writing for animation-series

Animated Series Development

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Animated Series Development is an intensive and comprehensive course that guides you - the series creator - through the development process: From defining and refining the idea into a strong concept; And on to developing the parts (format, characters, world, story and episodes) that make up the series and finally, presenting it as a Series Bible.
The course includes:
  • One Live Class per week.
  • Downloadable Workbook
  • Downloadable Samples of each phase
  • Private Peer Review Portal
  • VIP Facebook Group.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Defining your vision
Define and refine your idea into a robust concept that resonates with young viewers.
Crafting your series
We break down and design each part of your series from characters and story worlds to narrative arcs and educational or thematic elements - and how all of this expresses itself as part of a TV series.
Writing Your Series Bible
Master the art of presenting your series with precision and clarity: Compiling all the elements into a comprehensive - but concise - Series Bible that showcases your project's potential.

Classes are Mondays 5-7 PM UK
(replays available)

*Enrolment closes 6 May 2024*

INVESTMENT: $299
for 3 months / 12 sessions
**Payment plans available on request**

“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

ANIMATED SERIES DEVELOPMENT
sees you doing hands-on development with industry professional guidance.

What sets this course apart?

Practical approach

You learn from examples. 
You learn by WRITING IT YOURSELF.
You learn by co-developing your peers' series in peer review.
It means having the benefit of a group of "brains" giving input. 

Globally oriented

The course is led by a series developer and development writer who has attended many international markets and engaged with distributors, and commissioners on many projects herself, that means you learn from an active practitioner.

One-of-a-kind

The programme is literally the only programme of its kind. Offering creatives an "outcomes-based", training programme, a manual and samples of what is expected of creators. This empowers you and motivates you to finish your Series Bible in 12 weeks.
“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... and Cathy, the horse!
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