Q&A with Transformers Prime Writer\'s Assistant Mairghread Scott

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Please use this thread to discuss the Q&A with Transformers Prime Writer's Assistant Mairghread Scott news story on the main site.

Each week, Hasbro Transformers Official Facebook Page is taking
questions for the cast and crew of the hit animated series “Transformers
Prime” from fans. Check out this week’s Fan Q&A with "Transformers
Prime" Writer's Assistant (and writer of the episode "Stronger, Faster") Mairghread Scott!



Catherine
Martin asks: “Stronger, Faster” is one of my favourite “Transformers
Prime” episodes! Do you think the events of the episode have had a
permanent effect on Ratchet?




Mairghread Scott: Of course our Story Editor (the fabulous Duane
Capizzi) could answer this better, but I like to think my episode had
the most impact on Optimus. Ratchet does gain a certain confidence from
the events in "Stronger, Faster," but it's the first time someone really
calls out Optimus for not being more aggressive toward the Decepticons.
I think of this episode as the seed for Optimus' duel with Megatron in
"One Shall Fall."




You can read more from the Hasbro Transformers Official Facebook Page.




For those who do not have the access, the article is mirrored after the jump.



Kelly Paradise asks:
Hello, Mairghread! First off, great episode. “Stronger, Faster“ is one
of my Favorite episodes of “Transformers Prime.” What tricks of the
trade do you suggest for somebody interested in writing for animated
series?




Mairghread Scott: I think the most important thing to remember about
writing is re-writing. Only about 20% of my time is writing a brand new
script. 80% is tweaking, honing and cutting to make what I wrote better.
When it comes to writing animation, the secret is movement. Live action
TV is largely people standing around talking. In animation, your
characters can do anything while talking, so try to add movement however
you can (chases, fighting, even just walking from place to place).






Amber Whetstine asks: What inspires you for the episodes you write?




Mairghread Scott: I usually try to start with emotions when I write.
Using "Stronger, Faster" as an example: I noticed the Autobots rarely
attack the Decepticons head-on because they're so outnumbered. It's a
smart strategy, but it seemed to me that it must be frustrating
sometimes. You're whittling away at your enemy instead of having one
big, satisfying fight. I thought Ratchet would probably be even more
frustrated, because he's usually not even in the field; he's healing the
others so they can return to this drawn-out battle. "Stronger, Faster"
became a way for me to explore that frustration and Ratchet's desire for
a single, decisive victory. Also, I thought it would be cool to have an
Autobot tell off Optimus.






Catherine Martin asks: “Stronger, Faster” is one of my favourite
“Transformers Prime” episodes! Do you think the events of the episode
have had a permanent effect on Ratchet?




Mairghread Scott: Of course our Story Editor (the fabulous Duane
Capizzi) could answer this better, but I like to think my episode had
the most impact on Optimus. Ratchet does gain a certain confidence from
the events in "Stronger, Faster," but it's the first time someone really
calls out Optimus for not being more aggressive toward the Decepticons.
I think of this episode as the seed for Optimus' duel with Megatron in
"One Shall Fall."




Matt Spada asks: What have been some of the biggest challenges with
writing the show? What characters do you feel need to be more deeply
explored? Has it been difficult to work on a show with characters that
are over 20 years old and are viewed in a specific way?




Mairghread Scott: The biggest challenge in writing our show is the fact
that we're CG, so we have to be very careful about introducing new
characters, sets and props. On the bright side, it has pushed us to
build stronger main characters instead of just using endless new
Bad-Guys-Of-The-Week.






On your next question, I actually worked really hard in Season 2 to
explore Miko more deeply. I know she's a bit polarizing for the fans,
but it takes guts to stand up to Megatron (especially when you're
ankle-high). In Season 2, I really tried to dig into that fearless part
of Miko's character.






As far as our characters’ history, I enjoy working with pre-existing
characters. Sure, we can't incorporate the entire history of each
Transformer, but I find it more interesting to deepen a character that
already exists, rather than just constantly inventing new characters.






Haley Franklin asks: Hey! Is it fun writing for Transformers Prime? I
bet it's very interesting to come up with ideas and actually put them
into an episode.




Mairghread Scott: It is super fun writing for “Transformers Prime!” My
favorite part is watching the actors record my script. My happiest
moment in "Stronger, Faster" was when Ratchet is trying to get Bulkhead
to spar with him. Jeffrey Combs (who plays Ratchet) was so into it he
actually started to tap Kevin Michael Richardson (who plays Bulkhead) on
the shoulder. If actors start getting into it, you know you've done
something right.








Thanks to everyone who asked questions! Roll Out!




- Mairghread