CREATIVE AND MEDIA PRODUCTIONLEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA

Unit 55: Graphic Narrative Unit 55: LO1, LO2, LO3Sarah Wilson & Adam JonesDate Issued: 18th January 2016Final Deadline: 24th March 2016

Aim and purpose

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop skills in the production of two-dimensional graphic narratives and apply sequential art effectively through an understanding of the principles of character, dialogue, and plot by means of visual storytelling. Learners will develop transferable skills, which could be applied across a vast area of visual communications such as film, television, photographic applications, animation, computer graphics and print media.

Unit introduction

Graphic narratives exist in a variety of formats such as comic books, graphic novels, cartoon strips, children’s books, photo-stories, packaging, advertising, publicity material, and in digital media such as CD ROMs and the worldwide web (web comics). They represent a form of fiction that tells a story in a sequential, graphic narrative. Additionally, many other kinds of media products are originally thought out and explored using two- dimensional visual techniques. An example of this would be storyboards, typically used to create scenes and sequences for film and television. They ensure that a particular storyline, or a series of related actions, comes together to create meaning and has the desired effect. Storyboards can bring the script to life visually and need to consider such devices as camera angles and movement, points of view and lighting.

Stories fill our lives and the creation of a story in its basic form involves the construction of a series of events, conflicts and resolutions. Defined by characters and settings, narrative can be presented typically in myths, fairy tales, legends and histories but, through innovation, narratives can be placed within a variety of contexts and manipulated to create a variety of meanings.

Genres such as manga from Japan, and other more mature graphic novels, have inspired a new generation with enthusiasm for the medium. The synergy with blockbuster style movies and video games is becoming more apparent and comic books often reference the same kind of dynamic visualisation found in film and television narratives.

This unit gives you an opportunity to focus on the production of two-dimensional graphic narratives. You will be able to apply your own ideas and creativity to produce a range of narratives using a variety of different two-dimensional production methods. You may choose to produce a stand-alone graphic narrative product such as a comic book, children’s book or a series of cartoon strips, or plan narratives for other productions such as television drama, film or animation. You may wish to explore the more innovative graphic novel styles which push the conventions of the visual frame and draw the reader into a new world no longer governed by the rules of traditional visual storytelling.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit you should:

Be able to develop ideas and designs for graphic narrative Be able to use appropriate technology and processes to produce graphic narratives Be able to reflect upon own graphic narrative work

Guidance

Create a main tab calledUNIT 55: Graphic NarrativeLO1LO2LO3

Brief Outline

SelfMadeHero is a quirky independent publishing house committed to producing groundbreaking work in the graphic novel medium. We commission independently minded, commercially successful work while championing the very best graphic novels in translation.

They have commissioned Vibe Productions to produce a series of Graphic novels for their portfolio of work

They would like your portfolio to contain:

1. A portfolio of idea generations and planning2. Pre-production and costing’s3. A portfolio of graphic narratives in the genre of

either

Pop Art / retroHorror / Gothic Children narrative Superhero

Your portfolio should contain:

a. An independent Flip book showing movement of characters

b. Front cover to a graphic novel or comic book c. A 4 page graphic narratived. A trailer for your product with sound and voice over

Your narratives can be drawn or photographed and then manipulated through Photoshop and Premier Pro

4. An evaluation of the process

Deadline is the 24th March 2016

Unit 55 LO1: Be able to develop ideas and designs for graphic narratives

LO1 Aim: Produce ideas and designs for Graphic Narrative to a technical quality that reflects near professional standards, showing creativity and flair and working independently to professional expectations

Task Description:

Vibe Productions requires you to plan and produce a Graphic narrative that can be produced over a variety of media platforms

Flip book Novel Filmed production

You are required to show the following as part of your planning

Research and critical analysis on at least 3 narratives within your chosen genre from past and current commercial novels / films (examples can be found on Vibe productions) along with research into how these narratives are published in your chosen medium (Book and TV) and format (Cartoon strip, flip book, comic strip, photo story), discussing the new technologies that allows these publications to happen (computer animation and interactive media). Research on how you will carry out your narrative (awareness of hand, mechanical and digital means and use of design software for image and text construction and manipulation

Idea generation in the form of mind maps, mood boards, sketches and rough scripts (at least 2 different ideas)

Feedback in the form of questionnaires or filmed focus groups Storyboard Typography research Considerations: Cost, available resources; quantity; audience; target market;

quality factors; codes of practice; regulation; legal issues, e.g. copyright; ethical issues, e.g. decency, representation, cultural sensitivity, clearances, health and safety

Extra Guidance can be found at: http://thcvibeproductions.weebly.com/lo11.html

LO1 Extra guidance and marking scheme

P: Produce ideas and designs for a graphic narrative working within appropriate conventions and with some assistance

M: Produce ideas and designs for a graphic narrative to a good technical standard, showing some imagination and with occasional assistance

D: Produce ideas and designs for a graphic narrative to a technical quality that reflects near professional standards, showing creativity and flair and working independently to professional expectations

