How sell animation script?

[ShadeCat]

Do animation companies like Pixar, Dreamworks, Disney etc. purchase screenplays from people outside their companies. I have never written anything in my life. But assuming I wrote a very sellable story that would only be made as a 3D animation, could it be purchased like any other screenplay for a movie?

Where do they get their screenplays for Cars, Shrek, The Incredibles and so on?

Thanks for any advice.

[Aldenard]

I was under the assumption the vast majority of those were in-house projects, but I might be wrong. Also, it seems that most animated films are written and directed by the same person, perhaps for the sake of unity of vision.

[mommyjo2]

An animation script just sold as a spec. It was written up in Script mag. I think. It's about birds. It made headlines because it's virtually unheard of.

[scripter1]

Most Animations come from inside.
However, if you had something that was really cool then there is always a chance.

It's harder then normal spec scripts and that's really saying something.
But don't let us squash your dream.
Go for it.

[icerose]

If you write one that is sellable and unique, get an agent, and the agent will work to sell it as you cannot submit to those companies unrepped.

[nielsty]

If you believe [Redacted--JDM] from Site link removed per request of other site's Webmaster, don't bother... You don't have much of a chance to sell if you're not an insider. But it can still be a great writing sample.
Site link removed per request of other site's Webmaster

[RainbowDragon]

If you're passionate about animation, write a spec, and maybe it will fall into the right hands and they'll hire you as an insider to develop another one (maybe they'll buy the spec too but it's probably not as likely -- still, you may stand a better chance than someone who "would love to write an animated feature" but never has, unless that person has better connections).

Or you could write an animated short script which might have a better chance of finding a producer and garnering acclaim.

Hint: Don't tell anyone it's your first script when you're marketing. They never think, "Wow, we have a rare opportunity to witness the beginning of a pure genius' career," they think, "chintzey fake-brass fasteners. . .RECYCLE. . ." (See 10 depressing facts thread).