A comedy animation typically runs 70-85 pages (feature), 11-22 pages (TV) and is defined by animated comedy scripts that leverage the medium's visual freedom to deliver physical comedy, absurd situations, and character-based humor impossible in live-action.
Animated comedy can exaggerate facial expressions, physical reactions, and visual gags beyond live-action limits — exploit this on the page. Character descriptions should suggest their comedic potential (body type, movement style, signature expressions). Visual gags need to be written clearly — describe what the audience sees, beat by beat. Dialogue should be snappy and quotable. The comic timing of animated scenes is faster than live-action — write tighter. Side characters and background gags add replay value. Voice acting notes (tone, accent, energy level) help convey the comedy. Animated comedies succeed when they're funny for both kids and adults.
Animated comedy features run 70-85 pages. TV episodes run 11 pages (11-minute) or 22 pages (22-minute). Features follow the standard three-act structure with comic set pieces every 10-15 pages. TV comedy follows the cold-open, A-B story, resolution format. Jokes should be packed tight — more per page than live-action.
Start with the comic premise — write the logline first and make sure it makes people laugh in one sentence.
Give your protagonist a specific, relatable flaw that creates comedy naturally, not just funny situations around them.
Write the set pieces first — the three funniest scenes — then build the story to connect them.
Read your dialogue out loud. If it doesn't sound like how people actually talk, rewrite it.
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