Animated Scribbling
As Co-head writer of a new animated series, I'm learning on the job about the many differences between this marvelous medium and my more familiar territory of live-action TV. I’m finding that when scribbling for animation versus live-action, there are key differences and factors to keep top of mind:
Visual Possibilities: Animation offers unlimited visual possibilities. Unlike live-action, where the constraints of the real world apply, animation allows for the creation of fantastical settings, characters, and visual effects. Screenwriters need to tap into their imagination and think outside the boundaries of reality when crafting stories for animation.
Visual Storytelling: Animation allows for precise control over every frame and visual element. Writers need to be mindful of incorporating visual storytelling techniques effectively, such as using visual cues, symbolism, and dynamic action sequences, to enhance the narrative. The screenplay should provide clear and vivid descriptions of the intended visual elements.
Artistic Collaboration: Writing for animation involves close collaboration with animators, designers, and artists. Screenwriters must work hand in hand with these creative professionals to bring their vision to life on the screen. This collaborative process requires clear communication, flexibility, and an understanding of the technical aspects of animation production.
Artistic Style: Animation can encompass a wide range of artistic styles, from hand-drawn to computer-generated, from traditional to experimental. The chosen art style can greatly impact the tone, atmosphere, and visual storytelling of the animation project. Screenwriters should be mindful of the artistic direction and consider how the style will enhance the narrative.
Character Expression: Animation allows for more exaggerated and stylized character performances. Facial expressions, body language, and movements can be heightened and exaggerated to convey emotions and enhance storytelling. Screenwriters should consider these possibilities when writing dialogue and action for animated characters, as they can influence the overall tone and comedic or dramatic impact of the story.
Audience Engagement: Animation often appeals to a broader range of audiences, including children, families, and adults. More than ever, screenwriters must be mindful of the target audience and tailor their storytelling and themes accordingly. This may involve crafting narratives that are accessible to younger viewers while still offering layers of depth and meaning for adult audiences.
While animation and live-action have their differences, there are several valuable ways of thinking and working that live-action screenwriters can bring to the realm of animation.
Character Development: As live-action screenwriters, we often focus on creating well-rounded, believable characters with complex emotions and motivations. This same approach can be applied to animation, where developing multidimensional characters can enhance the depth and relatability of the story.
Emotional Realism: While animation offers the opportunity for more fantastical and exaggerated scenarios, it's important to ground the emotional experiences of the characters in realism. Live-action screenwriters can bring their understanding of human emotions and relationships to craft emotionally resonant stories in animation.
Authentic Dialogue: Realistic and authentic dialogue is essential in live-action storytelling, and it can be equally valuable in animation. Writing dialogue that feels natural and true to the characters' personalities can help create engaging and memorable animated characters.
Visual Storytelling: Like our counterparts in animation, live-action screenwriters are often attuned to visual storytelling techniques, such as framing, composition, and camera movements. Tapping and tweaking these skills to suit animation can elevate the visual impact of the story and create dynamic and visually engaging scenes.
Genre and Narrative Structures: Many narrative structures and genre conventions used in live-action storytelling can also be applied to animation. Live-action screenwriters can bring their knowledge of genre tropes, pacing, and plot structures to create compelling narratives in the animated medium.
Collaboration and Adaptability: As live-action screenwriters, we’re familiar with the collaborative nature of filmmaking. We’re comfortable working closely with directors, actors, and other creatives. Similarly, in animation, collaboration with animators, storyboard artists, and voice actors is crucial. Being open to feedback, embracing creative input, and adapting our scripts to suit the animation process will contribute to crafting a cohesive and successful project.
I’m trying to incorporate my live-action scribbler ways of thinking and working while learning the many requirements and capabilities of animation. There’s a lot to process about this new process. And rather than writing, producing, and airing a live-action series in just eight or so months, it’ll be years before audiences get the chance to toon in and evaluate the results of my animated endeavor.
