Learn from Sivert Glarum, veteran Showrunner, Producer & Writer with credits on King of the Hill, Beavis & Butthead, and Tacoma FD!

Get a Story Checklist & Sample Outline

If you’ve been paying attention to the current TV landscape, you know that animation is having a major moment. While many networks and streamers are cutting back on live-action comedies, animated series continue to thrive. The reason is simple — audiences love them, studios find them cost-effective to produce, and there’s always room for the next breakout hit. But even though animation shares the heart and humor of live-action storytelling, it follows a completely different set of creative and structural rules. If you’re ready to bring your animated world to life, you’ll need to know how to craft a standout script and how to sell it.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Maybe you’ve written for live-action before and aren’t sure how to adapt your voice to animation. Or perhaps you’ve got a brilliant idea for a cartoon, but you don’t know how to structure your pilot or what materials you need to pitch it. Many writers stumble when it comes to act breaks, creating dynamic visuals, or assembling a compelling pitch deck that speaks the language of animation buyers. This two-part Stage 32 webinar was designed to clear up the confusion and give you a clear, actionable roadmap for writing and pitching an animated TV series that stands out in a crowded marketplace.

Your guide for this class is Sivert Glarum — a veteran showrunner, producer, and writer with more than two decades of experience in edgy comedy and animation. Sivert is currently the Co-Executive Producer on Tacoma FD (TruTV/HBO Max) and has worked on acclaimed shows like King of the Hill, Beavis & Butthead, Just Shoot Me, and Rules of Engagement. He’s also showrun series like Maron (IFC), Glenn Martin DDS (Nick at Nite), and Rhett & Link’s Buddy System (YouTube Red). Beyond his impressive resume, Sivert has built a reputation for helping emerging writers develop their storytelling skills and preparing new showrunners for success — making him the perfect mentor to help you master the art of writing and pitching animation.

Across two focused sessions, you’ll learn exactly how to write an engaging pilot, build a world that can sustain multiple seasons, and create a pitch that sells. You’ll get insider insight into the current animation market, what buyers are looking for, and how to present your show materials — from your one-liner to your visuals. By the end of this class, you’ll walk away knowing how to write a professional-level animation script, package your idea like a pro, and confidently share your animated vision with the world.

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is now available to watch on-demand and no longer live, but we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

PLUS! You will receive the following handouts the help you:

• Story Checklist

• Sample Outline

SESSION 1: WRITING THE PILOT SCRIPT

We will discuss what makes a great animation script and share tips, tricks and tools to help you write a solid animation script that gets attention.

• How is writing animation the same or different from other formats?
• The different kinds of animation (adult, children’s, etc.)
• The Format and length of script
• Crafting your Pilot story
• The animated three act structure
• Formulating great act breaks
• Nailing the ending
• Ending on a dynamic that sets the series up for years to come
• Q&A with Sivert

Handout: Story Checklist

Assignment: Fill in the Story Checklist for your project

SESSION 2: PUTTING TOGETHER THE PITCH

• We will talk about the current market, the greenlighting process and what is needed for a pitch that sells.  
• The animation market and key players
• The key elements of the pitch
• Building  a pitch that gets attention
• Crafting a one liner that sells
• What is enough and what is too much
• The materials you have prepared
• Show Poster
• World Map
• Images
• Sivert will show examples of show posters, world maps, character line ups, images
• Q&A with Sivert

HANDOUT: Sample outline for produced animated episode

ASSIGNMENT: Write a 4 page "mini-pitch” for your animated show which includes these elements: Intro, One Liner, Characters, Pilot Story

• Anyone interested in understanding how to pitch animation projects to studios, networks, and streamers

• Writers who want to break into TV animation but aren’t sure where to start

• Live-action comedy writers looking to expand into animated storytelling

• Screenwriters developing original animated pilots or series ideas

• Creators who want to learn how to build compelling worlds and characters for animation

• Producers or directors who want to strengthen their knowledge of animation writing and development