1st Edition
Animation Writing and Development From Script Development to Pitch
The art. The craft. The business. Animation Writing and Development takes students and animation professionals alike through the process of creating original characters, developing a television series, feature, or multimedia project, and writing professional premises, outlines and scripts. It covers the process of developing presentation bibles and pitching original projects as well as ideas for episodes of shows already on the air. Animation Writing and Development includes chapters on animation history, on child development (writing for kids), and on storyboarding. It gives advice on marketing and finding work in the industry. It provides exercises for students as well as checklists for professionals polishing their craft. This is a guide to becoming a good writer as well as a successful one.
An Introduction and User's Manual
1. Introduction to Animation
2. The History of Animation
3. Finding Ideas
4. Human Development
5. Developing Characters
6. Development and the Animation Bible
7. Basic Animation Writing Structure
8. The Premise
9. The Outline
10. Storyboard for Writers
11. The Scene
12. Animation Comedy and Gag Writing
13. Dialogue
14. The Scripts
15. Editing and Rewriting
16. The Animated Feature
17. Types of Animation and Other Animation Media
18. Marketing
19. The Pitch
20. Agents, Networking, and Finding Work
21. Children's Media
Glossary
Index
Biography
Jean Ann Wright serves as an animation pre-production consultant, specializing in writing and development, design, storyboard, casting, and voice-overs. Jean worked at Hanna-Barbera for eight years as an assistant animator. Her animation training included classes in writing and development, voice-overs, storyboard, layout, character design, and animation. She took voice-over classes from Michael Bell, a well-known voice-over professional. Professionally, she's worked as an animation writer, assistant animator, dancer, model, and television production assistant. She's worked for television networks, animation companies, and assorted television production companies.
*"Jean Ann Wright's new book is a well written, straightforward and practical approach to writing for animated features and television. With an eye on giving the writer an overview of the animation process as well as solid advice on preparing successful projects for the big and small screen, Jean's book will prove invaluable to those trying to break into the business as well as those who already have a track record."
-- Frank Gladstone, Head of Artistic Development/DreamWorks Animation
*"Jean Ann Wright has managed to create a nearly indispensable book for writers of all media, not just animation. Animation Writing and Development not only demonstrates how to brainstorm gags and create memorable characters, it also analyzes the thinking of the audience whether they're pre-schoolers or teenaged video game addicts. This book asks questions that will lead you to fresh perspectives on your work and more sales."
-Tad Stones, Animation Producer and Writer, Warner Brother and Universal Cartoon Studios
*"What could be better than a mentor who really cares? Jean Ann Wright more than qualifies as a topnotch writing mentor for animation, one who cares about her readers and their potential careers. With that foundation in mind, I say, take this great book and run with it.er.better still.write with it!"
- Rita Street, longtime Publisher/Editorial Director, Animation Magazine
"The real value of this tome lies in its concise technical approach, offering newcomers various route-maps through the storytelling maze." - Imagine magazine
"Even if you have never thought about writing for animation this is a fascinating book, and for anyone yearning to write for this medium it is indispensable...So is it possible to learn how to write? After reading this book I would say definitely yes - it will certainly make you want to try...There is lots of sensible advice for anyone wanting to embark on a career as a writer for animation. It will not be easy but this reasonably priced and enjoyable book could be your key to getting started." - Animatoon magazine
