Animated Films

[robf55906]

Hi. I'm new to this forum so I don't know if anyone's ever discussed the specific problems involved with animated films (ala Toy Story, Monsters Inc, etc). I've just completed a screenplay I think has great potential, and am now pursuing an agent. But from what I've read, much/most of this kind of writing (e.g. Toy Story) was done by in-house writers at the film studios, often based on an idea by the director.

Does anyone have any experience with animated films, and whether I have any shot with a) Getting an agent who will handle it, and b)Getting, say, DreamWorks or Blue Sky to consider it?

Thanks for any thoughts!
Rob

[JustinoXXV]

Why don't you start out by contacting companies that produce animated film works, to see if they are open to reading your script? And just because you get some No answers doesn't mean that no one will consider your animated project.

I knew of one company that was looking for animation scripts and children's scripts. They do exist.

Now whether or not you can get Dreamworks to consider it, that's an entirely different matter. Who knows what will happen? But I do think the biggest mistake newbies make is automatically limiting themselves by only wanting the very top names.

How do you even know that Spielberg (as one of the people behind Dreamworks) is even the best person for your project? An unheard of, younger person might do it a lot more justice.

I think virtually anyone is going to find themselves extremely frustrated if they think they can automatically go from nothing all the way to the top. This isn't saying that you shouldn't go after Dreamworks, but do your research and find smaller animation companies that maybe more willing to read your work. You don't even need an agent to submit scripts in the beginning if you're willing to deal with smaller companies. That's true not only of live action films, but animated films as well.

[Joe Calabrese]

Although Disney, Blue Sky and Pixar are well known for in house writing as you mentioned, there is a market for Animated Films, small as it is.

About 5 percent of all films shown theatrically are animated, so you are at a disadvantage versus those of us who write live action.

But, consider direct to video, television and cable which are avenues that although smaller in pay are still viable options.

Pick up a copy of the HCD and check out who are producing animated stuff.

[robf55906]

Thank you both for responding to my post. I did indeed order the HCD and should have it shortly. I like your ideas of smaller animation studios; I wasn't really aware that were any/many. Once I look through the HCD I suspect I'll have a much better view of what's out there. Thanks again, Rob