If you're interested in becoming an animation writer, then pursuing a Script Coordinator role might be the path for you. A Script Coordinator is an entry-level position that puts you in the writer's room and depending on the show, the story editor could give you an episode to write. However, these positions come far and few as there is only one Script Coordinator per show, and everyone who wants to be a writer is gunning for the job. You have a 3x better chance of securing a Production Assistant (PA) position as there are usually three PA's to a show. This is not to discourage you, but to inform you. In this video, I will be going over what is a Script Coordinator, what do they do, and what qualities you'll need to become one. So without further ado, let's get to learning!
Should Writers Apply to Writing Fellowship Programs? (Nickelodeon, NBCUniversal, Disney, HBO..)
Writing fellowships are a great way to develop your skills as a writer. The programs are usually small ranging from three to six writers, depending on the studio. This small and intimate setting allows for focused development. It’s a great chance to learn what it’s like to live life as a writer while getting paid to do so. Most programs last for several months to a full year where you’ll pretty much be writing on a daily basis.
A lot of entertainment studios have some sort of writing program or fellowship from Nickelodeon Animation Studio to NBC Universal’s Writer’s on the Verge and they all differ in some aspects. Depending on the program, you might be required to provide a spec script or two, while another wants to see an original pilot. If you’re unfamiliar with what a spec script is, it is taking an on-air show like Rick & Morty or Brooklyn Nine-Nine and writing your own episode to it. The program will usually tell you what shows they accept. They will be all current series and most of them would be popular shows at the time.