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How to Write an Anime Screenplay

With the majority of anime produced overseas in Asia, it is hard to come across a formatted anime script in the United States. Anything you use for reference is often an unformatted transcript that just features character dialogue. If you want to write your own anime screenplay, use the basic screenplay foundations and add in a few characteristics that are common with animation. The key to a successful anime screenplay is making the story as visual as possible through text.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use basic screenplay slug lines to introduce scenes. This includes "INT." or "EXT." for interior and exterior, the location -- such as "OFFICE" -- and either "DAY" or "NIGHT" to complete it.

    • 2

      Introduce scenes with vivid descriptions. In normal screenplays, action lines should be kept crisp, but because of the visuals in anime, you can expand them to give your true visualization of the story.

    • 3

      Write in active voice. Avoid phrases such as "Jojo is running across the park" and replace it with "Jojo runs across the park." Keep this voice throughout the script.

    • 4

      Add in camera angles without actually writing about the camera. For example, instead of writing "The Camera zooms in on Kiko's bug eyes" you can write, "Kiko's bug eyes expand from her head and fill the screen."

    • 5

      Write in any character transformation or occurrence that cannot happen in real life. When animators and filmmakers try to visualize your script, you want as much description as possible. Instead of "His arms stretch out", expand the phrasing like this: "His arms stretch out from the shoulder, stretch the skin tightly, tear his clothes and expand in a wavy pattern across the room."

    • 6

      Write out sound effects in all CAPS. For example, "Billy slips and PLOPS into the mud puddle." "Jill SLAPS Peter and laughs."

    • 7

      Format dialogue like a standard screenplay. Feature the name in CAPS, center the text and write the dialogue just below the name. Keep action before and after the dialogue without trying to split it up into sections too often.

Screen Writing

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