Difference between Live action script and Animation script
In week 4 Thursday’s class we did an exercise on writing the opening sequence from UP (2009). We wrote down what we can remember and the way I wrote it was more descriptive. For example:
INT. HOUSE – DAY They start building the house still in their wedding clothes. Carl starts hammering the door frame and Ellie starts sawing the wooden planks. INT. HOUSE – DAY Carl pushes a red chair and Ellie pushes a yellow chair side by side in the living room where the window is.
I described the location and colour so that we will have a better image in our minds. However, the original script from UP was written in a more simple manner. There weren’t many descriptive words like I used but the tone of the story was there. For example, from the original script:
EXT. CARL AND ELLIE’S HOUSE – DAY Ellie’s finishes painting “Carl & Ellie” on their MAILBOX. Carl leans in to admire her work but leaves a messy paint handprint on the mailbox! Oh well; Ellie adds her handprint as well. They smile.
From this scene we can imagine that Carl must have felt guilty for messing up the painting however, Ellie added her handprint so that Carl will not have to feel that way. This scene very much reflects their character where Carl is shy and does not like to be a burden while Ellie character is very carefree. It sets the tone of the character even though there weren’t any dialogue.
I expanded my research and came across this article on the difference between live action script and animation script. The article states that “animation requires more description to effectively communicate the visual” so the description for an animation is very detailed and longer as compared to live action script (Scott, 2011). That was what I initially thought when I rewrote the opening sequence for UP. Scott added that it is important for animated script to be précised especially if the script is being sent out to an animated director who is new at looking at this story (Scott, 2011). However, in the case of UP, the director and co-writer is the same person, Pete Docter. In an interview he discussed that being a director and storyteller, there were a few points to consider such as camera, lighting and etc (Youtube, 2:42mins, 2012). Since he was the writer and director of the film it does reflect on how the script was written. The script in UP was fairly simple and direct with little details is because Docter has the vision in his mind and which he can make changes at any time. He did mention that he had to re-edit the storyboards several times before they can start filming (Youtube, 3:52mins, 2012).
It really depends on the team you are working with. If you are working with the same people throughout or if you are directing it then the script can be written in a less descriptive manner though it is advised to have a detailed script. It is better to have a detailed script first and then cut off certain parts once it is being reviewed.
Reference Lists:
Animation World Network. (2011). The Difference Between Live-Action and Animation Writing Retrieved from http://www.awn.com/blog/difference-between-live-action-and-animation-writing
Youtube. (2012). DP/30: UP, director/co-writer Pete Docter Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIFl2vMOLr0
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