Animation : Animation script by Banafsheh Esmailzadeh

Hi Banafsheh Esmailzadeh, pleasure to get connected. I'm a noob too when it comes to writing scripts. Last month I took part in stage 32 November writing challenge and it definitely helped me with writing my first script. I would suggest a few different things:

1. Although it's for animation, I would post this into the screenwriting lounge that way you're able to connect with all the different screenwriters and get feedback from them.

2. If you haven't already, check out the writers' room, there's a lot of useful information in there as well as several people who are experienced and more than willing to assist you in your journey (this was the best part of last month for me, seeing everyone come together and provide tips, tricks and resources was mind blowing).

3. I'll find the link and send it over but there's a gentleman by the name of Maurice who created an outline for screenwriting (the secret sauce). It helps gets the ideas out and starts the foundation for writing the script.

Hopefully this helps! I look forward to hearing more about your journey with screenwriting.

Thanks for the shout-out, Cyrus Sales. Here's the outline template Cyrus mentioned, Banafsheh Esmailzadeh: www.stage32.com/profile/811418/Screenplay/Outline-Template-for-Feature-S...

Maurice Vaughan You're welcome!

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh Definitely check out the link provided, I went from staring blankly at my computer screen to getting the concept out and structured. Next step is to write the script!

Thank you Cyrus Sales and Maurice Vaughan, I’m making good use of the template to figure out my ideas some more :)

You're welcome, Banafsheh Esmailzadeh.

It’s difficult to find anime screenplays in English that aren’t fan transcripts.

But take a look at some of these animation scripts here:

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/animation-scripts/

Generally, animation scripts follow the same rules as live action, although more visual description is accepted since everything needs to be drawn by artists.

Doing a comic is a fine idea, since that is similar to Storyboarding.

Thank you Mike Boas, I'll definitely check out those scripts and work hard on the comic :) and it makes sense that more visual description is accepted, I'll try not to go overboard with it all the same lol

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh Hi! Welcome to the world of screenwriting! Writing for animation, especially anime, shares a lot of similarities with live-action scripts but with a few unique considerations.

For anime-style storytelling, focus on visual storytelling—use vivid descriptions of the world and character actions, as they’re a big part of anime’s appeal. Keep your dialogue concise but impactful, as anime often conveys emotion and backstory through visuals or subtle exchanges rather than long speeches. Also, pay attention to pacing—anime frequently blends moments of high-intensity action with quieter, introspective scenes.

If you’re transitioning to a comic first, it’s a fantastic way to visualize your story beats and refine character dynamics. When the time comes to adapt it into an animated script, you’ll already have a strong foundation.

Your influences are awesome—it sounds like you’re working on something with rich themes and dynamic storytelling. Good luck with your project, and feel free to share updates!

Laquan Copeland Thank you so much! That helps a lot, and you're totally right, anime is all about visuals and subtle exchanges. Also helps that I speak some Japanese and can therefore can make the dialogue more realistic (in its world there are non-Japanese characters too and in the novel at least I found a shorthand way to show what language is being spoken, it'll be fun to find a way to work that into the comic).

Thanks again and I'll definitely keep you posted :) with any luck this will also help me get unstuck for my novel which this is a prequel/spinoff for (world is largely the same but supporting/side characters have more or less prominent roles). Super excited to dive into this one~