PITCH TO SCRIPT 

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COURSE STARTS 22 OCTOBER 2025 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS 6-8 PM UK

This is not a course!

It’s a strategic approach to kickstarting your career in episodic writing for animation.


Across 5 modules, you’ll write spec scripts for existing TV shows in a simulated writers’ room, moving from pitch to polished script.


Everything you need to know about writing for under-8s, taught while you write.


  • Level
    All
  • On demand video time
    1-2 hrs/week
  • Live class
    2 hrs/week
  • Assignment time
    Student dependant
  • One-on-one Tutoring
    2 hrs / module
  • Deliverable
    One script/module

The Nuts and Bolts a.k.a. How it works - 
and why our students are so successful!)

#1 Five Modules = Five Scripts

You don’t just talk about writing for animation, you actually do it. Each module ends with a spec script for an existing show — meaning by the end, you’ve got a stack of portfolio pieces. Ie. Career kickstarting strategy.

#2 Not a Class — a Writers’ Room

This isn’t school. It’s a simulated writers’ room. You learn, you try, you mess up, you fix it — together. I show you the how, not just the what, and you get real-time feedback in a collaborative space.

#3 Samples, Worksheets, Lifelines

Lost in a scene? Stuck on structure? I’ve got you. You’ll get samples, examples, and a workbook packed with worksheets that hold your hand when your brain taps out. You are never riding blind.

#4 Killer Content, Covered

We dig into everything: age ranges, formats, screenwriting craft, and the medium of animation itself. Writing from pitch → outline → script teaches you the actual process used in professional rooms. By the end, you’ll know exactly how it’s done.

#5 A Writing Team of Peers

No one writes in a vacuum. You’ll swap scripts, give feedback, cheer each other on, and basically become a mini writers’ room. And the sneaky bonus? You’re not just writing your episode — you’re learning from four other stories too.

#6 Three One-on-Ones with Me

Yep. Every module includes three private sit-downs with your story editor (that’s me). We’ll tackle blockers, skill gaps, and polish. This is the difference between a passable script and a kickass script.

PITCH TO SCRIPT is by far the most effective, comprehensive and FUN course teaching writers to write for episodic animation!

but don't take our word for it...

This is what our students say:

“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 really enjoyed the pitch-to-script course. Natasje's wise words, humour and excellent feedback really helped my writing."
Aidan McAteer
"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
"Pitch to script is a great experience. Natasje demystifies the hows and whys things work for young audiences with hands-on examples and a supportive class environment."
Ciaran Lucas
"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
"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

Meet your teacher

Natasje van Niekerk - Screenwriter & Story editor

Natasje van Niekerk is a screenwriter and story editor with nearly 20 years of experience across animation, live action, film, and television. Her screen credits span genres and formats and she is proud to have won a few awards too. She has claim to an international award for her use of comedy in animated shorts and she earned local acclaim in her home country, South Africa, for her work in live-action sitcom.

On top of a list of screen credits, she has also head written four animated series, consulted for FOX Kids, and served on multiple evaluation panels — most notably for the International Emmy Awards.

She spent seven years at a national film commission, where she mentored emerging screenwriters and evaluated film and TV projects across development stages.

She currently lives in Ireland, where she does development writing for Irish Animation Studios and works on two feature film projects.

Over the past 13 years, Natasje has developed and refined her own teaching programmes to equip writers to meet the real-world needs of writers' rooms while giving them creative confidence to help their writing voices thrive.

"Every writer deserves the tools to write." - Natasje.

FIVE MODULES, AT A GLANCE

Pitch to Script 101 – Premise

We start at the foundation: story as expressed in the premise. With a focus on the under-5 audience, you’ll study Hey Duggee and Elinor Wonders Why.


Writers will split into two teams — four on each show. Each team writes a spec premise while putting on an editor’s eye to review the opposite show’s work. It’s your first taste of how writers’ rooms sharpen stories together.

Pitch to Script 102 – Outline

This is where you learn to think in scenes. With a focus on the 4–7 audience, we’ll break open episode structure — exploring how a story works scene by scene.