Ideas mind map Main character outlined Plot outlined Graphic style illustrated

through research

Main characters distinctive features outlined

Main characters inner life outlined

Cast list or character experimenting/sketching - face, body, costume

Art work is developed to a professional standard

Plot is clear/detailed Pages/Thumbnails

outlined including frames (if appropriate)

Imagination and independence demonstrated

Deadline met

Your narrative is as important as your illustrations – your plot must be clear and detailed

Your characters must have a ‘life story’ in order to act and behave how they do in the narrative

You must have proof of casting if you are using people – the chosen actors must suit the characters

Work to be uploaded to UNIT 55 LO1

Deadline for LO1: 5th February 2016

Unit 55 LO2: Be able to use appropriate technology and processes to produce graphic narratives LO2 Aim: Produce Graphic Narrative using appropriate technology and processes to a technical quality that reflects near professional standard, showing creativity and flair and working independently to professional standards

Vibe productions require you to explore ideas independently and produce effective and well thought-out original ideas and designs that are then incorporated into effective graphic narrative products (Flip book, novel and film) approaching near-professional standards. Examples will show a very high technical standard as well as creativity and flair, technical skills being applied not just with imagination but also with ingenuity, and codes and conventions being used with occasionally surprising results. Preparatory material will closely follow industry conventions for presentation, and production work will reflect the high standard of design and preparation. You will show that there has been a clear progression from original designs to your completed work, which itself evidences creativity and flair. Independent application of high quality technical skills will produce a portfolio of near-professional standard. In all practical activity, distinction grade learners will be capable of working autonomously and effectively. The term ‘working independently’ means that you are able to work on you own initiative, do not need constant support or supervision, give the work your full commitment, work positively and cooperatively with others, and meet deadlines. In other words, you have the kind of self-management skills that would be expected of you in a professional context.

You are required to complete the following as part of your production:

1. Produce a flipbook using digital photography or hand drawings – The flipbook must show movement and link in with your novel and trailer as part of the overall theme of your portfolio. You will submit your flipbook and upload a film of it showing movement.

2. A front cover for your graphic novel or magazine publication using image manipulation to create the desire effect for your chosen genre / theme

3. 4 pages of narrative using appropriate layout and design and using image manipulation to create the desire effect for your chosen genre / theme

4. A 1 – 2 minute trailer of your comic using your manipulated images and adding voice overs and sounds

5. Health and safety: Links to and screen shots of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations (COSHH); display screen equipment regulations; safe practices in studios and workshops

Extended taskIf you would like to produce a poster for your publication you

can add this as an extended task for your portfolio of work

Extra Guidance can be found at: http://thcvibeproductions.we ebly.com/lo2.html

LO2 Extra guidance and marking scheme

P: Apply pre-production documentation to produce a graphic narrative using appropriate technology and processes, working within appropriate conventions with some assistance.

M: Apply pre-production documentation competently to a produce graphic narrative using appropriate technology and process to a good technical standard, working within appropriate conventions with only occasional assistance.

D: Apply pre-production to produce a graphic narrative using appropriate technology and process to a technical quality that reflects near professional standards, showing creativity and flair, working independently to professional expectations.

Plot is apparent Basic process used to

create product Basic technical standard

demonstrated Assistance needed

repeatedly during production

Clear plot features Several process used to

create product Good technical standard

demonstrated Occasional assistance

needed during production

Creativity and flair evident in final product

Excellent technical standard demonstrated

Production monitoring system in place

Works independently from assistance

Costs recorded Deadline met

You must show how you have developed your product and reviewed and re-worked it – uploading the final product with no evidence of improvements will only warrant a pass grade

All 4 products must connect and share the same theme Your digital photographs MUST be manipulated in Photoshop for them to gain a

grade – the process of manipulation must be captured via screen shot and uploaded as evidence of manipulation

Work to be uploaded to UNIT 55 LO2

Deadline for LO2: 11th March 2016

Unit 55 LO3: Be able to reflect upon own graphic narrative work

LO3 Aim: Critically evaluate own graphic narrative work in the context of professional practice consistently using subject terminology

Once you have produced and create your portfolio of work Vibe productions and SelfMadeHero would like you to evaluate your and reflect upon your work and the process.

You must make an accurate and critically objective assessment of your own achievement with detailed reference to elucidated examples taken from that work. You will make critical comparisons of your own work with current or past practice in a relevant area (research from LO1). You will fully justify the construction of the narrative itself, explaining the use of elements that create meaning for a specific target audience. Generally, you will present evidence extremely effectively, whether in written form or through recorded presentations using audio or audio-visual technology and your technical vocabulary will be secure and used correctly and confidently at all times.

Extra Guidance can be found at: http://thcvibeproductions.weebly.com/lo3.html

LO3 Extra guidance and marking scheme

P: Comment on own graphic narrative work with some appropriate use of subject terminology

M: Explain own graphic narrative work with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology.

D: Critically evaluate own graphic narrative in the context of professional practice consistently using subject terminology correctly.

4 sections completed: narrative structure, image construction, production processes and further context.

