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Presentation
Presentation
Aimed at MA level, this course firstly revisits the basics of scriptwriting for animation, and secondly looks in depth to different relevant areas concerned with writing for animation such as: focusing on different narrative structures, combining visual style and story, using the specific language of animation in ways to best propel the story, practicing staging, framing, transitions and continuity through storyboarding and involving the element of time and sound (thought animatics). All of these elements are studied to aid students to think of themes, conceptualise and write for animation, with more thought, depth and understanding how each of this elements will influences the story. The emphasis is both on re-visiting and learning new skills in writing, but equally focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of each student individually. The skills learned will contribute for the future production of their own MA films.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Master Degree | Semestral | 4
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
1 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT2165-15915
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
1. Writing with purpose (shorts, commercials, right to the point) 2. Text vs Image (dialogues, narration) 3. Intro to storyboarding - angles / shots / camera movement / light / direction of movement and how these elements influence the story 4. Story structure and narrative approaches - part A - linear / why it works / the hero's journey / Hollywood - the whale / the arc 5. Story structure and narrative approaches - part B - non-linear / experimental / fragmented 6. The language of animation in scriptwritting 7. Timing your storylines / animatic 8. Expanded animation and storytelling 9. Mood (light and space) in service of storytelling 10. Visual style and story 11. Sound/music and story 12. Writing animated documentaries 13. Final assignment - write, storyboard and time your final MA short animation film
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Objectives
Objectives
The students are given theoretical and practical exercises, guidance and advices. Each lecture encompasses a different topic related to writing for animation, exemplified by animated works, followed by discussion, the students will be able to notice, identify and analyse the storytelling strategies and tools others use in their work. They are encouraged to critically analyse whether these tools function in a given context and to what extent. Besides the analytical approach, the students work on their own stories exercising different writing approaches in each class. The exercises will prepare students to apply the writing strategies and skills in practice. Working in pairs, and analysing each other's writing develops and sharpens their critical approaches, helps to reflect on their own, and on others' work. The course prepares the students to be efficient and thoughtful in developing new concepts and themes, equipped will tools and strategies that help them visualise and write stories.
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Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
Every class consists of a theoretical introduction, after which an exercise is given to the students to immediately apply the newly introduced writing strategy/concept in practice in their own work. The methodology supports the "learning by doing" approach, and is applied throughout the course. Critical analysis and discussion is strongly encouraged.
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References
References
ASHWORTH, J. (2012). text"Visual writing: Thicken time, transform and dissolve text", Animation Practice, Process and production, Vol 2, No 1 and 2. BACHER, H.(2008). Dream Worlds: Production Design for Animation: Production Design in Animation. CRC Press. BLAZER, L. (2016). Animated Storytelling. Peachpit Press. WELLS, P. (2006). The Fundamentals of Animation (Key Principles and Processes p.12-82). AVA Publishing. --- (2007). Basics of Animation: Scriptwriting. AVA Publishing.
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Assessment
Assessment
Exemplo:
Descrição
Data limite
Ponderação
Exercises made in class (scripts and storybords) - 60%
to be agreed on
60%
Final Work (storyboard and animatic with sound, and 1 visual depicting the style)to be agreed on
30%
Frequent attendance of classes and participation in discussions
10%
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Mobility
Mobility
Yes
