blog entry 7.15pm
Friday 28 October 2011
Tuesday 25 October 2011
no23. ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION
Deadline: Friday 28 Oct 2011 23:59:00 SGT
(no more changes to deadline. late submission is fail grade.)
what to submit:
(use new template, download from https://sites.google.com/site/nafawrites/downloads)
1. hardcopy (printed) to class rep
ALL HARDCOPIES submit to me through class rep 3pm - 6pm.
i'll be in school, Fri classroom 05-25, 3-6pm.
You are responsible for handing in your work. class rep will only make 1 trip to hand in assignments to me. if class rep has already handed printed assignments to me, you come over to hand it in yourself - BEFORE 6pm. thanks!
2. email to syteo@nafa.edu.sg
email subject: (your name) assignment - final - (date)
pls make sure your work is attached in email!
3. iblackboard
>> DM2181 Storytelling and Scriptwriting [2B2C2L2M]
>> ASSIGNMENTS
>> DM2B & DM2C ASSIGNMENT j. teo (look for link, click)
>> upload & submit
in iblackboard you can submit as many times as you want. but make sure the attachment in email is final work.
Please check your work before you hand up and make sure everything is intact. thank you!
(no more changes to deadline. late submission is fail grade.)
what to submit:
(use new template, download from https://sites.google.com/site/nafawrites/downloads)
1. hardcopy (printed) to class rep
ALL HARDCOPIES submit to me through class rep 3pm - 6pm.
i'll be in school, Fri classroom 05-25, 3-6pm.
You are responsible for handing in your work. class rep will only make 1 trip to hand in assignments to me. if class rep has already handed printed assignments to me, you come over to hand it in yourself - BEFORE 6pm. thanks!
2. email to syteo@nafa.edu.sg
email subject: (your name) assignment - final - (date)
pls make sure your work is attached in email!
3. iblackboard
>> DM2181 Storytelling and Scriptwriting [2B2C2L2M]
>> ASSIGNMENTS
>> DM2B & DM2C ASSIGNMENT j. teo (look for link, click)
>> upload & submit
in iblackboard you can submit as many times as you want. but make sure the attachment in email is final work.
Please check your work before you hand up and make sure everything is intact. thank you!
Monday 24 October 2011
no22. STORIES & SCRIPTS
Here's what we've learnt so far:
Lesson 1:
(EX 1 - CHARACTER STUDY)
GREAT CHARACTERS
MAKE GREAT STORIES
Character Study - pls see my notes
link: http://masterwriterz.blogspot.com/2011/10/no16-character-study.html
most of you did a character analysis which you had researched well enough. BUT we're really doing a CHARACTER STUDY for story-telling in Exercise1...
what many of you have not focused on is
>> How is the LITTLE PRINCE, MR/MRS TWIT crucial to the story?
>> How effective & clear was the description of their characters in the story?
>> Did you notice that the character is very clear to you when you read the story? This clarity gives you enough info for you to form opinions about the character! Knowing the characters as you read the story makes you as a reader start to like/dislike, care/dread the character...
remember the fox? notice >> the more time you spend reading about a character, the more you will be "tamed" by that character LOL if you don't know what i mean, ASK your classmates.
>> How did the authors bring out the characters in the story?
YOU LEARN ABOUT A CHARACTER
THROUGH THEIR RELATIONSHIPS
WITH OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE STORY
>> How do you APPLY what you've learnt from these authors TO YOUR OWN STORIES?
lesson 2:
(EX2 - WRITING STORIES x5)
Write the SITUATION.
MAKE IT YOURS.
You need something UNCOMMON to happen for your story to be unique and to be OWNED by you.
MAKE THE STORY YOURS by adding your OWN creative situations that other stories don't have.
eg. How many stories are like this: BOY MEETS GIRL, THEY FALL IN LOVE... if your story falls into this category, you need to WRITE YOUR OWN STORY by telling it YOUR WAY, and to use YOUR OWN UNCOMMON SITUATION >> Make the story UNIQUELY YOURS.
tip: FOCUS on the
1-SENTENCE SUMMARY
& THE 3 ACT STRUCTURE
Lesson 3:
(ASSIGNMENT: STORY TO SCRIPT)
I AM A MASTERWRITER
WITH A KEY MESSAGE
how do you weave in your own key message(s) into your story?
>> Use characters to show and tell.
