Greetings. I'll make this brief. I've used terms like CAMERA ON throughout my script. Most people (in the Screenplay lounge area) have said to leave cameras up to the director, etc. But this rule may differ when it comes to screenplays about animations. It's bad enough that screenwriting isn't my trade. Do I include camera directions (CAMERA ON, CLOSE ON, PAN TO, etc.) in my anime script, or don't I?
Animation : Camera directions in screenplays for animations, yes or no? by Zane Wickman
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It’s generally more acceptable in animation screenplays, since you’re describing what needs to be drawn. But don’t go overboard. (Use only when needed.)
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yes
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Zane Wickman I suggest looking at the website below. It has examples of Animated feature screenplays. I think what you will find is that they use camera directions when it's necessary for the story, but they're omitted otherwise. Most of the camera directions and framing will be worked out in the storyboards and then finalized in the layout/cinematography phase, so as Mike Boas said above, use only when needed.
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/animation-scripts/
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Yes, you have to give the animator some idea of the choreography of the scene.
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Both my animation screenplays are written the same as if they were live action; no camera directions. It's still a spec script (shooting scripts are different, of course) and I try to make it visual through my descriptions("he sees" instead of "camera on") etc.
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Hi Zane Wickman - here's a Stage 32 class taught by the writer of Toy Story that I recommend checking out: https://www.stage32.com/classes/From-Pen-To-Pixels-Writing-Your-Animatio...
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Make visual descriptions instead. The directors won't like when you include camera directions