I know that creating your own film is something every animator dreams of. I'm certainly no exception, but we all know how hard it is to pull off. I had something I pitched and the studio said the story was intriguing and the characters were quite lovely, but they currently developing another property that overlaps thematically slightly with this. It features characters who are basically imaginary friends so while that’s definitely different from the lore behind your characters, it’s close enough that I wouldn’t want to proceed with both."
Is that just studio talk for "beat it"? If so, what resources are available for indie developers?
I wouldn't interpret that reaction so cynically, it sounds like a legitimate concern and I think you should be proud that they could offer compliments to your work, let alone allow you the time to speak to them. If you're asking if they have rejected your idea then yes, that's certainly how it comes across, but don't be disheartened!
A piece of advice I was given after pitching an animated series was to actually go ahead and create a pilot or a brief segment of an episode, simply because it's easier for commissioners to want to invest in something they can actually see. In your case, having an example of a scene of your film (or even an animatic) could strengthen your chance of separating your project from the ones that a studio might think is too similar.
As for resources, there are animation programs such as Toon Boom, TVPaint, Adobe Flash, Maya (for 3D) and the recently released OpenToonz software, which is free! There's a long list of programs that can help you make your own film. Is there anything specific you're looking for?
Drawing just outside the window before I knock and ask someone to let me in.
Oh, I didn't mean to sound cynical. I guess I meant, do you think they liked it or were just humoring me. I don't think that happens with studios, myself. I do have characters drawn up, but agree I should do more. As for resources, I don't know what I really meant, but I guess I'm looking for help to keep developing this and keep pitching.
How'd you even get into the room to ptich your idea? That's my only problem. I have an incredible cartoon and no idea how to get the right ears to hear it. What'd you do?! If you don't mind me asking..