writing for animation-series

PITCH TO SCRIPT 101: Story

Or take advantage of our NOT TO BE REPEATED special offer of signing up for a payment plan of the discounted rate and make 3 equal payments of €100. (Ends Friday 13 December)

This is PART 1 of a FOUR 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.

Each week covers theory and live in-class assessment and editing of work, so writers can see how to craft an episode and how to assess the quality of each part of the scriptwriting process from Pitch to Script.

Each part of the programme has a study focus and an age group focus to teach students the progression of complexity in storytelling as follows:

101 - STORY - Age: Under 2-4
102 - STRUCTURE - Age: 4-7
103 - SCRIPT - Age: 6-9
104 - COMEDY - Age 9-11

Students are divided in groups for peer review, that way they are have insight on the development of their peer's scripts.

CLASS STARTS WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2025 - 5-7 PM UK

Write your awesome label here.

The course includes:

  • Downloadable Workbook
  • Downloadable Samples of each phase
  • One Live Class per week.
  • Four 1:1 Editorial Reviews.
  • Private Peer Review Portal
  • VIP Facebook Group for support and opportunities.

Live Classes are Wednesdays 5-7 PM UK (replays available)

*Payment plans are available**

The class will be writing a spec for DANIEL TIGER's NEIGHBOURHOOD.

“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

From the Class of 2024

The Pitch to Script course is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your writing skills. Every step, from the initial idea to the finished script, is broken down into manageable tasks that makes the process super fun and easy to follow. 
LIAM SKINNER
Pitch to script is a great experience. demystifying the hows and whys things work for young audiences with hands-on examples and a supportive class environment.
CIARAN LUCAS
After two decades writing TV drama, writing animation is an exciting and terrifying ambition. Natasje held my hand and made the journey easy. I am navigating a new world without fear. Writing animation is exciting. I’m having fun!
NK'IRU NJOKU
I really enjoyed the pitch-to-script course. Natasje's wise words, humour and excellent feedback really helped my writing.
AIDAN MCATEER
“There's always something new to discover within the world of animation.”
joseph barbera

PITCH to SCRIPT gives you comprehensive training 

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 two black cats - to confuse the neighbours.

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