Developing originalanimation content is time-consuming and requires a huge amount of capital. Aquality project proposal is the primary factor in attracting the interest ofpotential readers, producers, or investors. I have compiled my personalexperience of preparing project proposals over the years below in the hope thatit will be helpful to students who are interested in developing originalanimation content in the future.

A good originalanimation content proposal, whether it is a short film, a video, or a featurefilm, comprises the following main components:

1. An engaging story concept

2. Heart-wrenching character portrayals

3. A unique worldview

4. A complete story synopsis

5. A discernible visual style

6. Effective marketing

The details aredescribed as follows:

 1. Anengaging story concept: In one page, summarize your work and uniqueness in aconcise and compelling synopsis that conveys the essence of the story so thatit captures the attention of potential readers, producers, or investors. Thestructure should contain the following elements:

a. Themain characters and their situations: A short introduction to the maincharacters and their situations or predicaments. It should establish the toneof the story and make us care about the main characters.

b. Theantagonists and their conflicts: Introduce the antagonists of the story, themain conflicts, or obstacles that the main characters must overcome and face.It should create tension and make the audience eager to know how theprotagonist will resolve the conflict.

c. Risk:Establish what is at stake for the main characters if they fail to overcome theconflict. This creates a sense of urgency and keeps the audience focused on theoutcome.

The following is anexample that fits this structure:

“When a strugglingsingle mother discovers that she has a rare disease that will kill her withinsix months, she must work with a rogue scientist to steal a cure from a corruptpharmaceutical company before time runs out.”

This story introducesthe main character (a struggling single mother), the antagonist (a corruptpharmaceutical company), and the conflict (the theft of the cure). It alsoestablishes the stakes (death in six months if the cure is not obtained),creates a sense of urgency, and pushes the audience towards caring about theoutcome.

 2. Heart-wrenchingcharacter portrayals: Next, spend some time describing your main characters.Include a detailed description of their personalities, characteristics, andmotivations. Consider creating character sheets with illustrations andbackstories to bring the characters to life. Here are a few key elements that acompelling protagonist needs to possess:

a. Goals/Desires: The protagonist should have clear goals that drive their actions and decisions throughout the story. These goals should be specific and attainable, and related to the overall theme of the story.

b. Flaws: No one is perfect, and your protagonist should be no exception. Give your protagonist some flaws to make them relatable and authentic. Flaws can also create tension and conflict in the story.

c. Motivation: What drives your protagonist to pursue their goals? Understanding their motivations will help you develop a more nuanced and complex character.

d. Growth/Character Arc: A compelling protagonist should experience some kind of personal growth or change throughout the story. This can be a positive change, such as overcoming a deficiency or achieving a goal, or a negative change, such as a moral decline.

e. Backstory: A character’s backstory can help explain their motivations, goals, and flaws. Developing a rich and complex backstory can make your protagonist feel more realistic and three-dimensional.

7. Teamintroductions and production details: Finally, list clearly all productiondetails such as the format, target audience and budget, and include a briefbiography of your creative team, such as the writer, director, and animationdirector, etc.