How to Become an Animation Writer
Whether you dream of being a staff writer for “The Simpsons” or knocking out jokes for brief Internet cartoons, being an animation writer can be a fulfilling occupation. As with any kind of scriptwriting, it’s not easy to get ahead of the pack. No matter where you go, it seems that everyone has a script they want an executive to read. Thankfully, screenwriting is also a pursuit that tends to reward hard work. If you keep pounding the pavement and improving your craft, you greatly increase your chances of success. Here’s how to become an animation writer and see your name in cartoony lights.
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Instructions
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Understand that writing for animation is quite similar to other kinds of dramatic writing. Even though the characters are two-dimensional, they should still be fully sketched. Sure, you may be writing about a cat and a mouse who want to exterminate each other. The cat and mouse still need clear motivations. The situation must still be logical in the world you’re creating.
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Understand the differences between animation writing and other kinds of screenwriting. Playwrights need to keep the practicalities of the stage in mind. Animation writing frees you from most budgetary concerns. Want to depict a thousand-warrior army? Go for it. There are no actors to hire. All of your characters are made of ink or digital magic.
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Write as much as you can for anyone who will read your stuff. You need to get your scripts into the hands of people who can help you. Don’t be shy. If you meet someone who turns out to be a story editor on “Family Guy,” charm them with your personality, then press your script into their hands. Enter screenwriting competitions that focus on animation writing. Win those and you might get some attention from people in the business.
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Make your own animations to show off what you can do. Creating brief clips is easy when you know how to use the software. Upload the clips to the Internet on a regular basis and send links to everyone you know. If your cartoons are well-written, you might get a leg up on the competition.
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Join a writer’s group so you can get a fresh perspective on your writing. You might even find a writing partner whose sensibilities are similar to yours. Workshopping your scripts will also help you improve (see Resources below).
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Keep submitting until you think you should just give up. Then submit some more. Just like in other kinds of writing, you tend to succeed when you least expect it.
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