Animation Writing and Development, : From Script Development to Pitch (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) [Paperback]

Jean Ann Wright (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240805496 | ISBN-13: 978-0240805498 | Publication Date: February 7, 2005 | Edition: 1

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.

* Filled with writing exercises that will challenge your writing limits
* Understand inspiration, idea gathering, and story development
* Tips on how to write for kids and why certain stories appeal to different ages
* The how and why of dialogue-what works, and what doesn't

Editorial Reviews

Review

*"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

Book Description

Become a successful Animation Writer!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (February 7, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240805496
• ISBN-13: 978-0240805498
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

At a time when my friends were still busy with playdates, I began a professional career in the entertainment industry as an actress and dancer. Later I received degrees in acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and art at Cal State Northridge. I'm married to a wonderful husband, and I have 2 grown daughters and 3 grandchildren. My animation career began as a trainee at Hanna-Barbera, where I worked for 8 years as an assistant animator on shows like The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons, and The Smurfs. I've sold my writing to DIC Entertainment, Hanna-Barbera, and Filmation. I've taught animation writing and development. Currently, I'm an animation consultant. When I can find the time, I enjoy judging animation for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, ASIFA-Hollywood, and the WGA west Animation Awards.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful but flawed, April 23, 2008

By 

F. Carroll (Stephenville, Newfoundland Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Animation Writing and Development, : From Script Development to Pitch (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) (Paperback)

I teach an animation writing class and have used Wright's book for the past two or three years. It not only contains useful insights into animation writing but also provides perspective through such topics as the history of animation and understanding the tastes of various audiences according to age group. I've also used her chapter on pitching a script for an oral communications course. However, I often find that her paragraphs aren't all that coherent in that she jumps from idea to idea. It sometimes seems as though a lot of this is first-draft material. Perhaps the next edition will be more readable. Overall, this is a useful supplement to other materials. I haven't found a perfect animation writing book yet, so this one will do for now.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Animate your art and craft with this book., February 13, 2005

By 

Pamela J. Smith "mythworks.net" (Hollywood, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Animation Writing and Development, : From Script Development to Pitch (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) (Paperback)

Jean Ann Wright has written a valuble handbook for anyone interested in creating animation scripts.

It offers fun and practical overviews of the various aspects of development, from characters to plot to style to pitching.

Each information-packed chapter includes a marvelously detailed checklist to inspire your creativity, diagnose story problems, and guide the fixes.

I found Animation Writing and Development to be like a film school education in a book - comprehensive and confidence-building.

Currently working as a writer-for-hire and consultant on three different animation stories, I found Jean Ann's suggestions insightful and invaluable.

Animation Writing and Development will have a permanent place in my film book library, and it should in yours, too.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too much information, September 21, 2006

By 

a.m. hernandez (New Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Animation Writing and Development, : From Script Development to Pitch (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) (Paperback)

The book covers tons and tons of topics, which is good for a person with no background in animation writing. But the topics written about, from dialogue to outlining, come with no context, no examples to back up what the author is talking about. Wright writes "Keep your characters consistent. They must be true to their core traits and to what has made them who they are." An example from a current or classic cartoon is direly needed. This happens throughout the book. Under the subheading Conflict Can Reveal Information in the dialogue chapter, she writes "conflict in dialogue...is a good way to get information out and keep it interesting." How? Once again this book screams for examples.
The book trys to explain every thing and any thing about animation. A daunting task. But in the process, every thing seems trite. The chapter on writing features, aka movies, is skimmed, and after reading it, will not make your more apt at writing animation films. Scriptwriting for film is different, in many aspects, from tv animation, and in this book it's made to sound that it's the same.
Overall the book is informative, but for someone who grew up with Scooby Doo, He-Man, Thundercats and saw every Disney film and could write endless thesis on Scooby Doo's tremendous appetite, this book lacks substance.