TREEHOUSE DETECTIVES: Season Two is Here!

TREEHOUSE DETECTIVES is back on NETFLIX for Season Two with a bunch of fun new episodes, many written by me! 

 

CLICK HERE to see the Season Two trailer!

Animation Writer FAQ: How to Get an Animation Agent

Q: I've written a feature animation script. I've contacted some animation studios first but they considered it an unsolicited submission. I've also contacted literary agencies, but most agencies represent only action, fiction, sci-fi, horror, and not animation. It seems that it’s very difficult to submit my animated script to the studios, especially that these kind of scripts are generated in-house. May ask you to mention to me, to your knowledge, some agencies that still accept submission queries from animation writers? Or a production company that deals with animation studios?

A: Finding an agent is the best way to go. Many literary agencies have at least one agent who handles animation. Try contacting as many as you can and asking if they have such a person on staff and go from there. If they don't have one, ask if they wouldn't mind pointing you in the direction of an agency that does.  They'll likely say no, but you never know. You can also try contacting TAG (The Animation Guild) and the Writer's Guild of America's "Animation Caucus" and asking them your perfectly reasonable question. 

Two agencies I can think of that are exclusive to animation are Gotham and Natural Talent. I'm sure there are more. You can Google their contact information.

Good luck to you! 

 

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Hilda | Official Trailer

I think this looks great! Will definitely be tuning in...

Animation Writer FAQ: Getting Started, Pt.2

Q: (follow up to Pt. 1) I'm currently doing all the things you suggest both in the FAQ and your email. I suppose patience is the next thing I have to practice. I'm continuing to write spec scripts for pretty much every cartoon show I see, from Gravity Falls to Littlest Pet Shop to Spongebob and more. I have not done any live action spec scripts, though, so I suppose I should try one or two of those. Would you recommend living in LA as a requirement for success? Right now I know a few people (hence how I got the agent) but I know it's always a good idea to meet more. 

A: Yes, definitely add some live-action scripts to your collection of writing samples. You never know what the folks who do the hiring might want to read. 

As to whether or not you should move to LA, far be it from me to advise someone to completely uproot their lives on the "chance" of getting work in your chosen/dream profession. But... if you're serious about writing animation, you have to live where the work is. 

While there are small animation production companies sprinkled throughout the US and Canada, this is where the big boys and the networks (WB, Disney, CN, Hasbro Studios, Dreamworks, etc.) are concentrated. NYC has a healthy animation scene, too, but I'm not very familiar with the setup there -- maybe one of my East Coast friends could comment. 

Bottom line: Your chances of getting work increase exponentially when you're available to drive over to Burbank to meet with a Warner Bros story editor who's giving out freelance assignments.

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Avatar: The Last Airbender was truly excellent -- one of my all-time favorite animated series. I'm optimistic the same production team will create more magic with The Dragon Prince.

Animation Writer FAQ: Getting Started, Pt.1

Q: I thought you might be able to offer some advice to a writer jumping head-first into the animation industry. While I've been a writer for some time, I've just now been able to gain representation for screenwriting. Would you have any advice for a writer just starting to get work? Should I rely solely on my agent to get me jobs on shows? How would you recommend getting started with work beyond the commercials and website things I've thus far been hired in? I know it's a tough business, but I'm excited to put the work in and willing to take the advice of those who've been there and succeeded.

A: By getting an agent, you've already taken the biggest step toward gainful employment. Having an

agent is vital as they set up pitch meetings for you and submit your writing samples to the different shows. To answer your question, no, you should not rely (solely) on your agent to get you work. An agent is better viewed as a team member, a person who helps you get work. In the meantime, network and do your best to make personal contacts. The old saw that it's "who you know" has a lot of truth to it. I find the longer I'm in the business, the more work I get from people who've hired me before.

Another bit of advice would be to keep writing script samples for sitcoms, screenplays, anything that your agent can use to submit you for jobs. The more practice/skill you have in writing scripts, the more confidence you'll gain and the more likely you are to get work as a writer.

Good luck!

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Pt.2 of this FAQ will be a follow up to this question.

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Treehouse Detectives Begins Streaming June 8th

How cool is this? Treehouse Detectives, the preschool series I wrote on last year, begins streaming on Netflix this Friday, 6/8/18. It's a super-fun little show and I think kids are really going to love it.

Please check it out!

From Netflix:
Treehouse Detectives
2018 TV-Y
When their animal friends need help, brother-and-sister team Toby and Teri use the clues and follow the facts to solve mysteries in their own backyard.
Starring: Brody Allen, Jenna Davis, Ryan Bartley

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer!

