Try Virtual Pitchfest for access to hundreds of movie production companies and producers looking for the next hot animated series. Virtual Pitchfest allows anyone to pitch their script or series ideas to top-name production companies. There is a fee for the service, but the access you get to the people who can buy your script is priceless. Virtual Pitchfest is easy to use and you are guaranteed a response to every query you submit. There's no guarantee you'll have your animated series optioned or produced, but you do get to approach the big players in the industry. Virtual Pitchfest offers basic pitch packages and a special package that includes coaching that will help you write an effective query letter.
Consider starting small. Independent animation production companies are more willing to listen to an animated series pitch than big companies are. This is because independent animation production companies need good products and understand the concept of trying to make it in a tough business. The downside to selling to a small or independent production company is that you may not get the huge distribution or make as much money on your series. The upside is that you get exposure that can lead to a bigger deal.
Attend as many film conventions as you can. The atmosphere at these conventions is more casual, and your opportunity to mingle with the people who buy and make animation is greater at a film convention. Many of these movers and shakers give lectures at screenwriter conventions and offer the opportunity to writers to pitch if they attend the lectures. Networking is a key in the film industry, and one of the best places to get your name out is at a screenwriter's convention.
An independent animated short film called "The Spirit of Christmas" was produced for under $2,000 in the 1990s by Matt Stone and Trey Parker. The film was distributed on the Internet as a pirated cartoon and became so popular the guys got a deal from it. This was the start of the animated series "South Park." Websites such as Youtube and Myspace offer up-and-coming animators a chance to showcase their work. Create an animated series and draw a huge viewing audience online. This can bring producers to you with a contract in hand. Even without an agent, if you have a hot property a company believes they can capitalize on, they will overlook your lack of representation and pitch to you.