Why More Animation Writers Are Choosing to Bypass Hollywood. And How You Can Too

A new wave of animated shows isn’t being developed at Disney, DreamWorks, or Netflix. Instead, they’re being built by independent teams who start with a bold idea, a few sketches, and a clear creative vision. Projects like The Amazing Digital Circus, MechWest, and Flow are proving that you don’t have to wait for permission to tell your story. 

These creators aren’t hobbyists — they’re writers, animation veterans, and producers attracting millions of views and even landing studio-level deals. In this article, we’ll break down how they’re doing it — and how you can too.

1. Crafting Original IP: Start with Story

There’s always that one idea that lingers. It might not be marketable on paper, but it’s the one that feels most alive. That’s often the starting point for an original IP — work that stands out because no one else could have made it.

As animation writer and showrunner Emily Brundige advises, “The theme you choose to center your show around has to sustain your interest throughout its development and beyond. Whatever you choose should truly inspire you.”

Pietro Schito

But a strong concept isn’t enough. Your story needs a living, breathing world, emotionally rich characters, and a tone that’s unmistakably yours. The more specific it feels, the more it stands out.

Take Flow, the 2024 Oscar-winning animated indie film by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis. Made with Blender on a €3.5 million ($3.9 million) budget, it captivated audiences and grossed $36 million. Zilbalodis’ path shows what’s possible when you stop waiting for permission and start creating. The boldest ideas often come to life outside the system. 

2. If They Can’t See It, They Won’t Buy It

Animation is visual first, which is why a strong pitch deck often matters more than a script. It sets the tone, conveys the world, and helps collaborators quickly grasp the story’s potential. Sketches, mood boards, and concept frames communicate faster than pages of dialogue — and they make people care before they fully understand.

Writing still matters, but it works best when developed alongside visuals, not ahead of them. If you’re thinking this way, you’re already stepping into a bigger role. You’re not waiting to be hired; you’re preparing to lead. The next move? Start shaping a pilot and bring your story to life the way only you can.

3. It’s Time to Wear Your Showrunner’s Hat

If your pitch deck sparks a clear vision, your next step is to lead a team toward three goals: build an animatic, produce a teaser, and connect with partners who can help bring the pilot to life.

Start with the animatic. Board your key scenes with a story artist and shape the pacing with an editor. This is where your world starts to breathe.

Next, develop a short teaser that captures your show’s tone and style. Partner with an indie studio or build a remote team, like AnimSchool Studios did with MechWest. This animated series was brought to life by artists worldwide, blending steampunk and Wild West through clear direction and a cohesive style.

Once your teaser is ready, launch a crowdfunding campaign with a focused goal, such as a polished animatic or key scene.

Each element — pitch deck, animatic, teaser, and campaign — adds visibility and builds momentum. Together, they make your project easier to pitch, easier to share, and harder to ignore. As the showrunner, you’re the one driving it forward, focused and in charge.

4. You Only Need “1,000 True Fans”

Back in 2008, Wired co-founder Kevin Kelly introduced the idea of “1,000 True Fans.” His point: If just a thousand people care enough to support your work by buying a film, backing a Kickstarter, or sharing your content, you can build something sustainable.

The Amazing Digital Circus, created by Gooseworx and Glitch Productions, premiered on YouTube in 2023. It went viral, racking up hundreds of millions of views and landing a Netflix deal. It wasn’t a studio that made it happen, but the creators’ loyal audience.

True fans can build your career, but only if you keep the rights and the revenue.

5. Retain IP Ownership: Own Your Future

Owning your IP means you control your future. It unlocks revenue streams. licensing, merchandise, publishing. and gives you the freedom to shape your career on your own terms.

Bluey. Photo courtesy of ABC/ BBC

Just look at Bluey. Ludo Studio retained core IP rights, which helped grow the show into a $2 billion franchise.

Or take animation writer-director Jorge R. Gutierrez. Before pitching Maya and the Three, he came in with the scripts, the character designs, and a fully developed vision. That preparation gave him real leverage. He wasn’t asking for permission; he was basically telling Netflix, take it or leave it.

This is why ownership matters. As soon as a studio gives you development money, they become co-owners, and in some cases, you could lose your show altogether.

Is the Hollywood Gatekeeper Model Breaking Down?

Studios still matter, but they’re no longer the only way in. More writers are launching original projects, building audiences, and attracting funding without waiting for permission. As audience habits shift, so does the industry. The next wave of talented creators isn’t waiting in line. They’re building their own doors or slipping in through the window. Keep building. Talent is louder when it’s consistent.

Have you written a feature or TV screenplay? Now’s the perfect time to get actionable feedback from our experts

by Pietro Schito

Pietro Schito is an Italian award-winning animation writer and producer (Thingdom, Inzomnia). He is the founder of Write for Animation, a platform where he shares storytelling insights from top creatives at Pixar, Disney, Netflix, and other leading studios. He is also one of the producers of The Piano, a hand-drawn animated short that premiered at Tribeca. Pietro collaborates with international festivals to host conversations with acclaimed artists from the world of animation.

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