Writing for animation has its own very specific challenges and rewards. Does your story require a cast of thousands? Is it set underwater or on the edge of an active volcano? Do your characters need to fly to the rescue, or are they giants heavily stomping hapless villagers? Do they need to speak believably? Or is your film completely abstract with no characters at all? It's your film and the possibilities are endless. All these decisions must be carefully considered at the planning stage, alongside a realistic assessment of the available time, skills, budget and resources. It's also important to understand the theories that underpin successful storytelling, and how to use and play with genre conventions. Throughout Screenwriting for Animation, Paul Wells guides you through identifying promising concepts, selecting an appropriate medium, establishing an appropriate tone, theme and plot, as well as exploring narrative structures and character development. With case studies and interviews exploring the working methods of masters of the craft, including Adam Elliot, Bill Plympton and Joan C. Gratz, this is everything you need to get inspired and start writing!

Paul Wells is a professor of animation at Loughborough University, UK.