ANIMATED SERIES DEVELOPMENT

WRITE YOUR PILOT 2025

You have a pitch-ready series bible. Now what? 


You write a PILOT EPISODE. That is where the next level of development naturally takes place. 

Fine... but how do you sell your show in a risk-averse marketplace.

Also: With a pilot episode. Show them the show kicks ass where it matters: IN SCRIPT!


The pilot is where your concept is tested. It’s where you (and producers or production partners) discover if the world you’ve created truly works.

A strong pilot script is what moves a project from “interesting concept” to serious consideration.

Over 8 weeks, Write Your Pilot guides you step by step through developing and scripting the pilot episode for your children's or animated series. By the end of the course, you will have a polished, submission-ready pilot script —

The crucial piece that shows your series can go the distance.

The course includes:

  • One live class per week (90 mins) of brainstorm, feedback and the full writer's room experience.
  • On demand tutorials.
  • Private Peer Review Platform.
  • TWO 1:1 sessions of 40 mins each with a story editor to refine your work.


STARTS  THURSDAY 18 JANUARY 2025 1PM UK

Write your awesome label here.
“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

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.
“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
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