Your bible needs to display where the artist wants to take the viewer.

But There’s More…
The above are the essentials that every pitch needs, but there are other things that can be added.

Some times a concept comes from an existing source, such as a book, toy or legend. Include a history of the story to give the decider a further understanding of the concept’s potential. Perhaps show the extended licensing and merchandising opportunities that this new version can bring. If you wish to add samples of these products to the pitch package, make sure they have your contact information added.

For some pitches (see AWN article: “Pitching Animation: Rules of the Game from the Pros That Play It”) it might be important to include an outline of the educational benefits of the concept and the resources that support the educational mission of the show.

Don’t forget to include the biographies of the creators. The decision makers like to know whom they are working with. In the case of some networks, they are interviewing the creator, as much as evaluating the concept, during a pitch.

Must Haves
Have your pitch book bound. Spiral, comb binding or three-ring, there are so many ways to have your pitch book assembled with covers. Doing this insures that your concept will be secure. No one likes loose pages, nor does it reflect well on you.

Select a method of duplication that allows for change without too much expense. Color copying or printing from a computer will give you the flexibility to adjust your presentation for the individual broadcaster or decision maker.

You need to protect you and your property. Your copyright is essential and should be printed on every page of a pitch book. If you have a trademark or a WGA (Writer’s Guild of America, go to www.wga.org to register your property) number, add these, too. Add a page number just to be safe, as well. Pitch books do get copied.

When adding your pilot, teaser or trailer DVD or videotape to the package, make sure that it has the same appearance as the pitch book and has your contact information. Some presentation folders have a holder for these media being included. You don’t want these to stray too far from the pitch book. On the opening and closing slates of the DVD or VHS, be sure to have your name, contact information and copyright, as well.

Contact information is essential. Have your name, phone number, email address, along with that of your representation, in the pitch book as well as on all other ancillary materials, such as your trailer, or any samples you will be leaving behind.

Payoff
The pitch and the pitch bible are limited only by your own imagination. The look and the feel are up to you. Just be sure to keep the essentials in the package and you will have a pitch bible that stands on its own.

Jan Nagel, the entertainment marketing diva, is a consultant involved in the business of animation and visual effects since 1991. She represents creative producers and productions companies worldwide, including j9 Productions and AGOGO Corp. Hong Kong, as well as being a frequent guest lecturer on the subject of the business of animation. She is also a founding member and current president of Women in Animation International.