Animation Writer FAQ: Writing Animated Features

Q: I am a writer and I've got an idea for an animated feature. I just have the idea and couple of different endings. I have two contacts through my sister in LA who are producers for big animated companies. I spoke to one and she definitely believes it is definitely a full-length feature film that no one has done, yet. She told me that I needed to own it as long as I can, write the treatment, screenplay. I have no experience in writing scripts. Do you have any advice or can suggest any materials that someone like me could follow? I get very frustrated when I write. So far I am just watching as many films as I can and reading other scripts. -- Marie

A: Hi, Marie. I only write TV animation, but I'm happy to share a thought or two on how to write an animated screenplay. Watching lots of films and reading lots of scripts is a great place to start. When you feel like you're ready to start writing, I would recommend three other things. First, even though "no one has done" a script like yours yet, determine an animated feature that your idea most closely resembles, then hunt around on the web for a copy of that script (there are many resources, some free) and use it as a model/template for your own idea. I'm not telling you to copy it, just to use it to see how professionals execute an idea similar to your own.

Next, you may want to pick up a copy of Syd Field's classic how-to book, Screenplay. It'll bring you up to speed on how to structure a screenplay. There are similar books out there, but I learned how to do it from Syd.

Finally, you may want to invest in some screenwriting software to make sure your script looks right. I use Final Draft, which is the industry standard. This kind of software is a little pricey but I think well worth the investment if you plan on writing professionally. Good luck!

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Thoughts about the above question or about writing for animation in general? Leave them in the comments or send it to me via the CONTACT tab.

Call For Employment

The writing for Treehouse Detectives, the fun animated show I've been working on, is close to wrapping. Our mystery-solving brother and sister bears are coming to Netflix soon and should be a big hit with the preschool crowd.

In the meantime, I need work. Thanks!

#animationguild #sagaftra #bbqpitmaster

Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz

"Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz": I wrote for this fun show last year. It just started airing on Boomerang's streaming service so check it out! #otherwriting

Pokemon Theme Song As Jazz

Yes, it's good. Really good. You should listen to it. A lot.

My Top Six 2015 Creative Goals and Resolutions

6) Complete outline for the third book in my 'Dragonfriend' series.

I take my time with my outlines and try to make them as complete as possible (while leaving plenty of room for the little discoveries we authors delight in), but haven't done any work on this one since July. That's unacceptable and I intend to complete it before this fall. Bonus goal: Write a first draft of the novel before the end of the year, possibly during NaNoWriMo (which I happen to enjoy, but haven't been able to participate in for a couple of years).

5) Complete edit of the space opera YA novel I wrote.

I finished the first draft of this manuscript a while back and set it aside until my thoughts cleared. Guess what? They cleared and so this one's back on the to-do list. 

4) Start and complete first draft of short story anthology based in Norse mythology.

 I researched this one extensively over the summer and now need to get busy on it.

3) Finish editing my kid's novel.

Yes, my 18yr old wrote a fantasy novel and it's awesome. It's also 100k+ words and I've got to knuckle down and devote the time to it that it deserves. Deep breath.

2) Complete the pitch bible for a cool animated show I'm creating.

It's funny and character-driven with lots of fun dystopian action. I just have to get off my keister and get it done. Bonus goal: Write the pilot script, too.

1) Get a full-time writing/acting/anything gig.

2014, don't let the door hit you on the way out. While blessed with freelance writing work on a couple of great shows, last year was particularly dry and the gaps between script assignments have been brutal. A regular paycheck over an extended period of time is sorely needed. This one is the priority, hence its ranking at #1.

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There are some serious time-eaters on this list and I doubt I'll get the whole thing done, but I'm going for it. I'll report back at the end of the year and let you know how successful I was.

What's on your list of creative goals and resolutions for 2015?

The Pets Are Back! Littlest Pet Shop Returns

After taking a mid-season break (all the fashionable shows are doing it), Littlest Pet Shop returns this Saturday, 12/13 at 12:30p ET/11:30a CT on Discovery Family. Check it out!

Time for the 7D!

The 7D, a fun little show I wrote for last year, premieres this coming Monday (7/7) on Disney XD.

Here's the deal:

"The series takes place in the whimsical world of Jollywood, where Queen Delightful relies on the 7D – Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy and Doc – to keep the kingdom in order. Standing in their way are two laughably evil villains, Grim and Hildy Gloom, who plot to take over the kingdom by stealing the magical jewels in the 7D’s mine. With seven very distinct personalities, the 7D always manage to save the day and send Grim and Hildy running back to their evil lair to try another day."

