Alexey Zamyslov on the animated series “The Steel Family”— winner in the "Animation project" category

Today in the “Institute for Internet Development Award. People” feature is the winner in the “Animation project” category — animated series “The Steel Family”!

The story centers three children, who discover that their father is a secret agent. The whole family embarks on a dangerous journey to Siberia to protect a valuable scientific discovery from the evil and save the world.

The screenwriter, director and production designer Alexey Zamyslov shares secrets behind creating a successful animation project.

How does the work on a script begins?

The work on a script is always a journey, that starts not with a blank sheet, but with a spark. Someone must have a strong desire to tell a story to the audience so that the audience believes that film characters are “alive” and could exist right beside them. Then this someone has to convince a lot of people that the story is worth telling.

The starting point is always a mix of ambitions, doubt and trust in characters. If you feel that your characters are “alive”, you are on the right track.

How to make characters alive and memorable?

There is no universal answer, otherwise everyone would be creating great stories with unforgettable characters. Characters are the soul of the story and to bring them to life, you need to give them not only a role, but also a backstory, inner contradictions and a goal.

My characters often have got real prototypes I have encountered in my life. I know that it`s common. That is why I advise observing and appreciating the people around you - maybe they will become your heroes, and everyone will remember them!

What helps to keep the viewer`s attention throughout the story?

Keeping the viewer's attention is like guiding them through a maze: you need to make them want to keep going at every turn. For me, what matters most is that the story has genuine emotions, that the characters feel alive - they fight, swear and make up, then it will be interesting for the audience to watch.

What is your advice for someone who wants to make an animation project?

Instead of waiting for the opportunity to make your own animation project, you can gain experience in existing animated series — there are a lot of them, and they all need scripts for new episodes. And after gaining experience and making the necessary connections, try to develop your idea. In the cinema, almost no one will talk to a person without experience and connections, you need to enter this river first, and only then find your way.