Expert: Russell Calabrese - 3/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: I bet if you had a nickel for everytime you heard this, here it goes anyways.
I have a animated series I want to pitch.
I've heard it all.
You need an agent, you don't need an agent, you have to have this, you can't have that (bla bla bla).
I know there are no rules, however, if you were to embark on this perilous journey, how would you go about it?

ANSWER: Hi Steven,

Simple. Get an agent!

For instance... Cartoon Network isn't looking at any pitches unless they have an agent.
Disney will not give you a decent deal unless you have one.
I'm in the process of getting one now.

I've been doing animation for 33 years without one and now it's time I have to get one.

I hope this helps.

Russell
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: First off, thank you very much for your valuable insight.
I'm looking at a couple of web sites but I can't or don't know how to find a list of agents specializing in animation.

Answer
Hi Steven,

I've been in the business now for 33+ years without an agent and have done OK.
I'm looking for an agent right now for the same reasons you pointed out.
Because of all the litigation concerning "Intellectual Property" it's good to have a lawyer and/or an agent in your corner.

It's very hard to get one as I'm finding out right now.

For just getting a job in the trenches; animator, story artist, storyboard revisionist; you'll probably be asked to have a portfolio and take some test on the show you're applying for.
For this: Agent not required.

Pitching shows and getting a property sold: Agent required.

Hope this helps.


Russell


PS- If I had a nickel for everytime some one asked me this I'd have only about $100.00