As with all filmmaking, animated features are an iterative process, where each department adds to and builds upon the script until the finished product is etched in (digital) Ektachrome. In an animated film, it is the story board artists who are responsible for getting sequences into production. In fact, the screenwriter often has to REWRITE the pages based on what the story artist creates- dialogue and all.
This link is to a video of one of the best "board artists / pitch men" in the business. Roger Allers pitching the "be our guest sequence" for Disney's Beauty and the Beast. He went on to direct The Lion King and so much more.
Roger was pure energy and light in music, art, and happiness. And has contributed to more films than many know.
He was on a whirlwind vacation to launch the new year, and got stuck in a sandstorm in Egypt, his boat then got stranded in the storm on lake Nasser, having to stop on an uninhabited island until the storm passed. With no meds to clear his lungs, Roger passed away, squeezing every moment out of life until his last breath.
If you write animation I suggest you seek out all of Roger's work and interviews.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/896285329462245/?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&fs=e&mibextid=0NULKw&fs=e&s=TIeQ9V
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Laurie, beautifully said. Animation really is where writing becomes a living, breathing collaboration — the page evolving through boards, performance, rhythm, and emotion.
Roger Allers’ ability to pitch story as energy and joy is such an enduring lesson for writers — not just in animation, but in how we communicate story at every stage. Thank you for sharing both the craft insight and the human story behind it.
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Thanks for sharing the info and video, Laurie Ashbourne! "In fact, the screenwriter often has to REWRITE the pages based on what the story artist creates- dialogue and all." I didn't know that. That's great to know as an animation screenwriter!
I think this is my first time seeing a story meeting for an animated film. Roger made the meeting feel so alive and fun! That's perfect for pitching some animation projects and live-action projects too.
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Thank you for sharing this. I am writing two animated features, so this article is very timely.