Steven Fischer at Script DC

Script DC is a conference for screenwriters and takes place each year, as one would suspect, in Washington, DC. This year I was asked to speak with Lisa Goldman and Kristin Harris on the subject of Writing for Animation. The audience was comprised of both novice and professional writers, all eager to participate and ask questions. We screened some of our respective animation work and answered questions on everything from basic format to breaking into “the biz” and the relationship between the writer and the animator.

I enjoy speaking at events like this because it gives me a chance to contribute and share the lessons I’ve learned along my journey.

Lisa and Kristin are great people and terrific animators. Lisa is the president of Women in Animation, and Kristin runs a successful business called Kristin Harris Design.

Steven Fischer and Lisa Goldman speak about Writing for Animation at Script DC 2009 (photo: Amy Stern).

Steven Fischer to Appear at ScriptDC

“I don’t know why they need you to write for Bugs Bunny, he’s funny enough on his own,” a grandmother once said to her young writer grandson who had just shared his excitement in landing a job at Warner Brothers writing scripts for Bugs Bunny cartoons.

I was recently invited to speak at the Script DC conference (Oct 15-18). I will be part of a panel talking about writing for animation and how animation can be used for effective storytelling. The administrators of the event said they wanted to use one of my animated movies as an example … of what not to do, I guess. ;0)

Panel details:
Oct 17th, 2:30 to 4:00 pm
Saturday, October 17, 2009
University of California, Washington Center
1608 Rhode Island Avenue, NW

I was excited to learn that my friend Kristen Harris will also be on the panel! She was one of five animators I highlighted in my 2006 documentary Draw the Line.

The weekend will include workshops, networking, a screenplay competition, and some amazing speakers. Screenwriters Megan Holley (Sunshine Cleaning), and Jeff Porro and Robert Eisele (The Great Debaters) will be joining other invited local and national industry professionals to ensure that all conference participants gain the skills, knowledge and connections they need to be successful.

ScriptDC is presented by Women in Film & Video, TIVA-DC, DC Shorts Film Festival, Virginia Production Alliance, and The Actors Center. This event is possible with the support of the DC Office of Film and Television Production, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Julia Barbara, Sapling Pictures, Ann Barbara, and Leeza Gibbons.