Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Digital Production Arts

Committee Chair/Advisor

Anthony Sumney

Committee Member

Eric K Patterson

Committee Member

Carol Collins

Abstract

My thesis project centers around the production process for creating an animated program. My paper is a record of the development of my pitch bible and my efforts to raise outside interest in the property. I intend to use my work here to enter the animation industry as a jumping off point in my career. My research materials include various “Art Of” production books, Creating Cartoons with Character by Rocko’s Modern Life creator Joe Murray, and firsthand interviews from present and former television industry personnel. In this text I explore television animation pre production to highlight the creation of an Intellectual Property (IP) to appeal towards television executives and audiences. The current television animation industry has reached an impasse regarding the way content creators and crews are treated in regards to their properties. I compare and contrast the merits of working independently on a project via crowdfunding versus working within the larger studio system. The projects helmed by Spindlehorse Studios, namely Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss, and Ashley Nichols’ Far-Fetched, have proven that animated projects can be produced by their creators and funded by the fanbase independently. My plan is to pitch this project to Titmouse Studios, ScreenGems, A24, and FredFilms Studios due to their notably favorable treatment towards their staff and creators.

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