In an extreme example: would you pitch the next Blue’s Clues to Adult Swim or the next Aqua Teen Hunger Force to Nick Jr.? Blue’s Clues © Nickelodeon. Aqua Teen Hunger Force © Cartoon Network.

“WATCH, WATCH, WATCH the network,” says Kim Keith, manager of animation development for Nickelodeon, “Watch at least one episode of every show currently on the air. This is the quickest way to get a keen sense of the network’s programming and tone. You’ll know right off the bat whether your series about a platypus who teaches math skills is right for the network.” She also points out that most networks have development executives that specialize in specific programming. Keith’s specialty is comedy for kids 6-11.

If you don’t have access to the channel, Belanger suggests surfing the broadcaster’s website to get a strong sense of the network’s identity and the programming grid.

“Talk to broadcasters,” says Schultz. He says broadcasters don’t mind telling what they are, and are not, looking for. After all they think you might bring them their next hit. Belanger, Cahn and Keith suggest calling the networks to get answers to what they are looking for. When calling, Keith suggests that this is not the time to pitch. It is an opportunity to ask some key questions, such as what is the target audience, the genre, what the network is looking for and what they are avoiding. Keith says not to expect an appointment to pitch and not to take this as a slap in the face. Most networks receive thousands of pitches each year and can’t possibly hear all ideas in person. If an idea is sent in to Nickelodeon, be assured that it will be read and will be responded to within 4-6 weeks.

“If you start the dialog with Nickelodeon saying, ‘I am gonna pitch you a show about a little Hispanic girl who talks to the audience,’ they are going to think you are clueless and have no idea what you are doing,” says Schultz about doing your research.

“The credibility of any producer/creator suffers a great deal when they pitch something that is clearly not appropriate as it is an obvious indication that this person is not serious or doesn’t understand the market or has not done the homework properly,” said Belanger.

“I don’t believe you can really figure out what they [networks] will want until you spend some time with them,” says Graziano. Another way to learn about networks is to attend television markets and trade shows, such as MIPCOM, MIPTV, NATPE, KidScreen Summit and more. These are great places to meet programming, development and acquisition executives from the various networks, channels and broadcasters. By the very nature of a two- or three-day conference, time is of the essence.

Again it is important to do homework before requesting to see anyone at these events. Executives have scheduled meetings back to back, almost on the half-hour; so knowing who and why you want to meet them is being respectful of their time.

If you are reading this and have the next great television series and think you are ready to pitch it, take the advice of the experts -Watch, Read, Listen and Ask.

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 Prods. 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.