How to Write for Animation (Paperback)

~ (Author) "BEFORE I DISCUSS HOW to write cartoons I want to give a brief overview on the medi of animation..." (more)
Key Phrases: toon writing, toon writer, master scene method, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, April O'Neil, Burrito Beach (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Writers! Add Jeffrey Scott's [book] to your required reading list. -- Stan Lee, Chairman Emeritus, Marvel Comics

A legacy to the world of animation writing that is unmatched and unparalleled.... Now memorialized in this excellent book. -- Peter Roth, President, Warner Bros. Television

Jeffrey Scott has written the definitive sourcebook for anyone interested in the world of animation and script writing. -- Nancy Kanter, VP Programming, Disney Channel

Jeffrey Scott is terrific at teaching others what he's mastered himself. -- Jeffrey Katzenberg, Dreamworks SKG --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

In recent years, the world of animation has expanded far beyond the Saturday morning cartoons that generations of Americans grew up watching. Recent years have seen a boom in animation--hit prime-time television series, blockbuster cutting-edge digitally animated features, conventional animation The expanding market is luring writers who have an eye toward the future and an eagerness to work in a medium where the only limit is the depth on one's imagination. With step-by-step instructions and the insights of a seasoned veteran, award-winning animation writer Jeffrey Scott details the process of developing even the vaguest of ideas into a fully realized animation script. He details every stop on the road from inspiration to presentation, with sections on premises, outlines, treatments, description, and dialogue, and much more. How to Write for Animation is the ultimate guide for anyone with ambitions of writing for the most rapidly developing medium in all of entertainment.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Overlook TP (June 24, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585674281
• ISBN-13: 978-1585674282
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #274,595 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to Write for Animation, August 1, 2002

By	Carole Mendelsohn (Palm Springs, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Write for Animation (Hardcover)

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.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Book, the ONLY Book I Needed!, January 23, 2003

By	Laura Owens (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Write for Animation (Hardcover)

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!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!, October 5, 2005

By	Kassandra (Oak View, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Write for Animation (Hardcover)

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!