writing for animation - series

PITCH TO SCRIPT 103: Script & Comedy

This is PART 3 of a THREE PART course, that offers comprehensive training in writing for animated television series for children.

In each part of the course, writers are tasked with writing an episode for a known TV series (a spec script) as part of a simulated writers' room over the 8-week period.

In PITCH TO SCRIPT 103, we look at the script: Writing scenes, writing great dialogue and our PRESCRIBED TEXT is John Vorhaus's THE COMIC TOOLBOX - what is a cartoon if not funny, right?

Each week we cover theory and live in-class assessment of the writers' work. Writers learn to write, assess and edit writing with the end goal of crafting an episode of animated TV from Pitch to Script.

Class started 23 July 2024 - but you can catch up.
Live Classes are Tuesdays 1-3 PM UK (replays available)

Write your awesome label here.
  • Downloadable Workbook
  • Downloadable Samples of each phase
  • One Live Class per week.
  • Private Peer Review Portal
  • VIP Facebook Group for support and opportunities.
“Animation is a powerful tool that can be used to explore complex emotions and ideas in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.”
john lasseter
kind words by students

Our students love our
approach to learning

“The Storyteller Pod taught me a better understanding of my audience, mentored me through the process of getting my spec scripts together. I used my spec to get a job on a series... and the rest is history! 
I still take classes every week, because I keep learning, and I keep getting better."
robyn roux
"I went from being a regular Nigerian writer who used to joke about writing for Disney someday (never thinking it could possibly happen) to actually having written on a Disney show and a Netflix show and a PBS show... And on my second show for Disney now!! Using my specs from the Pitch to Script-course." 
omotunde akiode
"Natasje unpacks the elements of a great scene in a simple, can-do way. Then she coaches you step-by-step through your own scene. I’ll never see the ‘humble’ scene the same again. Onwards and upwards!"
Candice argall
“There's always something new to discover within the world of animation.”
joseph barbera

PITCH to SCRIPT
gives you
comprehensive training in writing for animated series.

Practical approach

You learn from examples. 
You learn by WRITING IT YOURSELF.
You learn by co-developing your peers' scripts in peer review. Which means in every 8-week cycle, you've worked on at least 4 stories in a series. And written one.

Globally oriented

The Programme mirrors the process you would follow if you worked on any international animated series.
The facilitator is an experienced and award-winning international story editor who offers expert guidance.

For your career

The programme is "outcomes-based", meaning our main goal is empowering the student to have a spec script in hand at the end of the 8 weeks so they can apply for work, or seek representation.

Course contents

“Animation is a journey of imagination and storytelling. It's about creating worlds that don't exist and bringing characters to life that touch our hearts.”
chris williams

Natasje van Niekerk - Course facilitator 

Natasje van Niekerk is an international award-winning screenwriter and story editor for animated series. Her experience in TV and film extends to live action, with almost 20 years experience across many genres.

She currently lives in the Irish Countryside with her husband, toddler - yes, she contributed to the audience pool -, two spaniels and a blind cat.

In her free time she enjoys staring at cows over fences and talking to the local sheep.
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