CHAPTER 7
Basic Animation
Writing Structure
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Differences in Story Structure
Structure exists to help you write a better story, but differences in the length of your story
make a difference in the complexity of your structure. Differences in type (feature, kid’s
cartoon, Internet short) or genre (action/adventure, comedy, preschool) can also make a dif-
ference in complexity and style. A feature script is longer and requires more structure to
hold our interest. An Internet short or one-minute TV cartoon requires very little plot. In
fact, structure may get in the way of the gags. Generally action/adventure shows require
more plot than gag-driven comedy shows. Prime-time animated shows generally use a sitcom
structure with more clever dialogue and less action.
Basic Structure
All stories must have a beginning, middle, and end. A short series script (for TV or the Inter-
net) must be about the stars of that series and be centered on them. The star or hero of each
episode must have a goal or motive, and someone or something must oppose that goal. These
are the basic story musts, and the same applies to a film. Of course, there are also inde-
pendent animated films that are more abstract and make no attempt at telling a tale.
Normally scripts use a three-act structure:
- Act I This ends after the problem has been set up. (The girl is on top of a flagpole.)
- Act II This ends before the climax. (Someone is pelting her with squishy tomatoes
and rotten oranges.) - Act III Resolution. (She finds a way to get down.) Wrap up with a tag.