How do you write animation and visual effects scripts?

1 Know your genre and audience

Animation and VFX can be used for various genres and audiences, from comedy to horror, from children to adults. You need to know the tone, style, and expectations of your genre and audience, and write accordingly. For example, if you are writing a comedy animation, you might use more jokes, exaggeration, and slapstick, while if you are writing a horror VFX, you might use more suspense, realism, and gore.

2 Use visual language and description

Animation and VFX rely on visual storytelling, so you need to use visual language and description in your scripts. Show, don't tell, what is happening on the screen, and use vivid and specific details to create a clear picture. For example, instead of writing "The spaceship flies over the city", write "A sleek silver spaceship zooms over the skyscrapers, leaving a trail of smoke behind". Avoid using abstract or vague terms that can be interpreted differently by different people.

3 Format your scripts properly

Animation and VFX scripts have some specific formatting rules that you need to follow to make them readable and understandable. For animation, you can use the standard screenplay format, but with some modifications, such as adding scene numbers, slug lines, and transitions. For VFX, you can use the VFX script format, which is similar to the screenplay format, but with some additions, such as VFX cues, notes, and references. You can use software like Final Draft or Celtx to format your scripts automatically.

4 Incorporate feedback and revisions

Animation and VFX scripts are not written in isolation, but in collaboration with other professionals, such as directors, producers, animators, and VFX artists. You need to incorporate feedback and revisions from these people, and be open to changes and suggestions. You also need to communicate clearly and respectfully, and explain your creative choices and intentions. Remember that feedback and revisions are part of the process, and they can help you improve your scripts and make them more effective.

5 Test your scripts with animatics and previs

Animatics and previs are tools that can help you test your scripts with animation and VFX before the final production. Animatics are rough sketches or drawings that show the movement and timing of the scenes, while previs are low-quality 3D models that show the layout and camera angles of the scenes. You can use these tools to check if your scripts work visually, and if they convey the emotions and actions you want. You can also use them to make adjustments and corrections if needed.

6 Keep learning and improving

Animation and VFX are constantly evolving and changing, so you need to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge as a scriptwriter. You can watch and analyze animation and VFX films and shows, read books and articles on scriptwriting techniques, take courses and workshops on animation and VFX, and join online communities and forums where you can share and receive feedback and advice. You can also practice writing animation and VFX scripts regularly, and challenge yourself to try new genres and styles.

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?