Returns to Cartoon Forum TV Pitch Fest
• Pitching Animation Movies at Cartoon Movie
• BBC Ignite Seeks Fresh Animation Ideas
• Pitching Animation at Animation Productions Days (APD) in Stuttgart
• Nickelodeon Explains The Art of The Pitch
• Create a Great Animation Pitch - with Chris Oatley
• Where Can Animators Pitch to Producers?

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