>> Use situations for characters to react/behave in.
>> Use other characters to reveal key character's traits & motives...
Tip: Write the AV - AUDIO & VISUAL
Lesson 4:
STORY-TELLING IS AN ART
WHICH I CAN LEARN
& KEEP IMPROVING
Just keep writing, just keep writing,
just keep writing, writing, writing, writing...
start with synopsis - what is your story about. then use 3 ACT to make sure story works better. treatment is to get details noted down and to decide how you want to plant the important info. once you know how the story runs from start to end, adjust treatment to script & fill in the dialogue. hope this helps...
Lesson 1:
(EX 1 - CHARACTER STUDY)
GREAT CHARACTERS
MAKE GREAT STORIES
Character Study - pls see my notes
link: http://masterwriterz.blogspot.com/2011/10/no16-character-study.html
most of you did a character analysis which you had researched well enough. BUT we're really doing a CHARACTER STUDY for story-telling in Exercise1...
what many of you have not focused on is
>> How is the LITTLE PRINCE, MR/MRS TWIT crucial to the story?
>> How effective & clear was the description of their characters in the story?
>> Did you notice that the character is very clear to you when you read the story? This clarity gives you enough info for you to form opinions about the character! Knowing the characters as you read the story makes you as a reader start to like/dislike, care/dread the character...
remember the fox? notice >> the more time you spend reading about a character, the more you will be "tamed" by that character LOL if you don't know what i mean, ASK your classmates.
>> How did the authors bring out the characters in the story?
YOU LEARN ABOUT A CHARACTER
THROUGH THEIR RELATIONSHIPS
WITH OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE STORY
>> How do you APPLY what you've learnt from these authors TO YOUR OWN STORIES?
lesson 2:
(EX2 - WRITING STORIES x5)
Write the SITUATION.
MAKE IT YOURS.
You need something UNCOMMON to happen for your story to be unique and to be OWNED by you.
MAKE THE STORY YOURS by adding your OWN creative situations that other stories don't have.
eg. How many stories are like this: BOY MEETS GIRL, THEY FALL IN LOVE... if your story falls into this category, you need to WRITE YOUR OWN STORY by telling it YOUR WAY, and to use YOUR OWN UNCOMMON SITUATION >> Make the story UNIQUELY YOURS.
tip: FOCUS on the
1-SENTENCE SUMMARY
& THE 3 ACT STRUCTURE
Lesson 3:
(ASSIGNMENT: STORY TO SCRIPT)
I AM A MASTERWRITER
WITH A KEY MESSAGE
how do you weave in your own key message(s) into your story?
>> Use characters to show and tell.
>> Use situations for characters to react/behave in.
>> Use other characters to reveal key character's traits & motives...
Tip: Write the AV - AUDIO & VISUAL
Lesson 4:
STORY-TELLING IS AN ART
WHICH I CAN LEARN
& KEEP IMPROVING
Just keep writing, just keep writing,
just keep writing, writing, writing, writing...
start with synopsis - what is your story about. then use 3 ACT to make sure story works better. treatment is to get details noted down and to decide how you want to plant the important info. once you know how the story runs from start to end, adjust treatment to script & fill in the dialogue. hope this helps...
WELL DONE ALL OF YOU!!!!
Thank you for your time & effort and being part of my class!
Tuesday 18 October 2011
no21. ASSIGNMENT WK13
ANNOUNCEMENTS!
PLS LOOK OUT FOR THEM HERE. THANKS!
FYI: GRADING IS BASED MAINLY ON STORY-TELLING - NOT SO FOR DIALOGUE OR SCRIPT FORMAT ATM.
SO FOCUS ON YOUR STORY :)
i will post announcements on assignments in my blog and fb, pls look out for it. also, for those who are not on fb, pls let them know what is happening as well. thanks!
what to prepare for submission (revised from brief)
1. REVISED SCRIPT TEMPLATE CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM https://sites.google.com/site/nafawrites/downloads
- part1 - cover page with name/student no/class/subject,
story title, 1-sentence summary (1pg for part1)
- part2 - 1 sentence summary (yes, again) & story synopsis (1pg)
- part3 - 3 act structure (1pg)
- character Bio (half to 1pg)
- part4 - script - final draft (max 5 pages)
- part5 - (OPTIONAL) any notes, sketches, beats/treatment, etc
name/student no/class/subject on every page - see template.