Check it out!

Saturday Question: Pimping Your Animation Idea

From Jojo: 

Q: Hallo there I am sorry to bother you but I kinda need a little help and gaudiness. I have an idea for an animation film but I can't really show it to anybody without having a manager or an agent first and I have no idea how to do that. Can you please help me? Thanks very much.

A: Just like the studios and production companies you'd eventually like to reach, most reputable agents or managers are uninterested in "ideas," especially from unknowns (I assume you're an unknown, if not, what the heck are you doing asking a question like this to an unknown like me?). They're much more likely to respond positively to a well-written query in which you very briefly describe your idea and then offer to send YOUR SCRIPT. That's right, I said script. Aside from claiming a recommendation from J.J. Abrams (don't do this unless you really have one), writing a script is the only way I know of that you, currently an unknown, will get a legitimate agent or manager interested in your "idea." 

As far as your needing a little gaudiness (assuming that wasn't an autocorrect error), I'd suggest checking out Mardis Gras or carnivale footage on YouTube and seeing if you can crib some tips from there. ;)

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Got a question for a self/traditionally published author and TV animation writer (who'd be perfect for that show you're staffing)? I thought so. Leave it here in the comments and I'll try to answer it on the following Saturday.

Littlest Pet Shop Back in One Month!

Just finished my fourth script for Season 3. It's a privilege to write for such a fun show. Doubly so since they really seem to like my stuff. Season 2 starts on Nov.2 so set them DVRs!

Writin' on The 7D

The 7D Writing Staff (L to R): Shea Fontana, Randy Rogel, Deanna Oliver, Me, Sherri Stoner, Paul Rugg, Tom Ruegger.

Since April of this year I've been a staff writer on a fun show called The 7D. It's for Disney and, as you might guess, it has a little something to do with the seven dwarfs of Snow White fame. In this case, we meet the guys a generation before all that business with a vain Queen and a poison apple.

Show runner Tom Ruegger posted a fun behind-the-scenes look at the writing process we've been employing and I invite you to check it out HERE.

I haven't heard an exact airdate, only that it'll start running sometime in 2014. I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, writing continues on the third season of another fun show, Littlest Pet Shop. The second season begins airing on November 2nd so set those DVRs.

Go The 7D! Go Littlest Pet Shop! Go employment!

Littlest Pet Shop: Summertime Blues

Check out my most recent episode of Littlest Pet Shop, the season one ender entitled, "Summertime Blues."

Why, It's a Major Award (Nomination)!

UPDATE: I didn't win, Ziggy Marley (son of reggae great Bob Marley) did. Honestly, though, it really was cool to be nominated and I am very grateful for that. RE

My apologies to my social media friends who have already seen this, but I wanted to make sure my blog pals were in the loop, too. I woke up Wednesday morning to a congratulatory email from Tim and Julie Cahill, Exec Producers of Littlest Pet Shop, telling me that I and composer Daniel Ingram had been nominated for an Emmy! How cool is that?!

I had no clue we'd even been submitted so it came as a complete and very welcome surprise. Here are the details:

2013 Daytime Emmy Nominee

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG – CHILDREN AND ANIMATION
“IF YOU’RE A GUY” Littlest Pet Shop, The HUB
Daniel Ingram, Composer/Roger Eschbacher, Lyricist

Again I ask, "How cool is that?!" The awards will be held on June 16th in Beverly Hills. Positive thoughts are appreciated as we're up against some pretty stiff competition. Here's a clip of the song:



One more time...HOW COOL IS THAT?!!!

"The Best Scooby Doo! Series Ever Comes to an End Starting Today"

Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated

 Series writer/producer Mitch Watson tipped me off to this great article, about Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated calling it "another great goodbye from WIRED magazine."

I'm very proud to have written several episodes in each of the two seasons and must (not so humbly) agree that with its great look, awesome series wide story arc, stellar cast, and fun individual episodes, it is the best Scooby series yet. As an animation nerd, it was truly an honor to write for such a storied franchise because, c'mon man, Scooby's cartoon royalty!

The second half of the final season starts running today (3/25) at 5:00 on Cartoon Network (check your local listings) and will continue to run at that time each day until the three-part finale which show co-creator Tony Cervone describes as "all kinds of epic"  (he ain't lying, folks!).

Anyway, good-bye and thanks for all the fun, Scoob. Like, you're the best!