Pitch Perfect Animation - by David B Levy (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Go-To Guide to Crafting Pitches for Any Animation Artist and Every Audience

Is the system of animation development hopelessly broken? Author David B. Levy argues that if it is broken, it's not for the first time, and, more importantly, he doesn't care. And in Pitch Perfect Animation, he suggests that readers shouldn't care either. Sassy, huh?

The goal of this book is not to exclusively help animators create the perfect pitch to sell to a buyer in the traditional model of animation development. While that might happen, a pitch might just as likely be used as part of Kickstarter materials. Or maybe it will simply be a "North Star" document that you follow with your co-creators to launch your own "Tiny Chef" on Instagram. The point is, understanding how to develop and document your idea can serve the animator's journey, no matter the destination, semi-broken industry or not.

This comprehensive guide will show animators how to tap into something personal, be informed by research, and organize pitches efficiently. Come along for the ride as a successful animation development professional shares his tips and trips and shares the advice of top talents in the business of making episodic animated series--including celebrated creators Natasha Kline (Primos), Rachel Larsen (The Tiny Chef Show), Lauren Faust (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic), Craig McCracken (The Powerpuff Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Matt Fernandez (Dino Ranch), Jennifer Twomey & Traci Paige Johnson (Gabby's Dollhouse), Emily Brundige (Strawberry Vampire), Halle Stanford (Wowsabout), Gary Doodles (Breadwinners), as well as leading executives such as Rob David (Mattel), Bin Jeong & Marina Lee (Pinkfong), Joe D'Ambrosia (Sony Pictures TV - Kids) Linda Simensky (former head of content for PBS Kids), Eric Calderon (Surviving Animation, LLC), Madison Pierce (Scholastic), Koyalee Chanda (Lion Forge Entertainment), Ellen Doherty (Fred Rogers Productions); and dozens of others.

Review Quotes

Praise for Your Career in Animation and David Levy:

"I want to put this book into the hands of every single soul who feels drawn to the field, and every single fan with a desire to know more about the medium. The industry needs new voices. One of those new voices could be yours." --Loren Bouchard, creator of Bob's Burgers

"Behold! David Levy has distilled very hard earned wisdom in this book that shall be monumentally helpful and inspiring to all those starting their adventures in our beloved animation industry." --Jorge Gutierrez, creator of El Tigre, The Book of Life, Maya and The Three

"David Levy's wonderfully comprehensive book will help anyone with a passion for animation to navigate a long, rewarding career in this fascinating, ever-changing world!" --Brooke Keesling, head of animation talent development at Bento Box Entertainment LLC

"I picked up the first edition of Your Career in Animation when I was starting my career in animation. Animation isn't accounting or banking. There's no clear route or rules to starting a career, you just have to find your way, and with the knowledge in a book like this the path is a little bit more illuminated." --Mike Hollingsworth, supervising director, BoJack Horseman

"David Levy has blessed us with a comprehensive tome on careers at every level of animation, from the budding beginner to the dazzling demigod." --Minty Lewis, cocreator, The Great North

"It's a cartoon jungle out there, but David Levy's career manual is full of valuable advice and anecdotes for the industry-oriented, the independent, novice, student, or veteran animator." --John Canemaker, 2006 Academy Award Winner; Director of Animation,
NYU Tisch School of the Arts

"A long time ago I used my super powers to travel into the distant future and read David Levy's incredibly informative Your Career in Animation. And today, I have my own show, am married to five super models, and have an army of giant ninja robots at my command. Coincidence? I think not." --Mr. Warburton, creator of Cartoon Network's Codename: Kids Next Door

"David Levy has presented a fantastic road map through the animation industry, as well as a most engaging read." --Linda Simensky, PBS Kids

About the Author

David B. Levy is the author of Your Career in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive (2nd Edition), the essential career guide for animation artists working in North America. Levy is the head of studio at Pinkfong USA, where he leads a team developing and producing original short-form content for YouTube and long-form series for top streamers. Previously, Levy was the director of animation at Disney+, where he led a team making original short-form content for social media, including several series for Lucasfilm and Pixar. Levy has developed and sold original projects to Disney Jr, Netflix, Warner Bros. Animation, Apple+, Silvergate Media/Sony Pictures Television, Discovery Kids, Amazon Kids, YouTube Originals, and Peacock. Levy has also directed and supervised series and pilots for Nickelodeon (Blue's Clues), Cartoon Network (Assy McGee), Sesame Workshop (Word on the Street), and Fox Broadcasting Company (Bob's Burgers). Levy has lectured and taught at Parsons, SVA, NYU, RISD, and Pratt, and was president of the New York chapter of ASIFA (Association International du Film d' Animation). He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, daughter, and cat.