Animation : Animated Series Funding / Distribution Deals by Kilian Muster

Kilian Muster

Animated Series Funding / Distribution Deals

I'm about to complete episode 2 of my animated sci-fi series. I created the pilot and the second episode all in my spare time, did all the writing, animation, artwork, voice acting. The pilot has won 7 awards at various (minor) festivals.

Now I'm wondering how I could get funding or a distribution deal that would allow me to put together a team, improve turnover, and work full-time on this as producer/writer/director.

I'm originally just a designer. I have no connections or knowledge of the film industry, so what's the next step? I know that the film markets are a good place to sell your stuff, but since traveling overseas with COVID is a non-option for me (I'm located in Japan), I'm a bit at a loss what my next steps are.

This is what I have so far:

- Put the two episodes on a distribution/seller platform like Cinnect or Rights | Trade

- Filmhub.io did nothing for me so far (and it's totally intransparent)

- Contact various VOD platforms and try to partner with them (but I think they only sell finished product and don't fund, or do any of them?)

Any hints ideas welcome.

Bob Harper

Hey Kilian Muster you can search for production companies on IMDB Pro that might want to option your show and take it to buyers that they have relationships with.

You can also look for management companies for representation to get you in the door to buyers.

It would be difficult to get independent financing without a clear plan for distribution, so partnering with a production company would be the "easier" road.

Karen "Kay" Ross

Have you put together a pitch for your series? If not, feel free to use Stage 32's free Pitching Guidebook: https://www.stage32.com/sites/stage32.com/themes/two/pdfs/happy-writers/Stage_32_Pitching_Guidebook.pdf

I would highly recommend that you sign up for pitch sessions here on Stage 32! Actually, it looks like Aaron Daniel Jacob from Bento Box Entertainment is still available this Saturday: https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/pitch-sessions/Pitch-Aaron-Daniel-...

If you'd like any specific recommendations, definitely reach out to our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, who is excellent at matching projects with potential executives (or managers, in your case): J.Mirch@stage32.com

Kilian Muster

Bob Harper Thanks, I'll look into that.

Kilian Muster

Karen "Kay" Ross That pitch session seems like a great opportunity, but do you think it would be wise for me to do this pitch session on the phone if I don't really have time to prepare (I've never done that before), or should I rather get well prepared and try another time?

Karen "Kay" Ross

First impressions are important, Kilian Muster, so preparation is definitely recommended. Just know that it could be a while before the people you want to pitch to become available again. Not terrible, you just have to be patient.

Kilian Muster

Karen "Kay" Ross Yeah, it's a great opportunity I don't want to miss it. Well, thanks to the time shift to Japan, I have all day Saturday to rehearse, so I'll take a stab at it. Thanks!

David Kleve

Wow. Very nice! As someone who as done very little animation, that is amazing.

Kumar Sambhav

Kudos Kudos Kudos dear Kilian Muster i know how it feels like, I have access to the kid's screen platform, I will try to find some buyers for you and share contacts. ..if there is a link to your pilots i can share that link on the platform itself, if u want. Stage32 is a big family and I will be very happy to help.

Kilian Muster

Kumar Sambhav Thank you for your support. I can provide screening links/access codes to watch the full pilot on vimeo. I'm also about to wrap up episode 2 (hopefully by the end of this month). Which I will be making available there, too. Please note, though that the target audience isn't exactly kids. The target groups are teenagers and adults with expected rating of TV14 (DLV).

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