Film Studies & Cinematography - Project 1
22/04/2024 - xx/xx/2024 // (Week 1 - Week x)
Denise Anjali // 0342430
Film
Studies & Cinematography // Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Project
1: Story Development
LECTURES
Week 1: MIB & Weekly Outline
This module is about the art of storytelling, can be applied to many forms including videos, animations, comics etc. Theme of the story is key and forms the message of the story. The module is adapted from Pixar's method of storytelling, making it most suited to animations. It is good to write from what you know and your past experiences. Character design comprises of external (visual) as well as internal (wants vs need etc). The 3 act structure is useful to keep in mind since scriptwriting helps plan and manage the production of the project. Short story is harder to create as compared to longer forms due to the lack of time to express the entire story. Creating a good story board us key to creating a smooth & clear animatic.
Week 3: Art of Storytelling
5 elements of a story:
1. Character
2. Conflict (Progresses the story and character)
3. Setting
4. Plot
5. Theme (Lesson of the story)
Storytelling process - Re-telling the story to get feedback, evolving the
story along the way; rewriting the story and pushing the idea
Pixar storytelling method = Interesting concept + emotionally connected +
relatable (personal experience in the theme). Key point is to convey 'what
happened?' and the feeling from it based on what you know. The originality
comes from your own experience.
Inspiration - analyse why you like the media you like (learn to apply it to
your story). Use 'what if' to spark ideas, and communicate the premise of the
story in a concise way.
Week 4: Character Development
To create a fully developed character, there must be a conflict. Without conflict, there is no story. Internal conflict - the character's need vs external conflict - the character's want or goal. The 'inciting incident' typically begins the first conflict in the story. Characters must have flaws and beliefs. Don't add characters that don't support the story. Characters must drive the story, internal and external. Understanding the wants vs the needs of the character is key. Wants can clearly be seen from the character and the story. Needs are what the characters learn to grow. These shape the motivation of the characters. Obstacles prevent characters from reaching their wants/needs. Obstacles form the conflict of the story and help the characters face their flaws and discover their needs. Character arcs show how the character navigates obstacles and how this makes the character better at the end. Stakes determine 'why do I as the audience care' and higher stakes makes more tension and more entertainment. The stakes should be everything to the character. Three types of stakes: internal (psychological, emotional, mental), external (physically happening in the world), and philosophy (impacting the values and ideals of the world).
Week 4: Character Development
To create a fully developed character, there must be a conflict. Without conflict, there is no story. Internal conflict - the character's need vs external conflict - the character's want or goal. The 'inciting incident' typically begins the first conflict in the story. Characters must have flaws and beliefs. Don't add characters that don't support the story. Characters must drive the story, internal and external. Understanding the wants vs the needs of the character is key. Wants can clearly be seen from the character and the story. Needs are what the characters learn to grow. These shape the motivation of the characters. Obstacles prevent characters from reaching their wants/needs. Obstacles form the conflict of the story and help the characters face their flaws and discover their needs. Character arcs show how the character navigates obstacles and how this makes the character better at the end. Stakes determine 'why do I as the audience care' and higher stakes makes more tension and more entertainment. The stakes should be everything to the character. Three types of stakes: internal (psychological, emotional, mental), external (physically happening in the world), and philosophy (impacting the values and ideals of the world).
Week 6: Story Structure
The simplest story structure most widely used is the 3-act structure.
- Act 1 (Beginning - 25%)
To establish the characters, setting and inciting incident. Also the goal and the theme of the story.
- Act 2 (Middle - 50%)
More conflict, leading to climax.
- Act 3 (End - 25%)
The story's resolution and what type of ending it will be.
Story is a series of events. The most important moments of the story are known as story beats and can be used to structure of the story. It should be less detailed, more focused on cause and effect points or character decisions. Try using story spine method to craft story beats: once upon a time... every day... until one day... because of that... until finally... and ever since then... and the moral of the story is...
Theme - the idea of the story, the reason the story is being told. Themes typically connect to the needs of the character and helps shape the story structure. Act 1 is meant to hook the audience, using the inciting incident to launch the journey.
Week 7: Scriptwriting
Scriptwriting has many rules that format it. The format must be followed, whether by setting it manually on sites like Google Docs or by using online softwares such as Celtx or Writerduet.
INSTRUCTIONS
Project 1: Story Development
We are tasked to come up with a story idea to be expanded into a 30 sec to 1 min 2D animation. Given what we learnt in class about the art of storytelling based on Pixar's shorts, I thought back to media that I enjoyed and what about them resonated with me. I am also not very familiar with short films and short stories as compared to long-running series and full-length films so I went on Youtube to find some inspiration as well.
YT ANIM INSP 1
YT ANIM INSP 2
I came up with several story ideas primarily themed around burnout, but eventually decided on the last story idea I came up with
FEEDBACK
Week 6: Story is straightforward and acceptable, make sure that the magical girl element is necessary to the story.
REFLECTION
Experience:
Observations:
Findings:
Comments
Post a Comment