Each Scene
Each scene should be visually interesting and never talky (unless this is specifically a talky
animation series). Keep descriptions to a line or two. Plot points should be made visually.
Cut anything that won’t keep the kids rolling on the floor with laughter, sobbing into their
tissues, or sitting on the edge of their seats with their mouths agape like a farm boy at his
first sighting of alien crop circles. Cartoons should be funny all the way through; even the
adventure stories usually have funny scenes and a general sense of humor. Add plenty of
conflict and action. Scenes should have surprises. Actions do not produce expected results.
What is known (the villain is just around the next corner) and what is unknown produce
tension. Add powerful imagery and symbols where you can. Where a scene takes place can
affect mood.
Put in the motivations. What’s the motivation of the story? What are the motivations of
the star and the villains? Why? Add complications. Why does the witch need her brew right
now? How does the ghost appear? Inquiring minds want to know! Give your hero difficult
choices.
The viewers and others who work with the script (executives, production crew, etc.)
should be able to easily understand each scene. Avoid complicated visual ideas, subtleties,
or unknown actions where explanation is necessary. Adding complications to the plot doesn’t
mean confusing the viewer. Be clear.
Fitting the Scenes Together
Every scene fits into the rhythm of the whole. For overall pacing action scenes may need to
be broken up with a quiet character-building scene or a comedy scene, especially early in
the script. Vary your scenes and your sequences. Vary locations. Vary shots. Cut between
action and character insight, comedy and action, the negative and the positive. Vary scene
lengths. Vary pace. Look at your scenes. Would they be more effective rearranged in another
order, or would it be better to combine some of them? Use your best storytelling instincts
to make your story compelling, moving, action filled, and funny! Normally one scene should
lead us smoothly into the next. An action in one scene can lead to a reaction in the next.
An image or sound at the beginning of a scene can remind us of an image or sound from
the one we just saw. At the end of the scene you want your audience eager to find out what
will happen next. Build to a big climax. Then tie up the loose ends quickly. And leave them
giggling with a gag!
Checklist
- Does your scene accomplish everything you think it should?
- Does it stay focused on the plot and characters?
- Is the scene clear? Is it easy to understand? Will the audience believe it?
- Be sure the scene is visual. Is there enough to animate?
The Scene 177