Animation Development: From Pitch to Production [Paperback]

David B. Levy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2009 | ISBN-10: 1581156618 | ISBN-13: 978-1581156614 | Edition: 1

Whether a novice curious about the cartoon production process, a visual arts student who has not yet experienced that big break, or a seasoned professional looking for valuable insight, Animation Development is the go-to guide for creating the perfect pitch. David Levy has been through every aspect of the pitching process--preparation, hope, rejection, success--and now he wraps up his valuable experience to deliver this comprehensive guide on the industry and process. Animation Development will help readers discover how to tap into their creativity to develop something personal yet universal, push projects through collaborations and partnerships, set up pitch meetings, get legal representation and agents, and manage the emotional roller-coaster common to the pitching and development process.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Levy is the author of Your Career in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive, the first career guide for animation artists working in North America. Levy has been an animation director for six series to date, including Blue's Clues, Blue's Room, Pinky Dinky Doo, The Electric Company, and Assy McGee. On his own, Levy has completed six, award-winning independent animated films. Levy has served as President of ASIFA-East since 2000. He teaches animation at Parson's School of Design, The School of Visual Arts, and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. He regularly lectures at Pratt Institute and the Rhode Island School of Design. In 2007, David Levy signed a development deal for his own series creation and developed a TV property for an independent producer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 1 edition (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581156618
• ISBN-13: 978-1581156614
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #378,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Animation Development - good insight into how to approach October 17, 2009

By Jonathan Politi

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

David Levy gives a glimpse into what it takes to be successful in animation production, with an entertaining and engaging approach. He shares stories from his career, using his own personal experiences in pitching animation projects, as well as the experiences from fellow animators who have succeeded and failed in the market. There are some great nuggets of advice that he buries in the text and although it's entertaining I wouldn't treat it as a light read if you want to pull the information. His points on how all creators are not created equally resonates through the book - there are some animators who are able to make opportunities based on their connections, their portfolio, their experience and track record. Who you know and who you are matters. If I were to share one criticism with the author, I would tell him to do more "show and tell" - add even more relevant examples of materials like the pitch bibles so that the playing field will be more level and the readers can see more of what works. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the author's approach - a good behind the scenes look at the process.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed! September 18, 2009

By G. Turner

Format:Paperback

Length: 4:15 Mins

Thanks to David's book we aspiring cartoon creators no longer need to resort to repeated 2x4-to-noggin therapy for relief, or spending days on end surfing the net getting advice from who knows who...or even what. I've struggled for some time fearful of spinning my wheels and burning through money because I couldn't find good answers dedicated to the topic of pitching ideas for production. Got the book 2 days ago and burned through it. Would have been done sooner but I have a production day job that pays the bills. A good limitation to have always! So now I'm going to grab my projects and go over 'em with David's book in hand. WHERE'S MY TRUSTY HI-LITER!

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Succinct May 5, 2013

By Producer/Writer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

David B. Levy does an amazing job introducing the many facets of the development process and the competitive edge needed to succeed in this business. For people new to the animation industry, this book will detail the path other creators have taken to develop and pitch their projects and will also give expert advise from network execs. For experienced veterans, Levy's honesty and self-analysis will connect with anyone who has faced rejection or self-doubt while pursuing a dream. This book is an easy read and leaves us with a clearer perspective of what is truly important in life.