ANIM 30102 Fall 2013 Storyboarding-Advanced Story Structure 1

AssignmentsASSIGNTMENT #1: Premise/Sketch/Present INDIVIDUAL MARK

You will produce a premise, inspirational sketch and present your idea for the GROUP project that comprises the bulk of the 3rd year of the BAA Animation program.

You will produce:A. A logline: a brief sentence or “elevator pitch” that describes your story. Think tweet length (140 characters.)

B. A synopsis: one or two paragraphs that will explain the character and conflicts of the story. The theme or moral should be explicit. This is the: who, what, where, when, and why of the story. Both of these are considered part of the premise.

C. An inspirational sketch: the sketch can be black & white or colour but must communicate the essence of the story. It is a launch pad of the storyboarding process, not a concept illustration. The sketch can be presented under the document camera or as a digital file.

D. Present. You will present their premise and sketch for class critique.

Deliverables: Value: 10%Logline, synopsis and sketch can be one (1) page.One (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy (PDF) submitted to HAND_IN folder.Submit the hard copy of premise and sketch after the presentation. PLEASE REMEMBER THIS.Due: Week 2 in lab.

ANIM 30102 Fall 2013 Storyboarding-Advanced Story Structure 2

ASSIGNTMENT #2: Story Development/ Story Reel GROUP MARK

Working as a group, you will produce rough story ideas, inspirational sketches, research material, a storyboard through many iterations, and, “pitch” the group story (describe and act out.)

At every stage, you are expected to give and receive “notes” (suggestions for the better communication of the story.) The application of these notes is an integral part of the storyboard process.

The first pass will be written. On index cards, break the story concept into a beginning, middle and end. One card per beat. Brainstorm situations that develop the story and character. Develop a shot list from these cards. This will facilitate the division of labour drawing the board. Each member should illustrate a concept of one of the story situations.

Deliverables:A. Index Card Breakdown / Inspirational Sketches Value: 5%

To be reviewed in the lab.Due: Week 3

B. Rough Boards (2nd Pass) Value: 5%To be reviewed in the lab.Due: Week 4

C. Revision Passes in Lab Value: 5%To be reviewed in the lab.Due: Week 5-6

D. Pitch Story in Lecture Value: 15%One (1) electronic copy (PDF) visuals to be pitched in the lecture.One (1) PDF of the presentation to be submitted to HAND_IN folder.Due: Week 7 in the lecture period.

ANIM 30102 Fall 2013 Storyboarding-Advanced Story Structure 3

ASSIGNTMENT #3: The Storyboard Test INDIVIDUAL MARK

THIS ASSIGNMENT RUNS CONCURRANTLY (AT THE SAME TIME) AS THE GROUP PROJECT. YOU ARE REPONSIBLE TO YOUR GROUP FOR YOUR WORK AS WELL.

This assignment will simulate a storyboard test from a production company. You will be required to produce: thumbnails, rough board, and a clean timed, properly labeled board (A Lecia or story reel can also be developed but is not necessary.)

You are required to storyboard the script in as many board pages as you think necessary. In an actual situation, you should watch a number of the episodes of the program to recognize who the audience is, similar shows, the attitudes of the characters, etc. As this is a sample case, this is NOT required.

This assignment is to show your thinking process on how to interpret and illustrate the script as presented. DO NOT focus on making elaborately rendered drawings, but demonstrate how you communicate the action in the script, the acting in the dialogue and that the characters and BGs are in the style of the show. Be as close to model as possible. Size relations are particularly important. Rough/ loose drawings are fine but be clear as to what’s going on.

These tests typically take a day or two to complete so you should judge you time accordingly.Last April (2013,) DHX in Vancouver assigned 23 of similar tests to graduates. 3 were selected.

Elements Supplied:Board template, character models, location design, and script.

Deliverables:A. Thumbnails: Value: 5%

To be reviewed / marked in the lab.Due: in Lab Week 5

B. Rough Board Value: 10%To be reviewed the lab.Due: in Lab Week 7

C. Final clean timed Board Value: 10%One (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy (PDF) submitted to HAND_IN folder.Due: Lab Week 9

ASSIGNTMENT #4: Conformed Board/Lecia Reel GROUP MARK

The group will refine their story pitch, assemble and conform a production (conformed) storyboard and complete a Lecia or story reel for the 3rd year group project.

ANIM 30102 Fall 2013 Storyboarding-Advanced Story Structure 4

Again, at every stage, you are expected to give and receive “notes” (suggestions for the better communication of the story.) The application of these notes is an integral part of the storyboard process.

Deliverables:A. Final Production Board Value: 10%

The board will be clean and timed with appropriate details: numbered pages and scenes, shot description, dialogue, proper screen direction, sound notes, special effects indications and slugging notes (rough timing of the scenes.) The final board should be done in ToonBoom Storyboard Pro.One hard copy and one electronic copy (PDF) PER GROUP to be submitted in HAND_IN folder. The hard copy will be a reference for the production going forward.

B. Lecia Reel Value: 10%One (1) electronic copy (.mov) submitted to HAND_IN folder prior to lecture.Due in Lecture Week 14

ANIM 30102 Fall 2013 Storyboarding-Advanced Story Structure 5

ASSIGNTMENT #5: Story Analysis Test INDIVIDUAL MARK

In the week 13 lecture, a project will be screened. You will be required to analyze the story of the project. In point form, you will describe the beginning, middle and end, the protagonist, the theme, the mood, the genre, and give your opinion of the story. This is your chance to demonstrate and improve your analytical skills.

A board artist must be able to review such projects to deconstruct with respect to their story aspects: line of action, spine, protagonists, plot, characters, theme, etc. to accomplish his/her job.

Deliverables: Value: 15%Attendance and test writing in the lecture Week 13.

Please address questions personally in lab or by email:james.caswell1@sheridanc.on.ca

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION, SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT AS WELL. PLEASE ASK.