Cartoon Development
 

W we have an opportunity to develop our book series into a cartoon series and pitch it to a mouse.

anyone ever do something similar? need ideas on protecting our concept, or if it's even possible.

Re: Cartoon Development
 

I have sold toy ideas in the past...very cut-throat. We went through a broker who signed a non-discloser agreement and he marketed our ideas/stuff.

Two of the three ideas hit and sold.

I have since been told that there really is little protection even with a non-disclosure agreement, that the reputation of the broker is really all that matters. If they get a rep for being slimey they lose business.

I made a lot of phone calls before I settled on one. This was pre-internet!

I've pitched and sold. So have a few friends of mine. Unless you're inside the industry, it might be hard without an agent, so I'd start there.

For animation, your best bet to convey an idea is to at least create concept drawings, a spec script, list at least fifteen episodes in three-graph form, and if possible, shoot an animatic of your idea. That way they can't imagine something other than what you have in mind.

if you hook up with someone in the WGA, you can write a treatment and pitch that. The treatment is "protected" by guild agreements, but business is business.

Here's one area where "unions" actually don't suck. I know that some of our local pelicans think they are useless and should be abolished, but they at least provide some ability for creative types to protect ideas.

You don't need to "hook up" with anyone. You send in $20 bucks and a sealed copy of your manuscript. You get a receipt and protection for five years. It's comparable to sending your work registered mail to yourself.

"One area where unions actually don't suck." Animation isn't covered by WGA, so it's a moot point whether they suck or not as a union.

Great information, thanks All! Our NY showroom is good friends with a producer at the mouse; she's seeing her next week and wants to pitch the idea. Sounds like cards should be played very close to the vest.



Sea, can you share your toys that were sold.