In an era where technology and economics often dominate the creative landscape, we’re witnessing a surge of generic animated content – sequels, spinoffs, and a death of original IP. Despite the widespread mantra, “Story is Key” it seems good storytelling doesn’t always receive the attention it truly deserves – especially in the world of animation and art academics.
This panel aims to shed light on the often-overlooked craft of writing for animation. What does it take to create a story that is not only compelling but also made for the animated medium? Where do you begin when writing for visual storytelling? How do you develop an idea into a full-fledged intellectual property (IP)? And what valuable lessons have experiences writers learned along the way?
Join for a discussion exploring the essential building blocks of narrative in animation with Mikey Please, Giovanna Ferrari and Patrick McHale.
MIKEY PLEASE
Mikey Please is a BAFTA-winning, Oscar-nominated British animation director, writer, animator, and illustrator, known for his acclaimed short films like The Eagleman Stag and the Netflix special Robin Robin. He co-directed Robin Robin with Dan Ojari, with whom he continues to develop projects at Aardman Animations. Mikey recently made his debut as a picture book author with The Café at the Edge of the Woods, which won the 2025 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and has recently published his Times bestselling debut adult novel, The Expanded Earth.
PATRICK MCHALE
Patrick McHale is an American writer, storyboard artist, and director known for creating the Cartoon Network miniseries Over the Garden Wall and for his work on Adventure Time. He also co-wrote the Oscar-winning 2022 film Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio.
GIOVANNA FERRARI
Giovanna Ferrari has worked on several feature films across Europe as both a storyboard artist and animator. She has worked with Cartoon Saloon on a number of projects, including Song of The Sea, The Breadwinner, Wolfwalkers, and the Star Wars: Visions episode Screecher’s Reach. She was head of story and animation director on My Father’s Dragon (dir. by Nora Twomey). She is currently working as the head of story on a feature film in development in the studio. Giovanna was awarded an Emile Award in 2018 for her storyboards on The Breadwinner and an Irish Animation Award in 2021 for My Father’s Dragon.