1. Anim 30102 Fall 20141Storyboarding- Advanced Story StructureInstructor: James Caswell james.caswell1@sheridanc.on.caOffice hours: Room A160. Office Hours: TBD.Detailed DescriptionStudents learn how to prepare a script from written and visual sources and work in groups to createstoryboards for a story reel. Topics include: multiple conflicts, climactic resolution, suspense, charactermotivation and complex story arcs. Through a combination of interactive lecture, discussion,demonstration and studio work, students develop storyboards to be used in the production of group filmsCourse Critical PerformanceBy the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to create a storyboard and, workingwithin a group, produce a story reel.Learning OutcomesTo achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:1. Create a script that conveys individual expression, style and creativity.2. Pitch an individual story that reflects thoughtful and coherent visual and written development.3. Develop a variety of co-operative strategies and leadership skills within the context of the group storyproduction.4. Complete individual and collaborative work in accordance with prescribed story production timelines.5. Generate storyboards that exhibit visual continuity and consistency among the group collaborators forthe story reel.6. Collaborate effectively on the pre-production story visualization, development and research for use inthe final group story reel.7. Incorporate sophisticated elements of story (multiple conflict, complex character development andstory arc) into the development of the storyboard.8. Produce a story reel digitally that uses effective sound, timing, recording, editing and performanceprocesses for the final production.Textbook(s): Recommended but not required.Mackendrick, Alexander, On Film-making: An Introduction to the Craft of the Director.Russin Robin, Screenplay: Writing The Picture.Scott Jeffery, How To Write For Animation.Canemaker, John, Paper Dreams: The Art & Artists of Disney Storyboards.

2. Anim 30102 Fall 20142Evaluation PlanStudents demonstrate their learning in the following ways:Assignment 1: Pitch Concept (Individual) 10%Assignment 2: Story Reel (Group) 30%Assignment 3: Storyboard Test (Individual) 25%Assignment 4: Lecia Reel/Board (Group) 20%Assignment 5: Story Analysis (Individual) 15%Total: 100%ScheduleWEEK 1Lecture: Introduction/ Rules for the RoadLab: Story Exercise.WEEK 2Lecture: Group SelectionLab: Assignment #1: PitchWEEK 3Lecture: Visual GrammarLab: Assignment#2.1: Rough ideas, Index cards WRITTEN ONLY.WEEK 4Lecture: Dramatic ConstructionLab: Assignment#2.2: GROUP BOARD ROUGH PASSWEEK 5Lecture: GUEST LECTURELab: Assignment#2.3: GROUP BOARD REVISON PASSAssignment#3.1: Thumbnails due.WEEK 6Lecture: Presentation Techniques/RehearsalLab: GROUP BOARD REVISONWEEK 7 3. Anim 30102 Fall 20143Lecture: Assignment#2.4: Present Story ReelLab: Assignment#3.2: Roughs due._______________________________________READING WEEK_______________________________________WEEK 8Lecture: EditingLab: Review Comments/ Revise Story ReelWEEK 9: The MonomythLecture:Lab: Assignment#3.3: Final Board Due. Revise Story ReelWEEK 10Lecture: Story Analysis #1Lab: Revise Story Reel (FACULTY COMMENT PERIOD TBA)WEEK 11Lecture: Transmedia StorytellingLab: Revise Story ReelWEEK 12Lecture: Story Analysis #2Lab: Revise Group Lecia/ Conformed Board.WEEK 13Lecture: Assignment#5: Story Analysis TestLab: Assignment#4.1: Conformed Production Board/ Review of Group Lecia / Conformed Board.WEEK 14Lecture: Assignment#4.2: LECIA ReelLab: 2nd Semester Preparation. 4. Anim 30102 Fall 20144AssignmentsASSIGNTMENT #1: Premise/Sketch/Present INDIVIDUAL MARKYou will produce a premise, inspirational sketch and present your idea for the GROUP project thatcomprises the bulk of the 3rd year of the BA: Animation program.You will produce:1. A logline: a brief sentence or elevator pitch that describes the essence of your story. Think tweetlength (140 characters.) THIS IS NOT THE MORAL OF THE STORY.2. A synopsis: one or two paragraphs that will explain the character and conflicts of the story. The themeor moral should be explicit. This is the: who, what, where, when, and why of the story. Both of these areconsidered part of the premise.3. An inspirational sketch: the sketch can be black & white or colour but must communicate the essenceof the story. It is a launch pad of the storyboarding process, not a concept illustration. The sketch can bepresented under the document camera or