Search form

Ideas...

13 posts / 0 new
Last post
Ideas...

Well, if i have an idea for to make an animated movie (lets say more then an hour)... Like a storyline n all is thought out... So if i want to take this idea 1 step foward, but i wana know bout what i'm dealing with...to understand more how all this works... Here's my questions...

1)If I choose to make it independently, how time n money will be used on it... ( Alone and with a Group)
2)If i want to take this idea to a professional company (Disney, Dreamworks, etc...) What should be the best way to introduce and present it...How do i get somebody to listen...
3) If no 2, dont work, is there any other companies tht can be willing to work on it... n again how should be the bast way to introduce and present it...
4) What will my rank be if this idea is taken, how much will i be paid...

gamecon90's picture
Imagination is much more important then knowledge...

Imagination is much more important then knowledge...

K...

K, so why isit hard to get companies to notice other writters?

K, wat if its something different, let say i want to make a 2d animated series... An adventure series... Can it be represented to companies in a way for them to show interest to it...Lets say an anime studio or maybe an american studio...

Well, i dont have a background yet, havent started college... I was juz wondering, if thers an idea tht i would like to work on, is there anyway to make it possible....

Thanks, for the help...

Imagination is much more important then knowledge...

K, so why isit hard to get companies to notice other writters?

Why?
Most "other writers" seldom come with any kind of track record--or proven reliability to write the kind of material the studios are seeking. The studios rely on the people they know because those writers have demonstrated their abilities before.
There's also the issue of intellectual property rights and similar creative issues.
Having outside writers solicit material presents all kinds of rights issues. If the writers are on the payroll their work can be considered commissioned, or work-for-hire and it falls under the propreitary umbrella of copyright protection that the studios insist upon.

K, wat if its something different, let say i want to make a 2d animated series... An adventure series... Can it be represented to companies in a way for them to show interest to it...Lets say an anime studio or maybe an american studio...

Seriously,most studios see "something different" all the time. However, something differetn seldom means marketable, or anythign really different at all.
All creators like to think of their creations as being unique, or worthwhile, but that's not the game studios are playing. They are seeking product, material that can be utilized in a very broad fashion.
Alot of outside ideas tend to be self-indulgent, and like with writers, the studios prefer to have ideas from people with proven track records or created in-house so they can control the whole thing.

Well, i dont have a background yet, havent started college... I was juz wondering, if thers an idea tht i would like to work on, is there anyway to make it possible....

Thanks, for the help...

Honestly............no background in animation............not in college...........no-one will take you seriously. Without something genuine to offer, you have no chance.
Sorry, that's the harsh truth.
You are young (though eager), and unproven.
Aging is automatic, but proven ability is not........I strongly suggest gaining educational and work skills directly related to or inside the animation industry.
ANY kind of skills will start the process for you.

Without actual skills, this is really just another impotent dream witout the faith to properly launch it.

"We all grow older, we do not have to grow up"--Archie Goodwin ( 1937-1998)

Ahhh

Ahhh, interesting... Always knew it woulda be something like that.... Well, i knew tht i have to learn more and all... But what about the script... How do i get better in tht?

Imagination is much more important then knowledge...

But what about the script... How do i get better in tht?

Write more of them.

Learn everything you can about scripts. Read hundreds of them, write thousands. You can find script samples, and books on scriptwriting, on the internet if you search a bit for them.

"We all grow older, we do not have to grow up"--Archie Goodwin ( 1937-1998)

Why?
Most "other writers" seldom come with any kind of track record--or proven reliability to write the kind of material the studios are seeking. The studios rely on the people they know because those writers have demonstrated their abilities before.

Seriously,most studios see "something different" all the time. However, something differetn seldom means marketable, or anythign really different at all.

Are you refering to a marketable "hook" like appealing to people sense of vulnerability or sappiness or patriotism, etc?

As far as I know, big studios almost never buy concepts or scripts for animated features from outside writers. They rely on their own writing staff for that. (Unless you have a very successful novel or series of novels out there in which case they will express interest in them and maybe buy an option.)
You might be better off trying to develop a solid concept for an animated series and peddle that around.

How important would you say is the story, a marketable story, vs a marketable image, would you say?

Are you refering to a marketable "hook" like appealing to people sense of vulnerability or sappiness or patriotism, etc?

Not so much those attributes.

More the attributes that a premise can go a long ways before running out of steam.
A lot of series created by "outsiders" tend to be self-indugent. Either too obscure, unfunny, or limited in scope--or too complex and involved to be practical. Its a difficult thing to juggle. The networks want something that can fit their current overall agenda, but also remain adaptable for later tonal changes.

How important would you say is the story, a marketable story, vs a marketable image, would you say?

The image is what they are going to see first, its what they are going to carry away most from the pitch. The story and concept will just reinforce that.
The same cartoon story can be told any number of different ways, but its real impact will come when someone SEES it.

"We all grow older, we do not have to grow up"--Archie Goodwin ( 1937-1998)

How important would you say is the story, a marketable story, vs a marketable image, would you say?

What Mr Davis said, but it's not the ne plus ultra. Not too long ago, I presented one of my concepts for an animated show to Kids! WB. They explicitly stated they loved the character and colour designs laid down, but it was the overall idea that made the show unsuitable for their target audience.
People tend to judge people they have never before met after the visual impression they get during the first seconds of their first meeting. That impression can have a large impact on their future relationship. I don't think it's a lot different with pitches. If the artwork turns prospective buyers off immediately, you'll need a brilliant concept to make up for that. Their first impression will remain one of disinterest, though, and that's not a good start.

The old rags to riches stories of inexperienced geniuses bringing ideas to mega-businesses and making it big right away has pretty much dribbled into absolute myth - or even urban legend. As was said, big businesses have their own staff, their own agenda, and too much to lose on copyright issues to take massive risks with unknown quantities. A long road awaits anyone taking the corporate route. It usually starts with an internship, then work in a studio for who knows how long. Then the right people must notice you. Then you have to have good ideas when the massive executive doors open. Knowing the right people on the inside and having their trust is the biggest problem. Everyone wants to know them. Everyone gropes for mere nanoseconds of their time.

But if you're passionate about your idea and making a living off of it, you can go down that uncertain road or start small with a website. Draw up your ideas and post them. Make some simple animations and get feedback. Just because a mega-company isn't behind you with thick wallets doesn't mean you shouldn't try something. Start small. Baby steps. Find out if people like your work. And if they don't, decide whether or not that matters. You're young and have lots of options. Keep doors open.

:rolleyes:

What kind of background do you have?

As far as I know, big studios almost never buy concepts or scripts for animated features from outside writers. They rely on their own writing staff for that. (Unless you have a very successful novel or series of novels out there in which case they will express interest in them and maybe buy an option.)
You might be better off trying to develop a solid concept for an animated series and peddle that around.