How to Write for Animation

by Jeffrey Scott

In recent years, the world of animation has expanded far beyond the Saturday morning cartoons that generations of Americans grew up watching. Recent years have seen a boom in animation―hit prime-time television series, blockbuster cutting-edge digitally animated features, conventional animation. The expanding market is luring writers who have an eye toward the future and an eagerness to work in a medium where the only limit is the depth on one’s imagination. With step-by-step instructions and the insights of a seasoned veteran, award-winning animation writer Jeffrey Scott details the process of developing even the vaguest of ideas into a fully realized animation script. He details every stop on the road from inspiration to presentation, with sections on premises, outlines, treatments, description, and dialogue, and much more.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Art

Paperback

First published June 10, 2002

Reviews

[David Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most helpful books I have ever read. I and several of my friends are in the planning stages of writing an animated tv show in the hopes of having a production company pick it up. I already know the basics of plot and character and even how to write a screenplay, but this book is invaluable in learning the basics of writing for tv animation. The author, Jeffrey Scott, had at the time of the books publication 20 years of experience in that industry and has a lot of insight into what it takes to survive there. He also avoids overcomplicating his explanations and writes as simply as possible, making his points succintly and without confusion. Overall, "How to Write for Animation" is invaluable for anyone without experience in the animation industry who wants to get started there.

[Toby · Rating 5 out of 5]

re-reading again for the 3rd time

[Sebastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on screenwriting I’ve ever read (yes, I’ve read Robert McKee). Jeffrey Scott has created a tome that puts everything you need to know in layman’s terms, not just for animation writers, but really any one who wants to write/pitch a screenplay. The exercises included, while few, were very engaging and fun. It was great that he showed the whole process, from conception to full completed script, of a TMNT episode he did, detailing every step along the way. His process for planning our story beats has already changed the way I approach writing a script, and his sample production Bible was extremely helpful to look at as well. He also just seems like a nice, funny guy. If you have any interest in animation, screenwriting, story planning etc., read this immediately!

[Haditha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is really helpful. :)

[Dwayne Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank youuuuuuuu

As ana ambitious animation screenwriter this book was extremely helpful. Scott’s honest view of the industry back then and it’s trends clearly came through. What I love most about the book is that he didn’t try to present something he is unfamiliar with. He stuck to his niche and gave you enough to prepare you for the industry and to start writing right away.

Great book for those wanting to write for the animation business

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book with a smile on my face.

There were moments that I definitely browsed through rather than read properly, as I was reading it for a particular research purpose, but when I did slow down and take in everything Scott was saying, it was invaluable!

I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that he doesn't labour the point of how to establish a three act structure or the heroes journey - all things that are very important to understand, but that every writing book I've read repeats over and again. His tips are very down to earth and can be summed up in neat to-do lists, which was exactly what I was hoping for.

It was also a lot of fun reading a book by someone who had written on a good number of cartoon shows I used to watch growing up. It made it almost like reading a book by an old friend, who I hadn't heard from in a while.

[Lora Covrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeffrey Scott has so much knowledge that it must have been difficult to condense into one book. Still, I learned a lot about animation and writing in general. Good motivational tips at the end that apply to all writing.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and helpful. I wish there had been a bit more about how to pitch a pilot, but still very much enjoyed it. My kindle edition couldn't handle the typesetting of the sample script though, so that was a bit challenging to read.

[Marsha Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little outdated, and mostly about children's television and not adult animation or movies.