Developing Original Content: Four Days to Pitch Perfect
Hey there! Matthan here, and I’ve had an incredible four days of laughter, brainstorming, and a dash of caffeine representing Fizzbuzz, Inc. at the Original Content Development Workshop! Hosted by the Cebuanimation Network and facilitated by Toon City Academy, this workshop was a rollercoaster of ideas, creativity, and invaluable lessons, and I’m here to share every delightful moment.
Meet the Maestro
Our guide through this creative journey was Madeleine Donohue, or Maddy for short. This Canadian powerhouse is a playwright, actress, screenwriter, and story editor with a special knack for crafting whimsical worlds for kids. She is the co-creator of the animated preschool series “Tiny & Tall,” now in production with Little Engine Moving Pictures.
Dhan Patero (Toon City Academy), Madeleine Donohue, and Gabriel Matthan Luceño.
Day 1: Ideation and Logline Creation
The kickoff was all about tapping into our inner child. Maddy prompted us to dredge up our most cherished childhood memories, and boy, did the floodgates of nostalgia open! We feverishly jotted down show ideas inspired by the simplicity and wonder of those innocent days. Then came the challenge of condensing these ideas into loglines—a task that’s easier said than done but oh-so-fun!
Day 2: Logline Workshop and Character Descriptions
We presented our loglines, and Maddy provided feedback with sharp insights that polished them. Next, we made character descriptions for our story. Maddy urged us to focus on actions and behaviors, bringing our characters to life beyond appearances. The workshop catalyzed a deeper understanding of storytelling, instilling in us the power of conveying characters’ essence through actions and relationships.
Day 3: Episode Descriptions and Final Paragraph
Describing episodes is an art—one that requires a thoughtful approach, considering the multiple elements involved. The assignment? Craft episode descriptions that not only distill the necessary elements but also showcase the writer’s skill in conveying humor (if the series is comedic) and demonstrate their ability to generate more creative ideas.
We also discussed the last paragraph of the pitch document, which answers the question, “Why does this show now?” There, we write what the show is trying to say—its message. We can also reference our connection to the material.
Day 4: Mock Pitching
On the workshop’s final day, we had the chance to pitch our hearts out in a mock session, with Maddy playing the role of the discerning producer. Talk about nerve-wracking excitement!
The experience was nothing short of enlightening, especially for those who rarely get the chance to showcase their ideas and receive invaluable feedback. I presented the concept I made during the workshop titled “Not Another Recess,” which was inspired by a high school memory of mine.
Gabriel Matthan Luceño presenting his pitch “Not Another Recess.”
Flor Legaspi character design by Lennard Eugene Abellana
Reflecting on the Workshop
Looking back, it’s more than just a workshop, it’s a journey of personal and professional growth, all thanks to Maddy and the organizers. The skills we’ve honed, and the creativity we’ve unleashed are the stepping stones to exciting future projects.
This workshop was one of the many animation-related workshops organized by the Cebuanimation Network, one of five organizations receiving funding grants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the SkillsUpNet Philippines (SUNPh) program. It’s a testament to the Cebu animation sector’s resilience and the government’s commitment to revitalizing the job market after the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, there you have it—an unforgettable four days of creativity, laughter, and learning at the Original Content Development Workshop. Here’s to the future of animation, and may our ideas continue to dance across screens and hearts! Cheers to Fizzbuzz, Inc., Cebuanimation Network, Toon City Academy, and the incredible Maddy!