as a digital file.4. Present. You will present their premise and sketch for class critique.Deliverables: Value: 10%1 page sketch, one page premiseOne hard copy and one electronic copy (PDF) submitted to HAND_IN folder.Hard copy of premise and sketch after the presentation.PLEASE REMEMBER THIS.Due: Week 2 in lab.Course Critical Performance and Learning OutcomesPitch an individual story that reflects thoughtful and coherent visual and written development.Apply strong storytelling abilities that feature character, emotion and movement.ASSIGNTMENT #2: Story Development/ Story Reel GROUP MARKWorking as a a member of a group, you will produce rough story ideas, inspirational sketches, researchmaterial, 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 communicationof 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 5. Anim 30102 Fall 20145these cards. This will facilitate the division of labour drawing the board. Each member should illustrate aconcept of one of the story situations.Deliverables:1. Index Card Breakdown / Inspirational Sketches Value: 5%To be reviewed in the lab.Due: Week 32. Rough Boards (2nd Pass) Value: 5%To be reviewed in the lab.Due: Week 43. Revision Passes in Lab Value: 5%To be reviewed in the lab.Due: Week 5-64. Pitch Story in Lecture Value: 15%One electronic copy (PDF) visuals to be pitched in the lecture.One PDF of the presentation to be submitted to HAND_IN folder.Due: Week 7 in the lecture period.Course Critical Performance and Learning OutcomesGenerate storyboards that exhibit visual continuity and consistency.Develop a variety of co-operative strategies and leadership skills within the context of the group storyproduction.Collaborate effectively on the pre-production story visualization, development and research for use in thefinal group story reel.Incorporate sophisticated elements of story (multiple conflict, complex character development and storyarc) into the development of the storyboard.Demonstrate practical knowledge of cinematic language, acting and staging and the ability to expressstory and character through drawings.Present work in a clear and entertaining way with the ability to invent action and express it throughdrawing. 6. Anim 30102 Fall 20146ASSIGNTMENT #3: The Storyboard Test INDIVIDUAL MARKTHIS ASSIGNMENT RUNS CONCURRANTLY (AT THE SAME TIME) AS THE GROUP PROJECT.YOU ARE REPONSIBLE TO YOUR GROUP FOR THE WORK YOU ARE ASSIGNED 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 roughly timed, properly labeledboard (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 actualsituation, 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 aspresented. DO NOT focus on making elaborately rendered drawings, but demonstrate how youcommunicate the action in the script, the acting in the dialogue and that the characters and BGs are in thestyle of the show. Be as close to model as possible. Size relations are particularly important. Rough/ loosedrawings are fine but be clear as to whats going on.These tests typically take a day or two to complete so you should judge you time accordingly.In April of 2013, DHX in Vancouver assigned 23 of similar tests to graduates. 3 were selected.Elements Supplied:Board template, character models, and script. On this project, no location design or secondary charactersare provided. You will have to create your ownDeliverables:1. Thumbnails: Value: 5%To be reviewed / marked in the lab.Due: in Lab Week 52. Rough Board Value: 10%To be reviewed the lab.Due: in Lab Week 73. Final clean timed Board Value: 10%One hard copy OR one electronic copy (PDF) submitted to HAND_IN folder.Due: Lab Week 9Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes 7. Anim 30102 Fall 20147Generate storyboards that exhibit visual continuity and consistency.Complete individual work in accordance with prescribed story production timelines.Demonstrate practical knowledge of cinematic language, acting and staging and the ability to expressstory and character through drawings.Present work in a clear and entertaining way with the ability to invent action and express it throughdrawing.ASSIGNTMENT #4: Conformed Board/Lecia Reel GROUP MARKThe group will refine their story pitch, assemble a production (conformed) storyboard and complete aLecia or story reel for the 3rd year group project.Again, at every stage, you are expected to give and receive notes (suggestions for the bettercommunication of the story.) The application of these notes is an integral part of the storyboard process.Deliverables:1. Final