I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience writing for an adult cartoon, and would be able and willing to give any tips or guidance on giving the scripts some finesse (having never written before).
Really it's what level of detail do I need to go into in description, I imagine before animation concept art will get drawn up, so do detailed character description really need to be in there? Also just any tips you have to help give the scripts some finesse, any mistakes novice writers often do that I could escape?
Yea, basically enough description to allow us to picture them. but i would strongly strongly recommend trying to find an artist or animator that can do a mockup of your characters and design, which you will need before you pitch/submit to places anyway.
Hi, I find that writing the screenplay and then trying to animate doesn't work (for me). I've really taken to writing and drawing at the same time. The dialog is totally different and the characters come to life. You can't do that with plain words in a screenplay. So, try to draw, just basic shapes, and tell your story. Just my take.
@Cherie Yes obviously global productions have “In House” who regularly deliver their needs. However, I heard an artist who was being interviewed by one of “The Giants” in cartoon film, doodled a cartoon character on a napkin while awaiting their interview. And now its in a film. Nobody is immune to being thrown a curve ball by an Artist.
But that was an ARTIST. What you speak of is also so rare that telling people about it as if that could happen to them is unfair. It won't. I know someone who worked for DC as an illustrator for nearly two decades. He only did that to get a foothold into animation. It never happened for him. As for my earlier post, I just saw it on a pro writing site that stated it was unlikely for a writer to write an animation spec script and get it picked up. Far more unlikely than a live-action spec script. Just sharing that information. People can digest it or not.
@Cherie Hi I was talking in general terms ,(not to you personally) because in the past I encountered a lot of closed shop cronyism myself. I wasn't suggesting an instant hit with animation Studios could happen to anyone else, just meant fate is not always governed and sealed by closed shop Gods.
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Scott Myers has blogs and info on Pixar, this was a couple of years back but they still might be traced via @IntoTheStory.
Since someone has to create the pictures that will appear on film you need more detailed descriptions.
I read that Pixar/Disney only use in-house writers so there's no use trying to write animation for the big companies.
yes, im currently helping write on an animated tv show in development. what questions ya got?
Really it's what level of detail do I need to go into in description, I imagine before animation concept art will get drawn up, so do detailed character description really need to be in there? Also just any tips you have to help give the scripts some finesse, any mistakes novice writers often do that I could escape?
Thanks Will
You need enough detail so someone can draw a picture. It's not like ton but more than you would normally would do.
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Yea, basically enough description to allow us to picture them. but i would strongly strongly recommend trying to find an artist or animator that can do a mockup of your characters and design, which you will need before you pitch/submit to places anyway.
I have a friend working on some pictures currently which is very helpful.
Thanks for all the help guys, appreciate it
Hi, I find that writing the screenplay and then trying to animate doesn't work (for me). I've really taken to writing and drawing at the same time. The dialog is totally different and the characters come to life. You can't do that with plain words in a screenplay. So, try to draw, just basic shapes, and tell your story. Just my take.
@Cherie Yes obviously global productions have “In House” who regularly deliver their needs. However, I heard an artist who was being interviewed by one of “The Giants” in cartoon film, doodled a cartoon character on a napkin while awaiting their interview. And now its in a film. Nobody is immune to being thrown a curve ball by an Artist.
But that was an ARTIST. What you speak of is also so rare that telling people about it as if that could happen to them is unfair. It won't. I know someone who worked for DC as an illustrator for nearly two decades. He only did that to get a foothold into animation. It never happened for him. As for my earlier post, I just saw it on a pro writing site that stated it was unlikely for a writer to write an animation spec script and get it picked up. Far more unlikely than a live-action spec script. Just sharing that information. People can digest it or not.
@Cherie Hi I was talking in general terms ,(not to you personally) because in the past I encountered a lot of closed shop cronyism myself. I wasn't suggesting an instant hit with animation Studios could happen to anyone else, just meant fate is not always governed and sealed by closed shop Gods.