2. how and when to submit
when - week 13 - will reconfirm
how - blackboard & email - will reconfirm
PLS LOOK OUT FOR THEM HERE. THANKS!
FYI: GRADING IS BASED MAINLY ON STORY-TELLING - NOT SO FOR DIALOGUE OR SCRIPT FORMAT ATM.
SO FOCUS ON YOUR STORY :)
i will post announcements on assignments in my blog and fb, pls look out for it. also, for those who are not on fb, pls let them know what is happening as well. thanks!
what to prepare for submission (revised from brief)
1. REVISED SCRIPT TEMPLATE CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM https://sites.google.com/site/nafawrites/downloads
- part1 - cover page with name/student no/class/subject,
story title, 1-sentence summary (1pg for part1)
- part2 - 1 sentence summary (yes, again) & story synopsis (1pg)
- part3 - 3 act structure (1pg)
- character Bio (half to 1pg)
- part4 - script - final draft (max 5 pages)
- part5 - (OPTIONAL) any notes, sketches, beats/treatment, etc
name/student no/class/subject on every page - see template.
2. how and when to submit
when - week 13 - will reconfirm
how - blackboard & email - will reconfirm
Monday 17 October 2011
no20. EX2 STORY4 - READS
EXERCISE 2 (DONE)
Stories
1 - Student's own story
2 - Use a location in your story
3 - Use an item in your story
4 - Non-human key character, eg animal, objects, etc
5 - 2 Key Characters with 1 motive (& they don't like each other)
Stories 3, 4 & 5 must be suitable for animation.
STORY4 - Here are some stories by your fellow classmates:
Jeremy Loo 2C
SEEDREAL(TM)
Darren Lee 2B
THE FROG IN A BOX
Phan Thi Mai 2C
CHASING ON THE BEACH
Chiang Li Bing 2B
THE HOUSE CAT & MS BIRDBRAIN
When reading the above stories, do observe and note:
1. Writing the Audio & Visual
Writing what you see
Writing what you hear
2. As readers, you're able to
visualize & "experience" their stories
Please do the same for your storylines / story outlines so that you can easily convert your story into a script.
Stories
1 - Student's own story
2 - Use a location in your story
3 - Use an item in your story
4 - Non-human key character, eg animal, objects, etc
5 - 2 Key Characters with 1 motive (& they don't like each other)
Stories 3, 4 & 5 must be suitable for animation.
STORY4 - Here are some stories by your fellow classmates:
Jeremy Loo 2C
SEEDREAL(TM)
Darren Lee 2B
THE FROG IN A BOX
Phan Thi Mai 2C
CHASING ON THE BEACH
Chiang Li Bing 2B
THE HOUSE CAT & MS BIRDBRAIN
When reading the above stories, do observe and note:
1. Writing the Audio & Visual
Writing what you see
Writing what you hear
2. As readers, you're able to
visualize & "experience" their stories
Please do the same for your storylines / story outlines so that you can easily convert your story into a script.
Friday 14 October 2011
no19. WRITE THE VOICE & ACTION - THE X-FACTOR
EVERY UNIQUE CHARACTER
HAS A UNIQUE, IDENTIFIABLE
VOICE OR ACTION (Audio & Visual)
Can you think of some well-known "Voices"?
Can you identify some of these Voices? see below...
"What's up, doc?"
"I thot I taw a putty tat..."
"DUH!"
"Stupid Dog! You make me look bad!" / "The things i do for love."
"To infinity and beyond!"
"Scoooooby Doooby Doooooooooo!"
SOME UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS THAT HELP KEY CHARACTERS STAND OUT:
sometimes creators use a combination of the below...
1. Unique "Voice"
eg "DUH!" - homer simpson
2. Unique Action / Behaviour
eg Wonder Woman - swirls around to "change" from ordinary lady to Wonder Woman
eg. powerpuff girls to the rescue - the 3 girls fly off in formation, with graphics & music/sfx
3. Sound Effect(s)
eg. "Beep Beep!" - road runner
eg. spongebob's (irritating) laugh
4. Jingle/Music
eg. popeye the sailor man
eg pink panther
WRITE THE VOICE & ACTION!