We’ll study Paw Patrol and Bluey, then work in teams to build our spec scripts from PITCH TO SCRIPT. This module teaches you to write a solid blueprint before layering in dialogue and detail.

Pitch to Script 103 – Script

Now we dive into the craft of scripting for episodic animation. From mastering format to writing visual scenes to nailing dialogue, this is where the real screenwriting techniques kick in.


Our focus is the bridge audience. You’ll study Gigantosaurus and Octonauts, then write a full spec script for one of them — applying everything you’ve learned to bring a complete episode to life.


Pitch to Script 104 – Script Revision & Polish

Writing is rewriting. This module is all about polish — taking your script from draft to kickass. You’ll refine structure, sharpen dialogue, and learn how to make every scene shine.


Our focus is the 6–8 audience. You’ll study Peg + Cat and The Loud House as you rewrite and polish your own spec script, learning how to push good ideas into great storytelling.

Pitch to Script 105 – The TV Special

Time to show off your voice. In this final module, we break the rules and take everything you’ve learned into a playful challenge: writing a holiday special — Christmas or Halloween — from Pitch to Script.


This is where you flex your skills, experiment with form, and let your storytelling sparkle. The grand finale: a short that proves you can own the room with your unique voice.

Pitch to Script equips you with a diverse portfolio of spec scripts across age groups and styles — the kind of work that shows producers and agents both your range and your unique writer’s voice. That’s why Pitch to Script isn’t just a course… it’s a career strategy.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!

WE'LL MEET YOU WHERE YOU'RE AT...

tHERE'S NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL HERE.

Wet your feet

€399/module
This plan is for writers who want to test the waters without committing to the full course. Maybe you just need one spec script to boost your portfolio. Maybe you’re curious about the process before going all in.

You’ll get one complete module — pitch to finished spec — plus access to the writers’ room, worksheets, and one-on-one feedback.

👉 Pay once (€399) or split it into two payments of €200.
  • One complete module
  • Supporting Material for one module
  • Three one-on-one feedback sessions.

mail natasje@thestorytellerpod.com for a payment link to PAY IN TWO.

The Full Monty

€349/module
We reward your commitment IN CASH! 💸

Sign up for the whole fandango — all five modules, from premise to polish (holiday special included). This is the best-value way to take Pitch to Script, and it works out at just €349 per module - a saving of €250!!

👉 Pay upfront (€1,745) or spread the cost across 12 monthly payments of €145.
  • FIVE modules
  • Full Course Materials
  • Three one-on-ones per module
  • Access to catalogue of previous classes and recordings
  • Certification on successful completion of 5 scripts

MAKE 12 EASY PAYMENTS BELOW

The Alumni Reward

€149/mo
For returning Pitch to Script writers who’ve already completed 3+ modules. This is your way to stay sharp, refresh your specs, and keep writing in practice.

You’ll essentially get the classes free — you’re only paying for two 1-on-1 story editor sessions.

All 5 modules: €149 per module (or spread the cost with 12 monthly payments of €67)

Single module refresh: €199

Because once you’re part of Pitch to Script, you’re always part of the room. 💚
  • All the benefits of THE FULL MONTY
  • Two one-on-ones per module
  • Certification on successful completion of 5 scripts

mail natasje@thestorytellerpod.com for a payment link to MAKE 12 EASY PAYMENTS 

Road to Script Editing

€199/mo

Ready to step up from writer to editor? This plan is for writers who’ve completed 3+ Pitch to Script modules and want to explore script editing or the road to head writing — or writers new to The Storyteller Pod who show strong proficiency.


On this path, you’ll attend with the intent to curate the scripts into a series. You’ll give notes and edits on two writers’ journeys from pitch to script, submitting them each week for feedback.


Each module includes:

  • Three rounds of notes from Natasje

  • Two 1-on-1 story editor sessions


💸 Single module: €249
💸 All 5 modules: €199 per module (or spread the cost with 12 monthly payments of €87)


Because the best way to learn editing… is by doing it.

  • No transaction fees
  • 20 admins / instructors
  • Bulk student upload

mail natasje@thestorytellerpod.com for a payment link to MAKE 12 EASY PAYMENTS

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