Screenwriting : Animated scripts VS Live action scripts by James Banner

James Banner yes I think this is wide-open territory, so many factors, I think it depends partly upon whether we are looking to work from what's been done so far versus innovating something fresh.

I have a feature script where I think the budget range could be contained by "converting" it from live-action to animated, and I could see it in the way of The Incredibles, yet also knowing the work and platforms behind a property like that I don't want to completely blow smoke up my own ass

thinking it will be marketable as a story of that scale irrespective of the format, there are simply a hundred open questions but certainly there are conventions and formats to adhere to depending upon to whom you're pitching,

ultimate questions what serves the story best and what vessel serves your creative expression, and then what can you create that fits with your career strategy as far as who you'll be talking to, where you want it to go, and ultimately irrespective of format, WHAT'S THE BUDGET?

Hey James - I've written two animated musicals (you can see them on my logline page - CLIMB and SHOWGHOSTS) and I write them the same as a live-action screenplay. I've seen several Disney animated feature scripts and they are the same as well. The difference is, with animation you can write scenes that would be impossible (or at least very, very expensive) for live action, and they are doable with animation. Slug lines, action lines, dialog, all the formatting is the same.

Hi, James Banner. Nice to meet you. I write my Animation scripts like I write my live-action scripts. I try to tell a story in the fewest words possible so there's a lot of white space on the pages.

Thank You Daniel, Jerry, and Maurice. You really put things into perspective. I appreciate my brothers in arms in this realm of creativity. Peace and blessings.

I did only one short script for my sister's master degree to film. You can check it on my logline page, I think I have it here. Technically I see no difference, but thematically yes

Here in the USA, majority of feature animations are done in-house. Company ideas, and bosses hire outside freelance writers. Oscar winner Michael Arndt posted videos explaining how Pixar makes anime movies.

As far as specs, Seth Rogen wrote “Sausage Party”, an original idea. The script is online but not sure if that’s the “1st draft” (purchased) screenplay. It took him 15-years to find a buyer to make it.

Thanks Dan and Kiril. I will check them out.

You're welcome, James Banner.

The last screenplay I wrote was an animated feature. I downloaded and read a copy of 'Wreck-it-Ralph' (not sure which draft version) to use as a guide. It wasn't that different from any other screenplay I've read. A bit more in the way of description but otherwise still a normal screenplay.

Not sure what conflicting information you're getting but my advice - Download 2-5 screenplays for animated features, read them, then begin writing in a similar fashion. You go with what works, not advice from those who haven't done what you're trying to do.

Good luck.