Key terminology occasionally used

Detailed explanations Visual examples used Key terminology used

throughout

Comparisons made to industry standard relevant written and visual examples used

Key terminology used correctly

Work to be uploaded to UNIT 55 LO3Deadline for LO3: 18th March 2016

Checklist

LO1 Research on 3 different narrative from 3 different erasResearch on medium: Film, flip books and graphic narratives publications (magazine and books)Research on different formats of graphic narrative (Cartoon strip, flip book, comic strip, photo story)Discussion on the new technologies that allows these publications to happen (computer animation and interactive media).Research on how you will carry out your narrative (awareness of hand, mechanical and digital means and use of design software for image and text construction and manipulationIdea generation for genre (mind maps)Idea generation for narrative (mood boards and mind maps)Feedback from peers via survey monkey or filmed focus groupsStoryboard and rough sketchesTypography researchConsiderations: Cost, available resources; quantity; audience; target market; quality factors; codes of practice; regulation; legal issues, e.g. copyright; ethical issues, e.g. decency, representation, cultural sensitivity, clearances, health and safety

LO2 Flip book (hard copy submitted)Filmed movement of flip bookFront cover4 page narrativeFilmed trailerList of sound effects and scriptRaw picturesScreen shoots of Photoshop manipulation

LO3 Evaluation

Textbooks

Baylis P, Freedman A, Procter N et al – BTEC Level 3 National Creative Media Production, Student Book (Pearson, 2010) ISBN 978-1846906725

Baylis P, Freedman A, Procter N et al – BTEC Level 3 National Creative Media Production, Teaching Resource Pack (Pearson, 2010) ISBN 978-1846907371

Bann D – The All New Print Production Handbook (Watson-Guptill Publications, 2007) ISBN 978-0823099924 Berger A – Narratives in Popular Culture, Media and Everyday Life (Sage Publications, 1996)

ISBN 978-0761903451 Billen M – Web Design 4: Web Designer (Image Publishing, 2009) ISBN 978-1906078232 Branston G and Stafford R – The Media Student’s Book (Routledge, 2006) ISBN 978-0415371438 Canemaker J – Paper Dreams: The Art and Artists of Disney Storyboards (Hyperion, 1999) ISBN 978-

0786863075 Caputo T – Visual Storytelling: the Art and Technique (Watson-Guptill Publications, 2002) ISBN 978-

0823003174 Chapman J and Chapman N – Digital Multimedia (John Wiley & Sons, 2009) ISBN 978-0470512166 Cope P –

Web Photoshop: Start Here! (Ilex, 2003) ISBN 978-1904705048Eisner W – Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative (W. W. Norton & Co, 2008) ISBN 978-0393331271 Fiell C and P – Graphic Design for the 21st Century (Taschen, 2003) ISBN 978-3822816059

Flint M et al – User’s Guide to Copyright (Tottel Publishing, 2006) ISBN 978-1845920685Gordon B and Gordon M – The Complete Guide to Digital Graphic Design (Thames & Hudson, 2005)

ISBN 978-0500285602Hart J – Storyboarding for Film, TV and Animation (Focal Press, 1999) ISBN 978-0240803296Kindem G and Musburger R – Introduction to Media Production (Focal Press, 2009) ISBN 978-0240810829

Krisztian G and Schlempp-Ulker N – Visualizing Ideas: From Scribbles to Storyboards (Thames & Hudson Ltd, 2006) ISBN 978-0500286128

McCloud S – Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels (Harper Paperbacks, 2008) ISBN 978-1435261945

McCloud S – Understanding Comics (Harper Paperbacks, 2008) ISBN 978-1435242845 Millerson C and Owens J – Production Handbook (Focal Press, 2008) ISBN 978-0240520803

Sabin R – Comics, Comix & Graphic Novels: A History of Comic Art (Phaidon Press, 2001) ISBN 978-0714839936

Tumminello W – Exploring Storyboarding (Delmar, 2004) ISBN 978-1401827151Varnum R – The Language of Comics: Word and Image (University Press of Mississippi, 2002)

ISBN 978-1578064137

Journals

Creative Review Centaur

Websites

www.adobemag.com – Adobe magazine www.artsandlibraries.org.uk – Arts and Libraries www.artscouncil.org.uk – Arts Council of England www.bbc.co.uk – provides access to related resources www.bugpowder.com – a small press comics community www.cartooncentre.com – the Cartoon Museum exhibits examples of British cartoons, caricature, and

comic art from the 18th century to the present day www.ccc.acw.org.uk – Arts Council of Wales www.comicsresearch.org – detailed information and guidance on further research www.creativereview.co.uk – online version of Creative Review, a magazine for visual communication www.englishandmedia.co.uk – English and Media Centre website, containing resources and publications www.hse.gov.uk – the Health and Safety Executive www.medialearners.com – information about media industries, production www.mediastudents.com – information about media industries, production, qualifications, and an extensive

database of links to other relevant sites www.publishers.org.uk – Publishing Association www.rps.org – Royal Photographic Society www.scottmccloud.com – author bringing comics to life with books and web comics which explore issues of

representation and the creation of graphic narratives www.theaoi.com – the Association of Illustrators, illustration resources for commissioners and practitioners

www.theory.org.uk/student-tips.htm – website offering a set of original online resources and relative links