How do you develop original ideas for computer animation scripts?

1 Find your inspiration

The first step to creating an original animation script is to find your inspiration. This can come from many sources, like your personal experiences, interests, passions, dreams, fantasies, or observations. You can also look for inspiration from other media, including books, movies, games, comics, or art. However, be careful not to copy or plagiarize other works. Instead, use them as a springboard to generate your own ideas and perspectives.

2 Do your research

Once you have a general idea or theme for your animation script, do some research to flesh it out and make it realistic. Research can help you to understand your genre, audience, setting, characters, plot, and style. Use various sources to conduct your research, such as online searches, books, magazines, interviews, surveys, or even field trips. Doing so can also help you to avoid clichés, stereotypes, or inaccuracies in your script.

3 Brainstorm and outline

After you have done some research, start to brainstorm and outline your animation script. Brainstorming is a technique to generate as many ideas as possible without judging or filtering them. Beneficial tools for capturing your thoughts include mind maps, lists, sketches, or notes. Outlining is a technique to organize your ideas into a logical and coherent structure. When creating an outline, utilize tools like index cards, bullet points, or diagrams. Your outline should include the main elements of your script, such as the premise, characters, plot points, resolution, and theme.

4 Write and revise

The next step is to write and revise your animation script. Writing is the process of transforming your outline into a full-fledged script that uses dialogue, action, and description to tell your story. Revising is the process of improving your script by checking for errors, inconsistencies, gaps, or weaknesses. Software, feedback, or editing can help you with this step. You may go through several drafts before you're satisfied with your script.

5 Format and polish

Now it's time to polish up your formatted animation script. Formatting is the process of applying the standard rules and conventions for writing scripts for animation. These rules and conventions may vary, but they usually include aspects such as font, headings, transitions, and directions. Polishing is the process of refining your script by enhancing your tone and flow. Dictionaries, thesauruses, or grammar checkers can help with your formatting and polishing.

6 Showcase and pitch

The last step is to showcase and pitch your animation script. Showcasing is the process of presenting your script to potential collaborators, clients, or audiences. You can do so via portfolios, websites, or social media. Pitching is the process of persuading someone to invest in or produce your script. Treatments or demos can help when pitching. Also, be prepared to answer questions, handle feedback, or negotiate terms.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?