FilmForward invites screenwriter Fiona van Heemstra for a Deep Dive on writing for animation, delving into her work in animation and giving advice for writing for animation. There is a limited number of spots available for this Deep Dive: apply before Monday 15 June 2026. Read more for information on the application process. Let op: de voertaal van dit programma is Engels.
Where do you get inspiration from as a screenwriter for animation? What aspects do you need to consider in animation that you might not know from writing for live action? And which collaborations are important for the process of writing for animation?
Award-winning screenwriter Fiona van Heemstra has written for live action and animation series and films. On Thursday 2 July she will give an Artist Talk in the morning, explaining the many different approaches she had working in animation versus writing for live action.
In the afternoon, Fiona will host a Deep Dive for a select group of animation professionals.
The Deep Dive starts with analysing Fiona’s own work in-depth, by watching animations Fiona has worked on. Afterwards, all participants will receive feedback on their projects that Fiona has prepared by reading their applications beforehand.
Who is this Deep Dive for?
Screenwriters writing for animation, and animation directors (who write their own animations).
Application process
There is a limited number of spots available for this Deep Dive to ensure every project gets time and attention from Fiona. To apply, answer the following questions:
- What is your animation project about? Describe the plot briefly.
- What is one question you would like to focus on during this Deep Dive?
- Can you give us visual examples of the project, or previous animations you worked on as a writer?
Send your application as a one-page PDF-file to roos@filmforward.nl before Monday 15 June 2026 at 11.59 AM.
Applicants will receive news by Thursday 18 June 2026.
Practical information
Date: Thursday 2 July 2026
Location: Het Parooltheater, Wibautstraat 131D, Amsterdam
Costs: €150,- excl. VAT. Your Deep Dive ticket is valid for the entire day, including Masterclass, networking coffee, lunch, and Deep Dive.
For the costs of this programme you could qualify for a contribution from Werktuig Permanente Professionele Ontwikkeling (PPO). PPO finances the professional development of everyone working in the creative or cultural sector, both employees and freelancers. PPO finances 1/3rd of your application for a workshop or training. The rest of the amount should be financed by your employer, client, and/or yourself.
Time schedule:
10.00 – 12.00 | Artist Talk Fiona van Heemstra
12.00 – 13.00 | Network coffee
13.00 – 14.00 | Lunch with Deep Dive applicants
14.00 – 17.30 | Deep Dive Fiona van Heemstra
For this event the cancellation policy is as follows:
- If you cancel more than 14 days before the workshop day, you will receive a full refund of the ticket price.
- If you cancel between 7 and 14 days before the workshop, you will receive a 50% refund of the ticket price.
- If you cancel within 7 days of the workshop day, you will not receive a refund.
About Fiona van Heemstra
Fiona van Heemstra (1971) trained as a historian at the University of Amsterdam, where stories about real people in extraordinary circumstances first drew her to writing. After five years of making school television for Amsterdam’s local broadcaster AT5, she wrote her first short film in 2002 — the beginning of a screenwriting career that has since produced multiple award-winning live action and animation series and films. Her most celebrated animation works include Munya in Me (Banff Grand Jury Prize), Pim and Pom (multiple Cinekid Awards) and Oink (Golden Calf Best Film).
Image copyright: Still from the movie Munya In Me (2013, dir. Mascha Halberstad, scenario Fiona van Heemstra, prod. Viking Film / Marleen Slot)
This programme is made possible with support from Vevam fund.
