Animation Review: Big Jump Productions, Cory Morrison, Interview
Written By Allyssa Lewis
Today I had the pleasure of sitting in on Toon Boom’s interview with Big Jump Founder, Cory Morrison, who spoke on "Creative Entrepreneurship". An action-packed studio animation demo-reel opened the floor to Morrison's recount of how he got to be where he is now. I was surprised to learn that at the early age of 8, he already knew he was interested in working in the animation industry. Now that this is his 19th year in the biz, this demo reel signifies the many trials he endured to get his company started and keep it afloat.
"In a creative business you have your good days and bad days, but it's better to work 100 hours a week for yourself, than 40 hours a week for someone else", he jokes. From his first studio burning down in 2007, to getting his first big break in 2008 with "The Secret World of Benjamin Bear", Morrison outlines for listeners what it takes to create an animation studio. One hour of hard facts, personal stories, and attendee Q&A made way for this list of some key advice I took away from his talk.
Know Your Industry
When Morrison started his company, Big Jump, in 2008, he didn't' have much of a plan, but he did know the animation pipeline. "I knew I needed space and solid contracts", he laughs. Trying to keep things as small as possible, he averages that a show takes about 2800 sq ft, $250,000 - $300,000 (to pay for render farms, rent, tech support, software, people, etc.), 20 - 30 seats, and half of the staff working remotely to produce.
Researching online and observing what networks are currently airing are the main ways he knows what types of shows to pitch. It may take 2-3 years before your idea airs, so try to anticipate the trends. Reading articles from Animation Magazine, and attending events like Kids Screen, Ottawa Animation Festival, and Cartoon Connect are also important.
Who You Know Matters
You have to go to events, rub elbows with people, and gain their trust. When it comes to maintaining relationships, be in it for the long haul. This could take several years, but it will pay off. When you spend time with people, you will eventually find projects to work with each other on, so always make going to events a part of your budget.
Be As Frugal As Possible
Morrison insists “do things as lean as you can, and that will require a lot of elbow grease”. If it's your own project, it's about getting it financed. Look at every avenue you have - grants, gov funds, tax credits, pre-sales, etc., and if you can't get those, then you pay out of pocket. "There is always a gap that you have to fill at the end of the day, and sometimes that means not paying yourself, or paying yourself less" he admits. It’s necessary that everyone wears a lot of hats - including yourself. You do what you have to do to get the job done.
Factor The Risks
Everyone asks for animation tests to see if you can complete the show/task. They are usually unpaid 30-second spots, but they are worth your time, because “the only way people are going to trust you with millions of dollars is if you prove yourself. Consider the risk against the prospect of a project that will pay you for 52 week or so” Morrison asserts.
Most places pay per frame. Usually you want more money than clients can afford, and they will pay less than you are comfortable with, so you have to negotiate. You either have to do what you are comfortable with, or find a way to work with their budget if you really need that project.
Sometimes You Have to Wait
Development is a long road from idea to what you see on tv, so you have to be frugal when spending money to develop a project, or you will keep pouring money into it not knowing if you will ever get it back. Often creatives wonder what the cut off point is, and Morrison suggest that you look at your level of passion. Know that there is such a thing as bad timing and that sometimes your project is too similar to something else. If you have done everything you know to do, and still no one wants it, don't be afraid to put things on the shelf for later. “Set a budget of what you have to work with on a project, and develop it in a way that won't cost you an arm and an a leg” he suggests.
Plan For The Future
If you are just starting out, your plan should be to put the petal to metal. "Get enough small contracts until you get big one. That took us about 4-5 months", Morrison recalls. Also start a library of your intellectual property. It's hard to buy a studio that doesn't own their building and can't hold on to the staff, but if you have intellectual property, then you have got something of value. Make sure your service work pays for you to create your intellectual property.
The full interview will be posted on Toon Boom’s website next Tuesday. They are still taking personal questions for Cory Morrison, and will be answering them as their time allots.
