Anim30261 assign winter2014

ANIM30261 3rd Year Story Lab Winter 2014

Assignment #1: Story/Content Experiments 30%(half per experiment)

Project Brief: Experiment with two (2) story concepts (A then B not both together) that could be your 4th year Senior Thesis Project.

At the present time to have your project be screened at Industry Day, the story must be able to be told in in a maximum of one (1) minute of screen time.

If you feel this limits your creativity, please prepare a 1-minute section of a longer piece.

This screen time limitation only applies to Industry Day screening. Your Senior Thesis Project may be as long as you feel necessary to tell your story and is producible in your 4th year.

Please use these experiments to express your personal vision while trying different types of story.

Like with life drawing, you generate a number of drawings and select from the best of them. Think of story ideas in the same way. Try different approaches to tell a story visually. The best way to have a great idea is to have lots of ideas. You can develop the same idea through the semester. However, this is not recommended.

REMEMBER story development takes place prior to visual development. You need a concept before you can do concept art.

The animation industry is evolving. Consider these ways/styles to tell your story: PSAs: (public service announcements,) documentaries,personal stories,storybook apps,title sequences/ motion graphics, mobile apps, casual games, console games, etc.

Please feel free to add to any of these types of stories.

Keep a sketchbook or journal to archive your development of ideas. Many artists develop ideas over a number of years. Give yourself a place to reference and retrieve your work.

Think hard about what story you want to tell and who your audience is. Is it personal?Do the visuals tell the story without the written part?

DELIVERABLES: (1/2 per Experiment)Written: 10% (1 page maximum)

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Prepare a logline (one sentence) and a synopsis (2 paragraph maximum) and include any web research sites you’d like to cite. Is there a beginning, middle, and end? What’s the point of view? Is there a theme?

Visual: 10%Use whatever you’d like to communicate your idea clearly. Concept sketches, rough boards, etc. Include any visual reference (photos, clips, web reference, etc.) you are considering.

Presentation: 10% (5 minutes maximum)Present your concept during the lab period. Please be prepared to give feedback in lab to your peers on their presentations.

Participation is important. If you are not presenting, please be present and ready if called upon to contribute.

Project Goal:This is to practice your storytelling, visual development, and presentation skills.

DUE IN LAB Period WEEK 3/4 (#1) and 6/7 (#2)1 digital in hand in folder. (Separate PDF for reference and presentation.)A hard copy hand in (on one page) will make marking easier, but only a PDF is required. Assignment ##2: Team Research Project 30%

Project Brief:In your separate labs, organize into four (4) groups. (Six (6) members per group.)Select a project -something the entire group is interested in -and research it. Find projects that you can easily access information on. (No project older than 5 years.) For example: (Angry Birds, Rio, Archer.)Points will be awarded for innovative project selection.

In Lab Week 2: Identify your groups and the project you plan to investigate.THERE WILL BE NO DUPLICATION OF PROJECTS AMONG CLASSES OR GROUPS.A random selection process will be implemented.

Brainstorm all aspects of the project. Ask these and other questions:

What’s the timeline: How long did it take to be developed, to be “greenlit,” executed, and distributed? What is the development process? Are there transmedia aspects? Is there merchandizing? What’s the business model? How is it funded? Who pays for development? How many animators, layout, storyboard artists, compositors to complete the project? What’s the workflow (software used?) Is/was it successful? Place it in context: What was going on technically? What’s/who’s the competition?

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Fire up and build your network. Interview someone working or who had worked on the project. Get a sense of what their work life is like? Ask a 4th Year about their coop to gather names and intelligence. This is to get you used to researching employment opportunities once you graduate.

DELIVERABLES: Written: Research Report 15%Two (2) pages (500 words) with citations, quotes and web references.(Add a page as to who did what on the project. i.e. written: ___, research:___, presentation format:___, etc.)

Visual: Research Presentation 15% Twenty (20) slides and ten (10) minutes (including time for plus questions.) To be presented during the second half of semester lectures. Use as many pages in the report of visual reference you feel will tell the story.Please be prepared to give feedback in lab to your peers on their presentations.

Project Goal:It is critical to understand how the industry you are going into works, how to research for job searches, and how to work quickly and collaboratively.

DUE IN LECTURE Period WEEK 9Two (2) PDFs in hand in folder. (Separate PDF for paper/references and presentation.)

Assignment #3: 4th Year Project Development 30%

Project Brief:Produce a concept package or pitch bible for your 4th year thesis project.Design your package professionally: headings, subheading, page numbers, etc.Format as if it was a portfolio submission.

DELIVERABLES: The package should include:

Written: (maximum 5 pages.) 10%A logline (one sentence)A synopsis (2 paragraph max.)A brief outline of a script. Character descriptions.World descriptions: setting, locations.Audience Research: state clearly the intended audience and support it with examples of similar projects for this audience.Theme: (artist’s statement) What story are you telling? What’s the point of view?

Also include a proposed style, workflow and techniques you plan to use.

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Visual: (maximum: 10 pages) 15%Tell your story visually. Include in your bible: story sketches, preliminary character designs, concept work, location designs, technique explorations, etc. Include any research material you deem necessary. A timed rough board or leica will be an asset but not required.

The visual and written should be integrated into one package: formatted and designed for clear presentation and readability.

Presentation: 5 minutes (maximum: 10 slides) 5%Presentation in lab weeks 11 and 12. Please be prepared to give feedback to give feedback in lab to your peers on their presentations.

Project Goals:This project is the culmination of your two semesters in 3rd year Story. You are required to apply all of the information you’ve learned in 3rd year. You will need a storyboard in the 2nd week of the 4th year in this program. The concept of the program is that every semester leads to the next. This project leads directly into your 4th year final thesis project.

DUE IN LAB Period WEEK 11Two (2) PDFs in hand in folder. (Separate PDF for bible and presentation.)

Assignment #4 “What’s Your Story So Far?” Portfolio Assessment 10%

Project Brief:

Gather, format and present your work this term and present and assess your progress in Story. Please include your concept experiments, rough boards, beat boards, sketch journal, personal experiences, written work, etc. from your work in Anim 30261. Include any work you believe tells your story. Format and design your portfolio presentation professionally.

This will be a personal interview with the instructor to review and assess your contribution, participation, and progress in the course. The concept is to simulate a 5 min. portfolio review with a prospective client.

Project Goal:This is to allow you the opportunity to honestly assess of your progress and effort in Anim 30261 this term.

Deliverables:DUE IN LAB Period WEEK 13 &14 (Schedule to be posted)1 digital PDF in hand in folder.

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Education

Anim30261 assign winter2014