>> THE "X-FACTOR"
>> IDENTIFIES KEY CHARACTER
>> IDENTIFIES YOUR SHOW
Sitcom - Mind your Language - S1, Ep1, 1977
please note that this episode is all about this sitcom's setup and introducing all the unique characters - notice their unique "voices"!
HAS A UNIQUE, IDENTIFIABLE
VOICE OR ACTION (Audio & Visual)
Can you think of some well-known "Voices"?
Can you identify some of these Voices? see below...
"What's up, doc?"
"I thot I taw a putty tat..."
"DUH!"
"Stupid Dog! You make me look bad!" / "The things i do for love."
"To infinity and beyond!"
"Scoooooby Doooby Doooooooooo!"
SOME UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS THAT HELP KEY CHARACTERS STAND OUT:
sometimes creators use a combination of the below...
1. Unique "Voice"
eg "DUH!" - homer simpson
2. Unique Action / Behaviour
eg Wonder Woman - swirls around to "change" from ordinary lady to Wonder Woman
eg. powerpuff girls to the rescue - the 3 girls fly off in formation, with graphics & music/sfx
3. Sound Effect(s)
eg. "Beep Beep!" - road runner
eg. spongebob's (irritating) laugh
4. Jingle/Music
eg. popeye the sailor man
eg pink panther
WRITE THE VOICE & ACTION!
>> THE "X-FACTOR"
>> IDENTIFIES KEY CHARACTER
>> IDENTIFIES YOUR SHOW
Sitcom - Mind your Language - S1, Ep1, 1977
please note that this episode is all about this sitcom's setup and introducing all the unique characters - notice their unique "voices"!
Class Exercise: MIND YOUR LANGUAGE
In your Blogs,
1. List all the characters in this show.
2. For each character, note their unique "voice" and traits/behaviour.
3. Look at each voice/trait/behaviour unique to the character. which are considered "typical/ stereotyped" and which are considered unique "personality"?
Tuesday 11 October 2011
no18. STORY TO SCRIPT
general feedback on your stories/scripts:
- work out the 3-Act-Structure & Character Bio (point form/relevant info)
- work out treatment (point form/write AV, as u see/hear the show)
- at least script draft1 should be ready by next week
- for those with scripts, work on editing (make every word count)
those who are unsure of your story:
- discuss with your classmates,
- ask them for help & constructive comments.
- u don't have to follow any comments or suggestions
- try to see your story from another point of view.
- ask questions about your stories & character's behaviours/reactions to tighten the loose ends
on your scripts:
- no offense, but be cruel about cutting off words/dialogue that do not work for your story
- test: if u take out the phrases/words and it doesn't change your story, REMOVE.
- write info necessary for your story
- every word in your script counts & must be there for your story to work
- for improving on dialogue, rewrite/edit - say it better - keep it short, keep it easy to understand
- ask your classmates to help do a "script read", use voices to "act" your script out, see if the script/dialogue work when read
PLEASE BACKUP ALL YOUR SCRIPTS & YOUR WORK!
USE BLOGS/EMAIL (email yourself) AS ONLINE BACKUP
even professionals lose their softcopy scripts!
eg file corrupted, accidental delete
most of all... have fun writing! see u next week!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATES ON
- work out the 3-Act-Structure & Character Bio (point form/relevant info)
- work out treatment (point form/write AV, as u see/hear the show)
- at least script draft1 should be ready by next week
- for those with scripts, work on editing (make every word count)
those who are unsure of your story:
- discuss with your classmates,
- ask them for help & constructive comments.
- u don't have to follow any comments or suggestions
- try to see your story from another point of view.
- ask questions about your stories & character's behaviours/reactions to tighten the loose ends
on your scripts:
- no offense, but be cruel about cutting off words/dialogue that do not work for your story
- test: if u take out the phrases/words and it doesn't change your story, REMOVE.
- write info necessary for your story
- every word in your script counts & must be there for your story to work
- for improving on dialogue, rewrite/edit - say it better - keep it short, keep it easy to understand
- ask your classmates to help do a "script read", use voices to "act" your script out, see if the script/dialogue work when read
PLEASE BACKUP ALL YOUR SCRIPTS & YOUR WORK!
USE BLOGS/EMAIL (email yourself) AS ONLINE BACKUP
even professionals lose their softcopy scripts!
eg file corrupted, accidental delete
most of all... have fun writing! see u next week!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATES ON
Monday 10 October 2011
no17. WE LOVE STORIES!
