Creating A Professional Cartoon "Show Bible"

[Tyler Esselstrom]

I was just wondering if anyone had good advice for creating a so called "show bible" to pitch to studios. What kind of artwork is needed, how the character bios should read, the do's and the dont's so to speak.

heres another example of a show bible. here.

[Vincent Veidt]

The dos and don'ts of animation? It's called "The Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams... I suppose you could animate that. As for an instructional animation video, I made one a long time ago, it featured host "Ted Ium" (a cartoon cowboy) and a lot of actual production photos, a demonstration of the ever crucial bouncing ball, a breakdown of a walk cycle, and some other basic stuff. My video might still be out there on that fancy internet... if not, I'll dive into my wall of DVD backups and try to find it for you if you wish.

[Vincent Veidt]

If you're talking about a show portraying moral guidelines, it's been done... unless you want to tackle the moral values of Charles Manson, it's already been made.

[Teo Acosta]

The moral values of Charles Manson would be a very intense animation.

[Tyler Esselstrom]

Sorry guys I didn't explain myself very well. A show bible is something like this, Show Bible. Ive heard the term used several time when pitching a cartoon to a network.

"The Animator's Survival Kit" is a great book though. I'll rewrite the question so it makes more sense. Thanks gang.

[Vincent Veidt]

David B. Levy wrote a book all about it, it's called "Your career in animation". In it, he mentions that most major studios (specifically Nickelodeon) look for catch phrases and marketability above all. Sometimes you will even be asked to sum up a character entirely using catch phrases. From there, have your target demographics set out before entering a pitch interview (if you even get that far). It's good to walk in with a fully animated pilot or few shorts because that allows your idea to go straight to market testing at very little cost to the company (executive types like saving money). Now come the important things that really have nothing to do with the creative process. You need to name names, fortunately for you, one of the biggest animation producers in the world frequents this site. Try to get Fred to like it, maybe ask for advice, maybe pitch to Frederator and let them negotiate. It's also good to have a reputation in the industry... this is a very good place to start as many prominent and rising stars of animation are right here... it also helps to win a major award, if you can take first at a film festival you have instant credentials. Other than that, just make a good show with high entertainment value, low overhead cost, and lasting series potential. That's all I have for now.

[Tyler Esselstrom]

Excellent info Denny really appreciate it.

[MickMac]

A series bible is not so hard to do. It IS very hard to SELL a show and it can be a very frustrating road to walk down but if you persevere you might find your characters on the cover of Animation Magazine someday.

The Series Bible is a pitching tool to show executives that you have the nuts and bolts down to sell a show to them. It's size ranges from 1 pg ( called a One Sheet) to 15pgs ( A Presentation) and usually consists of a setup ( I.E: What the show is about), character designs and descriptions, what the world is and why it's different or not different from the real world and then a list of either Springboards (think TV Guide) or a season of synopses ( beginning, middle and end). Generally in that order.

Where the good differ from the bad is in your characters and how strong they are. What makes your show so unique that you can't just pull your character out and put (insert character from show here) there in his place? Why is it special?
That's the essense of what you want to get down on paper.
Development Executives are not the brightest or the most talented lot (however there are exceptions) and they need to be shown VERY clearly how your show will make them look good in their bosses eyes. They are not interested in seeing a raw idea and helping you work it through until it's great. They want a great idea right off the bat. No Executive wants to blaze a new trail they want to be the First Follower. They do not want to work for the success because they honestly can't make a show themselves and if they try it might reveal they do not belong where they are. They do feel very confident in telling you why your idea is not good. David Levy's book really hammers this home. I highly recommend reading it BEFORE you go out and pitch to anyone.

Lastly, I suggest learning your material thoroughly before pitching to anyone and I also recommend pitching in person as opposed to mailing it. If you can't commit to actually going there and pitching the show you should rethink whether you want to make a show at all.

[Vincent Veidt]

It never hurts to know someone in the company, either. There are a few more underhanded things you could do, but I won't advocate them here.