already out there. High quality will pay off later. As a rule, the script is still initially written in
master scene format. There are far fewer changes to the finished script than there are to that
of the theatrical feature. At the major studios direct-to-video or DVD features are often
sequels. In writing a sequel you must analyze your original cast.Who is the best character? You
might want to write the sequel around him. Which characters do you keep in, and which can
you afford to drop? What’s the best angle for a new story? What’s important to retain from
the original? DVDs need added value (games, behind-the-scenes clips, artwork, etc., geared
for both adults and kids). Small animation studios can produce an original direct-to-video or
DVD feature on a much smaller budget than a theatrical feature and still expect to make
money, as they are cheaper to make, easier to distribute, and require less money for promo-
tion. As with TV animation, each studio has its own twist on the process.
The Television Feature
Once in a while television buyers are interested in broadcasting a feature or a feature
package. In that case the budgets are probably even lower than those of the direct-to-video
features. To get budgets down and interest in the films up, the television feature story will
probably have marquee value rather than being an original. Sometimes old classics that are
now in the public domain will be used and updated with a new twist. License fees will prob-
ably not cover the costs to make the feature, but if the title is saleable on its own, then the
film can recover costs later by international sales. Of course, with budgets that are so low,
the television feature may be even lower in quality than the direct-to-video feature, but that
doesn’t mean that the writing can’t be top notch.
Feature Financing and Distribution
There are many methods used to obtain film financing. Features can be financed by interna-
tionally preselling certain rights (book rights, video rights, TV rights, game rights, certain mer-
chandise rights) or territories (the distribution rights in certain areas). Some governments
will help provide financing. Film funds or grants may be available for independent films. Euro-
peans can obtain financing with the help of Cartoon Movie, an annual forum for European
animated films. At least one company financed its feature by issuing new corporate stock.
Interesting the consumer products group or the music division of a large corporation in
your concept could help to gain support for your feature pitch at that corporation. Projects
need instant appeal from a logline pitch, and budgets must match realistic marketing
possibilities.
Product placement is the practice of obtaining marketing assistance or fees for placing
certain commercial products in a film. The animated film 8 Crazy Nights(2003) expected
almost $100 million in marketing support from the product placement in their film. However,
companies that ante up good money for their product or company logo might also expect
to see instant stardom for their product on film, and they could demand story or artwork
changes for that ka-ching of the cash register.
Some small studios do their own financing, working on the development and produc-
tion slowly in between other projects. This method, of course, can take years. Some compa-
nies have tried setting up a website about their film to help obtain financing. A website that
allows visitors to see digital dailies, see designs, hear newly composed music, and get infor-
The Animated Feature 277