Customer Reviews

How to Write for Animation

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a must-read for ALL script writers, not just toonsters. Scott takes you through the process of creating a story like a master-builder. He writes clearly, simply and with enthusiasm. His love and respect for his craft is obvious, making this a very inspiring and enjoyable read, as well as a valuable and informative one. Scott's technical tips are terrific and easy to apply. Why didn't I think of cutting and pasting an outline into a script template? Overall, I found this book to be as entertaining as it was informative and practical. The glossary alone is worth the price of the book. I've been writing animation for 10 years and can't wait to break my next story using some of his tricks. I just wish Jeffrey had written it ten years ago.

Jeffrey Scott's new book, "How to Write for Animation," was exactly what I needed! Three months after registering with an online freelance agency, I got an e-mail inviting me to bid on a project. There weren't many details on the listing, but it involved writing and that's a field I want to get into.

I got hired and suddenly became the lead writer for a new, 3D computer graphics TV Series. Having little experience with creative writing, but extensive editing skills ... I knew I needed help!

After wallowing in uncertainty and formatic confusion, I went to the local bookstore looking for a book on screenwriting suggested by another writer on the project. The book wasn't there. But I found "How to Write for Animation" and it was EXACTLY what I needed! (The bookstore guy that rung me up said, "OH GREAT book! That just came in and I HAD to read it.")

Not only do I know how to appear as if I'm an old pro, I've got step by step instructions on everything I need to help pitch this series :) Way Kewl!

I was told to write a "Bible" ... eeek! "Didn't someone already do that?" I asked. Thanks Jeffrey! Now I know exactly what I need to include in our presentation, our bible, how much to include since we are new writers, ... EVERYTHING! And it is presented in an EASY format for busy people.

GREAT BOOK! WONDERFUL RESOURCE! It should be on every animation writers shelf!

I'm a boring lawyer who had an idea for a cartoon series swimming around in her head. I found this book, followed it to the letter, developed the idea, pitched it, and now have a major animation production company who has purchased an option for the show. Mr. Scott even took the time to respond to an e-mail I sent with a question. This is a great and simple to understand resource for anyone with the ideas and gumption to go for it. Thanks Mr. Scott!

This was a book my boss picked up for me for work, but it took no effort to get through this book quickly. It's well written, through the voice of someone experienced, candid, and knowledgeable.

It gives a fantastic overview, from A to Z, of all you'd need to know to get motivated to write...including access to several essential examples of scripts and a series bible. He's also a motivator, putting dreams in perspective of goals and reminding you often to write, write, write.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn the basics of writing for any kind of animation in an easy-to-digest way and also because it contains the valuable writing samples I mentioned above.

This book has it all. Jeffrey Scott not only explains how to write a script but shows you actual produced scripts. His writing style is very easy to understand and so inspirational. I recommend this book to all my animation students.

Ronn Brown
MFA Director of Computer Graphics
Academy of Art College
San Francisco, CA
...

How can I tell I love this book? I carry with me everywhere I go!I start reading it from the moment I wake up.Some folks read the paper, not me, I read this book!It's fun , entertaining, and gets the message across effortlessly. It's by far the best book on writing for animation I have ever found.It's an outstanding tool for anyone wishing to understand the business of Animation and creative writing.Kudos to Jeffrey for a job well done.

This book is unutterably fantastic. Mr. Scott knows the
industry like the back of his hand, and it shows. Not only
does he let the reader in on all the ins and outs, ups and
downs, and biffs and pows of the industry, but he does so
in such a reasonable, down-to-earth, and inspiring tone,
that it leads you to believe that YOU CAN MAKE IT IN THE
CARTOON BIZ. I can tell you that, living far away from
the entertainment industry, this book is a Godsend. If
you've ever had any questions about making cartoons, get this book. And hey, the guy has an awesome website - AND he was kind enough to respond to an e-mail! You gotta get this book!

I'm in the process of writing a proposal for a new animated series and though familiar with writing in general have no experience in animation. Scott's book is a clear, step-by-step primer and is a terrific source of info for the beginner. Every writer approaches his work differently, of course but I find Scott's one-block-at-a-time method of putting together a solid animated story to be highly efficient while leaving room for a good deal of creativity and fun at the same time.
When I feel my energy and ambition start to flag a bit, opening up Scott's book and reading a couple of pages is a great way to get the fires burning again. He writes in a clear, friendly style that neither condescends nor misses any of the major questions a newbie might have.
"How To Write For Animation" is obviously the product of a highly experienced pro - which is much to the benefit his readers.
Highly recommended.

I was disappointed in this book since it focussed almost exclusively on creating TV series scripts, and drew virtually all examples from one of Scott's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles scripts. When it comes to features, there's only a small chapter and Scott basically says 'Forget about it - no film scripts have ever been bought from outside a studio - they're only developed in-house by execs.' There's also only one paragraph devoted to creating 'direct-to-video' projects, and no mention whatsoever of strategies for writing for independent films or any less 'orthodox' ways to get your work seen and developed.

Given all the other glowing reviews I read, I expected more.

I am a published comic book writer developing an idea for an animated series and have been thoroughly impressed with `How to Write for Animation'. In it, Jeffrey Scott takes you through the entire process of animation writing, and provides examples for every step. He demonstrates how to write a premise, beat outline, outline, and script. He then tells you how to make contacts in the industry, including finding an agent. What I especially like about the book is the wealth of information Jeff shares on how to develop a series idea, including writing a bible and pilot script and how to pitch the idea to Hollywood.

A previous reviewer misstates Jeff as saying that writing a feature is impossible. This is not the case. What Jeff did write was that `to the best of my knowledge, at the time of this writing, no spec animated screenplay has ever been sold or produced'. He goes on to write, `Someone IS going to sell an animated spec one day and it might as well be you.' (Emphasis added). This book will equip you to do just that.

For those of you wanting to take the next step in your animation writing career, I highly recommend Jeffrey Scott's Cartoon Writing Apprenticeship Program offered through his website (www.jeffreyscott.tv). In this program, you learn directly from the master and I can tell you from personal experience that Jeff does an incredible job of teaching you how to improve and polish your writing.

The book and the apprenticeship program are incredible resources to help you succeed as an animation writer.