Assignment for Monday, Jan 27th!

In class, we reviewed everyone's 6-second acting tests.  We made note of the things that we did well, as well as the things that we needed to improve.  Remember that animated films, as magical as they are, are always created with formulas that help eliminate guesswork for making a successful film.  Some of these formulas are technical, like keeping characters on model, ways to get better at animating, and ways to build up your skill level. Others are conceptual, like the traditional Three Act Structure of cinema.  

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1.  Revise your 6-second animation.  For DM335 Students, select one animation exercise to complete at this link:  http://www.animatorisland.com/51-great-animation-exercises-to-master/ in addition to making revisions to your other animation.  You have a choice between any level 2 exercise, or the level 1 exercise of a character thinking.z

2.  Review the formula for a movie's "Three Act Structure" at these links: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ThreeActStructure
http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/pruter/film/threeact.htm
http://scripteach.com/?page_id=223

3.  Find one short animated film (no longer than 10 minutes) online that inspires you to create great cartoons and movies.  Watch the film, then break down the story into each act, and each major segment.  Make an outline - by ACT - of what those major plot points are.

Within that outline, be sure to point out these major sections of questioning:

ACT 1: (25% of your film's runtime)

1. Who is(are) the protagonist(s)?
2. What is the setting of the film?
3. How does the film begin?
4. What is the inciting incident? (What triggers the main plot of the story?  What is the protagonist looking for?)
5. What is the major first plot point that moves the story into act II?

ACT 2: (50% of your film's runtime)

1. What setbacks does the protagonist face in Act II?
2. How does the protagonist deal with those major plot points?
3. What is the second major plot point that finally kicks the protagonist's butt in gear? What is the jumping off point for Act 3?

ACT 3: (25% of your film's runtime)

1. What is the climax of the film? Does the protagonist get what is wanted, what is needed, or something else entirely?
2. In the Denouement, how does the film relax itself back to a state of equilibrium? How is everything resolved?
3. How does the film end?

4.  Begin coming up with ideas for your story! Remember, it should follow the three act structure.  I will give extra parameters for writing and plotting your story on monday.