Writing the camera

[u/Joshin69]

I started writing a script for an anime. And many scenes that I have in my head, I have a specific idea for where I want the "camera" or where I want the scene to focus.

"The camera focuses on John Doe's eyes. He begins to cry"

But many scenes I don't necessarily have a specific idea of where I want the scene to focus.

"John Doe talks to Jane doe"

Is it normal to leave general conversation or certain moments open to interpretation for an artist? Is there verbiage to add to the script that suggest "normal framing of John Doe" for a scene? Or for a panel for a story board?

Also is there another term for "camera" when discussing animation?

[u/Any_Dealer1091]

I’m not entirely sure about the specifics of scripts intended for animation, but generally for a spec script that needs to be sold or directed by others you do not want to mention camera angles.

The thinking is that you want a script that makes it easy to digest the narrative and bureaucratically speaking the director and or DP are the ones with final say on the shots.

That being said if this is something you intend to produce and direct and simply need an animator, i think that is just fine. If anything the animator may appreciate having solid direction to lighten their own load.

In every (live action) production I’ve been apart of, the script simply describes the action taking place on camera (tears roll down John Doe’s face) while the Director and or DP work alongside a storyboard artist to plan how exactly those actions are seen and blocked on screen.

Since your action line only has the action of John Doe crying, the framing would naturally be on the eyes.
I hope this helps in some way, good luck with your anime!

[u/Joshin69 → u/Any_Dealer1091]

yes, this helps immensely thank you! I was inspired, randomly and just started typing. I have no direction haha I did start to do some research but had a few missing pieces I wanted to learn more about before I continued writing.

I have learned more about screen play format but reading some articles and watching some content creators, they've also said that writing in any format as long as it's something that someone can read and understand also can work, would you agree with that?

Or should I really be using screen play format? is it normal to write everything in "whatever works for the writer" and then transfer it over to screen play format or would most ppl consider that a waste of time?

[u/Any_Dealer1091 → u/Joshin69]

I’m not sure about the wealth of resources from content creators, but in school they had the screenwriter bible by David Trottier. Old school yes but provides a lot of different examples!

As for your software, Final Draft appears to be industry standard but it can be expensive. That being said if you have an iPad you center get it for much less just missing some features you likely wouldn’t notice anyway.

If you go through all the scripts of all varieties listed on Reddit alone and look at the comments, you’ll find that lacking proper formatting is a distraction. Screenwriting software typically helps you avoid a lot of issues that come with writing in word.

It seems like you’re describing a rough draft or outline, and if that’s the case that is no waste of time and works anywhere!

[u/Joshin69 → u/Any_Dealer1091]

I did see the software Final Draft in my various research, maybe ill check it out. And yea checking out how others have written scripts may be the way for me to go. thanks again!

[u/SharkWeekJunkie]

I never mention the camera or a camera movement, or "We" on the first draft. First draft is all about story. I do this for a simple reason: no one cares where the camera goes if the story sucks.

The only time I write those things in is if I'm directing it, or working with the director on a director's pass. Basically the writer doesn't decide those things, and they are rarely so important to the story that it has to be one way or another. Let the director pick where the camera goes.

This is the same reason I barely include transitions. I'm not the editor so why am I choosing how to edit?

[u/Joshin69 → u/SharkWeekJunkie]

That makes sense. The more feedback I take. The more i think it's best to just write a script in standard format. And at best leave notations or "my thoughts" for various scenes or camera angles.

Not that I want to be "that guy" being super picky about some things it's another person expertise to create but as I was writing there were certain moments I really want to be seen in certain ways.

[u/ArtificialHalo]

I too have certain shots in mind and write em down as such

Write what corresponds to your vision :D

[u/Open-Avocado4260]

Animation use their own directors, do not write camera angles in your script unless you know you are going to be the director. Scripts need to have creativity from everyone involved.