Training & Events

Flipping the Script: “EVOLVE” An Introduction to Writing for Animation for Diverse and Underrepresented Writers | March 2024

  • This course has closed.
Start DateCostMax Participant Numbers
Course Dates: Thursday March 14th to Thursday May 2nd (6.30-8.30pm each evening. No class on April 4th)
Mentoring Scheme: After May 2nd. Exact times to be confirmed as suits mentor-mentee schedules.		Free10

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

As part of our Flipping the Script programme, Cultural and Creative Industries Skillnet, The National Talent Academy for Animation and Cartoon Saloon are excited to announce “Evolve”.

“Evolve” is an Introductory Writing for Animation Course and Mentoring scheme aimed at diverse and under-represented writers.

Overview

Over 7 weeks you will explore the world of writing scripts for children’s television animation. From pitching a story idea, to elaborating an outline and crafting multiple drafts, you’ll learn how to receive notes, squeeze in that extra giggle, and navigate the logistics of compliance.

Through a mix of online workshops and assignments, the course aims to encourage, support and prepare new writers who want to write for children’s animation (from preschool up).

Some writing experience is preferable, though not necessary.

What will this course cover?

  • Bible/pitchdeck content and development. 
  • An overview of the scripting process from pitch to final production script. 
  • Basic skills and techniques in writing premises, outlines and scene by scenes. 
  • Writing dialogue and scenes. 
  • Familiarity with scripting formats. 
  • Developing a script 
  • Familiarity with S&P (Standards and Practice) 

Classes will be practice-based, meaning peer review and feedback will be encouraged so participants can experience the editing process. 

Mentoring Scheme

Following the introductory course, participants will be supported by a mentor in undertaking a writing period to develop a writing sample for their portfolio.

As a guideline, we would suggest that participants take a minimum of 10 days, with Mentor meetings to be arranged periodically throughout this time. 

Please note, these do not need to be consecutive days as more time may be required to develop the draft, (or as participants have other commitments). For this reason, meetings with mentors have not been scheduled at this stage, and should be agreed upon as suits the participant and the mentor.

Participant profile

This course is aimed at new and diverse writers with a specific interest in writing for children’s television animation. No previous experience in either animation or writing for television is necessary. We encourage applications from writers currently under-represented in TV.

Tutor

Dee Roycroft is an animation writer and script editor. Work includes Silly Sundays (Cartoon Saloon), Ollie (Ink & Light), Berry Bees (Telegael/SLR), Jessy and Nessy (JAM Media), and Peek Zoo (Igloo) among others. Over the past 8 years, Dee has worked on productions for many companies and broadcasters including RTÉ, BBC, CBBC, Amazon Studios, Telegael, Fíbín, SLR Australia and TG4. She has mentored on initiatives with X-Pollinator, Galway Film Centre and the WGI, and taught in UCD, the Irish Writers Centre and RTÉ. 

Materials/equipment/software needed

Writers should have access to a laptop and one of the following scriptwriting programs; Word, Final Draft, Scrivener, GoogleDocs.

If you do not have access to equipment and if there are accommodations needed, please let us know.

Venue/location

Online

Costs/fee

No cost

Dates and times of the course

March 14th  – May 2nd . 

7 Thursday evenings from 6.30-8.30pm (with a break on April 4th for Easter) + Mentorship (exact times TBC as suits mentor-mentee schedules)

Application process

Applicants are required to submit a personal statement of intent. The personal statement of intent is an opportunity for applicants to share their story, tell us why they are the right person for this course and to provide context as to how voices such as their own are currently being underrepresented in the mainstream animation industry. (Max 600 words) 

Due to our funding parameters, this course is only available to those resident in the Republic Of Ireland.

For any queries, please contact barbaradeignan@furthr.ie 086.3077321

PLEASE NOTE, IF YOU ARE A VISUALLY IMPAIRED WRITER AND WISH TO APPLY FOR THE TURNIP AND DUCK WRITING FOR ANIMATION COURSE “SEE, HEAR” YOU CAN DO THAT HERE

Deadline to submit: 3pm Monday 26th February – APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED

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