"Buddies" Trailer

[Yosemite Sam]

Hey guys,

Trying to market this show to networks, so I put together a short trailer of the pilot. Feedback is welcome. And I'm not the sensitive type so give it to me!

[Pinesal]

The animation is good. The production quality is that which could be on a network or cable channel.

But from what I've gathered, the most successful animated series's all revolve around a family. Based on that trailer, I probably wouldn't be interested in watching a show like that.

[slowtiger]

the most successful animated series's all revolve around a family

So what? What's the sense in making a general statement like this? "You will not be successful until you make the same as everybody else" or even worse "I don't like it, make the same as all the others, then I might get interested"? Besides, it's not even remotely true. Scooby Doo and Spongebob are not about families.

I say do whatever you like, do it consequently, do the best you can, and it may find an audience.

[3deeguy]

Quote by Pinesal
...But from what I've gathered, the most successful animated series's all revolve around a family. Based on that trailer, I probably wouldn't be interested in watching a show like that.

That sounds like "follow the herd". There is an audience for his work. He has over 600 YouTube subscribers.
My art centers around what I'm interested in. I'll work on my interests day and night. My dream is to find the small audience that enjoys my approach to art and animation. You'll never, ever please everybody.

[Pinesal]

I said that not based on observation but based on what I have heard in various interviews from people trying to get their stuff on network television including Matt Groening.

But you guys are largely right. I didn't mean to sound discouraging. There is an audience for everything.

[shift]

I like the trailer. What you need to do, is find a network, anywhere, that shows content similar to this and use this as your pitch. Don't target stations that mostly go for family series. Go for stations that want highly ereverent stuff. Comedy Central, FX etc.

[slowtiger]

In Europe we have the MIFA as part of the CARTOON program, which is an organisation in support of the animation industry. The MIFA is a film market where "content providers" (that's us: screenwriters, directors, animators) present their goods in hope to get picked up and produced.

You should look for similar opportunities in your area and try to get a leg in.

[3deeguy]

I just did a search on submitting animations to tv. "Fade In Magazine" may be a good place to start.

[heyvern]

I watched all the episodes and thought they were very well done. I actually started to like the characters... to care about them. I tend to avoid programming... uh... of that type of humor. The completely over the top no holds bared type of offensive humor. But in this case, it didn't completely turn me off. I think the main reason I liked this over many many many other of attempts at this type of humor is that the characters are drawn very well and have a "friendly" look and attitude. I have seen others attempt to come up with show ideas based on really offensive humor. What happens is that the quality of the artwork, and the content of the story is so "negative" I just want to turn it off. There isn't anything to soften the blow so to speak. In this case it is the style of the characters that takes the edge off.

As for the "over the top" or offensive humor... anyone watch Brickleberry? Holy cow! Now THAT is over the top offensive humor. They hold nothing back on that show. If that show gets enough ratings to keep it on the air there must be room for "Buddies" somewhere. Of course, Brickleberry has Daniel Tosh promoting the heck out of it and all of his fans watching it. It would be hard to say if that show would be as popular if it was created without the fan base already in place.

[Yosemite Sam]

The animation is good. The production quality is that which could be on a network or cable channel.

But from what I've gathered, the most successful animated series's all revolve around a family. Based on that trailer, I probably wouldn't be interested in watching a show like that.

I get what you're saying, and I'm familiar with that theory. To a certain extent it's true... Unfortunately. I remember Matt Stone and Trey Parker going through the same thing with South Park. They were shopping the show to Fox, I believe, and Fox said: People really only want to watch shows about families (paraphrasing).

Simpsons...

Family Guy...

And even South Park to a point.

It's the broadest, lowest common denominator: Families. We all have them. We can relate to the family drama.

The sad truth is that my humor would never appeal to that demographic. Or rather, that's what the people in charge of these networks would tell me. Maybe they're right. What do I know.

[Yosemite Sam]

the most successful animated series's all revolve around a family

So what? What's the sense in making a general statement like this? "You will not be successful until you make the same as everybody else" or even worse "I don't like it, make the same as all the others, then I might get interested"? Besides, it's not even remotely true. Scooby Doo and Spongebob are not about families.

I say do whatever you like, do it consequently, do the best you can, and it may find an audience.

Wow, never occurred to me, but Spongebob is a great modern day example. It's such a ridiculous premise, yet it works. However that is a kid's show. Or so they say, lol.

[Yosemite Sam]

Quote by Pinesal
...But from what I've gathered, the most successful animated series's all revolve around a family. Based on that trailer, I probably wouldn't be interested in watching a show like that.

That sounds like "follow the herd". There is an audience for his work. He has over 600 YouTube subscribers.
My art centers around what I'm interested in. I'll work on my interests day and night. My dream is to find the small audience that enjoys my approach to art and animation. You'll never, ever please everybody.

Exactly. How many times have we heard successful people say that if you try and please everyone, you will fail. If you go after the money, you will fail. You have to do what you LOVE... you have to be YOU!

Many of the greatest works in history have come from people going against the grain.

[Yosemite Sam]

I like the trailer. What you need to do, is find a network, anywhere, that shows content similar to this and use this as your pitch. Don't target stations that mostly go for family series. Go for stations that want highly ereverent stuff. Comedy Central, FX etc.

Thanks. We're trying brother. It's tough though. You gotta' convince people to put up a LOT of money on an UNPROVEN product/idea.

[Yosemite Sam]

In Europe we have the MIFA as part of the CARTOON program, which is an organisation in support of the animation industry. The MIFA is a film market where "content providers" (that's us: screenwriters, directors, animators) present their goods in hope to get picked up and produced.

You should look for similar opportunities in your area and try to get a leg in.

That's interesting. Thanks. I don't know what we have here in America that is equivalent. I'm aware of a couple of big conventions/festivals, (where you can pitch to TV producers) but not sure if it's the same as MIFA.

[Yosemite Sam]

I just did a search on submitting animations to tv. "Fade In Magazine" may be a good place to start.

3deeguy,

Thanks for that. I'll look into it. Off topic, everyone go see Pacific Rim! Haha, I loved it.