1. ANIM 30102
Storyboarding-Advanced Story Structure
Fall 2012
Assignments
ASSIGNTMENT #1: Premise/Sketch/Present INDIVIDUAL MARK
Produce a premise, inspirational sketch and presentation of an idea for the GROUP project.
This is the presentation of your idea for the GROUP project that comprises the bulk of the 3rd
year of the BAA Animation program.
1. A logline: a brief sentence or “elevator pitch” that describes your story. Think tweet
length (140 characters.)
2. 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.
3. One inspirational sketch. This is a story sketch along the lines of the Bill Peet or Ken
Anderson sketch shown in lab. 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.
4. Presentation. The student will present their premise and sketch for class critique.
Length: 1 page sketch, one page premise.
Value: 10%
Due: Week 2 in lab.
One hard copy and one electronic copy (PDF) submitted to HAND_IN folder.
Hard copy of premise and sketch after the presentation.
Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes
Pitch an individual story that reflects thoughtful and coherent visual and written development.
Apply strong storytelling abilities that feature character, emotion and movement.
ASSIGNTMENT #2: GROUP Story Development GROUP MARK
Assignment: Working as a group, the students will produce rough story ideas, inspirational
sketches, research material, a storyboard through many iterations, and, “pitch” their story
2. (describe and act out.)
At every stage, the student is 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. Inspirational Sketches WK 3 Value: 5%
To be reviewed in the lab.
B. Rough Boards: Due in Lab Week 4 Value: 5%
To be reviewed in the lab.
B. Revision Pass in Lab Week 5-6 Value: 5%
To be reviewed in the lab.
C. Pitch Story in Lecture Week 7 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.
Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes
Generate storyboards that exhibit visual continuity and consistency.
Develop a variety of co-operative strategies and leadership skills within the context of the group
story production.
Collaborate effectively on the pre-production story visualization, development and research for
use in the final group story reel.
Incorporate sophisticated elements of story (multiple conflict, complex character development
and story arc) into the development of the storyboard.
Demonstrate practical knowledge of cinematic language, acting and staging and the ability to
express story and character through drawings.
Present work in a clear and entertaining way with the ability to invent action and express it
through drawing.
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.
3. Assignment: This assignment will simulate a storyboard test from a production company.
You will be required to produce: thumbnails, rough board, a clean timed and labeled board ( a
Lecia or story reel can also be included but is not necessary.)
You are required to storyboard the script in as long (as many pages) as you think it will take. 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 but clear as to what’s going on.
These tests typically take a day or two to complete so you should judge you time accordingly.
Elements Supplied:
Board template, character models, location design, and script.
Deliverables:
A. Thumbnails: Due in Lab Week 3 Value: 10%
To be reviewed / marked in the lab.
B. Rough Board in Lab Week 6 Value: 10%
To be reviewed the lab.
C. Final clean timed Board in Lab Week 10 Value: 10%
One hard copy and one electronic copy (PDF) submitted to HAND_IN folder.
To be reviewed the lab.
Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes
Generate 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
express story and character through drawings.
Present work in a clear and entertaining way with the ability to invent action and express it
through drawing.
ASSIGNTMENT #4: GROUP Conformed Board/Lecia Reel GROUP MARK
4. Assignment: 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.
Again, at every stage, the student is 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 in Lab Week 13 Value: 10%
The board will be clean and timed with appropriate details: numbered pages and scenes,
shot description, dialogue, proper screen direction, sound notes and special effects
indications and slugging notes (rough timing of the scenes.)
One hard copy and one electronic copy (PDF) PER GROUP to be submitted to
HAND_IN folder. The hard copy will be a reference from the production going forward.
B. Lecia in Lecture Week 14 Value: 10%
One electronic copy (.mov) submitted to HAND_IN folder prior to class.
To be reviewed the lecture.
Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes
Pitch 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
story production.
Produce a story reel digitally that uses effective sound, timing, recording, editing and
performance processes for the final production.
Incorporate sophisticated elements of story (multiple conflict, complex character development
and story arc) into the development of the storyboard.
Complete individual and collaborative work in accordance with prescribed story production
timelines.
Create a script that conveys individual expression, style and creativity.
5. Story Analysis Test INDIVIDUAL MARK 20%
Assignment:
In the week 13 lecture, a project will be screened. You will be required to analyze the story of
the project. In point form, 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 further demonstrate
5. and improve your analytical skills.
The board artist must be able to review such projects to deconstruct with respect to its’ story
aspects: line of action, spine, protagonists, plot, characters, theme, etc.
Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes
Analyze the elements of story from a visual presentation, deconstruct, comment and defend in
written and verbal form.
Please address questions in lab or to: james.caswell1@sheridanc.on.ca