Production Board Value: 10%The board will be clean and timed with appropriate details: numbered pages and scenes, shotdescription, dialogue, proper screen direction, sound notes, special effects indications andslugging notes (rough timing of the scenes.)The final board should be done in ToonBoom Storyboard Pro.One electronic copy (PDF) PER GROUP to be submitted in HAND_IN folder.A hard copy can be created to be used as a reference for the production going forward.2. Lecia Reel Value: 10%One electronic copy (.mov) submitted to HAND_IN folder prior to class.Due in Lecture Week 14 to be screened in the lecture period.Course Critical Performance and Learning OutcomesPitch an individual story that reflects thoughtful and coherent visual and written development.Develop a variety of co-operative strategies and leadership skills within the context of the group storyproduction.Produce a story reel digitally that uses effective sound, timing, recording, editing and performanceprocesses for the final production.Incorporate sophisticated elements of story (multiple conflict, complex character development and storyarc) into the development of the storyboard. 8. Anim 30102 Fall 20148Complete individual and collaborative work in accordance with prescribed story productiontimelines.ASSIGNTMENT #5: Story Analysis Test INDIVIDUAL MARKIn the week 13 lecture, a project will be screened. You will be required to analyze the story of theproject. In point form, you will describe the beginning, middle and end, the protagonist, the theme, themood, the genre, and give your opinion of the story. This is your chance to demonstrate and improve youranalytical skills.A story artist must be able to review such projects to deconstruct with respect to their story aspects: spine,protagonists, plot, characters, theme, etc. to accomplish his/her job.Deliverables: Value: 15%Attendance and test writing in the lecture Week 13. MARK YOUR CALENDERS NOW.Course Critical Performance and Learning OutcomesAnalyze the elements of story from a visual presentation, deconstruct, comment and defend in written andverbal form.ASSIGNTMENT #4: Conformed Board/Lecia Reel GROUP MARKThe group will refine their story pitch, assemble and conform a production (conformed) storyboard andcomplete a Lecia or story reel for the 3rd year group project.Again, at every stage, you are expected to give and receive notes (suggestions for the bettercommunication 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, shotdescription, dialogue, proper screen direction, sound notes, special effects indications andslugging notes (rough timing of the scenes.) The final board should be done in ToonBoomStoryboard Pro.One (1) hard copy in the lab and one (1) electronic copy (PDF) PER GROUP to be submitted inHAND_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 9. Anim 30102 Fall 20149Course Critical Performance and Learning OutcomesPitch an individual story that reflects thoughtful and coherent visual and written development.Develop a variety of co-operative strategies and leadership skills within the context of the group storyproduction.Produce a story reel digitally that uses effective sound, timing, recording, editing and performanceprocesses for the final production.Incorporate sophisticated elements of story (multiple conflict, complex character development and storyarc) into the development of the storyboard.Complete individual and collaborative work in accordance with prescribed story production timelines.ASSIGNTMENT #5: Story Analysis Test INDIVIDUAL MARKIn the week 13 lecture, a project will be screened. You will be required to analyze the story of theproject. In point form, you will describe the beginning, middle and end, the protagonist, the theme, themood, the genre, and give your opinion of the story. This is your chance to demonstrate and improve youranalytical skills.A board artist must be able to review such projects to deconstruct with respect to their story aspects: lineof action, spine, protagonists, plot, characters, theme, etc. to accomplish his/her job.Deliverables: Value: 15%Attendance and test writing in the lecture Week 13.Course Critical Performance and Learning OutcomesAnalyze the elements of story from a visual presentation, deconstruct, comment and defend in writtenand verbal form.Please address questions personally in lab or byemail: james.caswell1@sheridanc.on.caIF YOU HAVE A QUESTION, SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT THE SAME ONE AS WELL.PLEASE ASK IT IN THE LAB.