Animation : Questions about formatting... by Ryan Anzaldi

Ryan Anzaldi

Questions about formatting...

Hello all!

I currently have a spec script on the back burner that I'd like to convert to an animated feature, as opposed to the live-action feature it's currently written as.

Are there any significant differences between live-action screenplays and animation? Are there notations I should be making, or formatting decisions I should be making that differ from standard screenplay "rules"?

TIA!

Beth Fox Heisinger

Hi, Ryan. No, a screenplay is a screenplay. But do get your hands on pro-written animation shooting script examples for guidance, say, Toy Story, Inside Out, and many others. Find something close to what you are constructing. See how pros utilize word choice and clear description on the page to communicate and visually capture animation. ;)

Ryan Johnston

Beth Fox Heisinger solid tip, Beth! Thanks!

Ryan Anzaldi

Thanks so much, Beth! I actually haven't yet seen Inside Out, so that might be a good opportunity!

Paul Hollingsworth

With animation, you'll want to "Write visually"

Karen "Kay" Ross

Great advice, Beth Fox Heisinger! There is a great video essay about what makes Avatar: The Last Airbender so great (yes, I love it, but it's also true), and it's the same thing that makes Looney Tunes so great - it's about action. If there are parts where someone is standing in one place and talking for too long, then the beauty of animation is really lost on it. I tried to find the link, but there are just too many about AtLA LOL!

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