People are suckers for stories!
a movie with a relatively generous budget for super great effects still need a good story to make it a blockbuster.
Remember, stories are everywhere.
All stories need an X-FACTOR. (like in American Idol, each contestant must stand out from everyone else to gain popularity and votes)
the first thing u notice:
GOOD STORIES SELL
then, the next thing u notice:
GOOD STORIES become
GREAT STORIES in the hands of
a SKILLED STORY-TELLER.
Class exercise:
Let's practice story-telling using the 1-sentence summary.
Write them in one blog entry - will be graded as blog notes.
ALL stories must be suitable for animation.
STEP1: CREATE & CRAFT 10 STORIES INTO THE 1-SENTENCE SUMMARY
Story1: Character driven story, eg Mr Bean
Story2: Story driven by a location.
Story3: Story driven by an item.
Story4: Story driven by a situation.
Story5: Story driven by Character's motive(s) or conflict with another Character.
Stories 6 to 10: Combination of above points for your stories.
STEP2: CREATE STORIES FOR THESE GENRES: (1 sentence summary)
Story 11: Drama
Story 12: Documentary
Story 13: News / Current Affairs
Story 14: Comedy
Story 15: Horror
Story 16: Action
Story 17: Mystery / Thriller / Crime
Story 18: Teenage Drama
Story 19: Romance
Story 20: Fantasy / Sci-Fi
Story 21: Children
Story 22: Adventure / Swashbucklers
Story 23 - 25: Combination of any genre from above.
STEP 3: GIVE ONE OR TWO EXAMPLES OF A BLOCKBUSTER / SUCCESSFUL MOVIE THAT FITS THE ABOVE 25-GENRE-DRIVEN STORIES.
Examples of Blockbuster/Successful Movies for:
Story 11: Drama
Story 12: Documentary
Story 13: News / Current Affairs
Story 14: Comedy
Story 15: Horror
Story 16: Action
Story 17: Mystery / Thriller / Crime
Story 18: Teenage Drama
Story 19: Romance
Story 20: Fantasy / Sci-Fi
Story 21: Children
Story 22: Adventure / Swashbucklers
Story 23 - 25: Combination of any genre from above.
STEP4: POST HERE > YOUR STORY SUMMARIES & EXAMPLES (POST COMMENT)
>> POST A COMMENT AT THIS BLOG ENTRY
>> SIGN OFF WITH YOUR NAME
>> COPY & PASTE THIS CLASS EXERCISE INTO THE COMMENT
Notes:
While you enjoy this class exercise, I will be calling you one by one during class to discuss your assignment. For those who have already discussed with me, pls ask your classmates to help you with constructive feedback which you may or may not act on for your assignment.
Thank you and have fun! :)
a movie with a relatively generous budget for super great effects still need a good story to make it a blockbuster.
Remember, stories are everywhere.
All stories need an X-FACTOR. (like in American Idol, each contestant must stand out from everyone else to gain popularity and votes)
the first thing u notice:
GOOD STORIES SELL
then, the next thing u notice:
GOOD STORIES become
GREAT STORIES in the hands of
a SKILLED STORY-TELLER.
Class exercise:
Let's practice story-telling using the 1-sentence summary.
Write them in one blog entry - will be graded as blog notes.
ALL stories must be suitable for animation.
STEP1: CREATE & CRAFT 10 STORIES INTO THE 1-SENTENCE SUMMARY
Story1: Character driven story, eg Mr Bean
Story2: Story driven by a location.
Story3: Story driven by an item.
Story4: Story driven by a situation.
Story5: Story driven by Character's motive(s) or conflict with another Character.
Stories 6 to 10: Combination of above points for your stories.
STEP2: CREATE STORIES FOR THESE GENRES: (1 sentence summary)
Story 11: Drama
Story 12: Documentary
Story 13: News / Current Affairs
Story 14: Comedy
Story 15: Horror
Story 16: Action
Story 17: Mystery / Thriller / Crime
Story 18: Teenage Drama
Story 19: Romance
Story 20: Fantasy / Sci-Fi
Story 21: Children
Story 22: Adventure / Swashbucklers
Story 23 - 25: Combination of any genre from above.
STEP 3: GIVE ONE OR TWO EXAMPLES OF A BLOCKBUSTER / SUCCESSFUL MOVIE THAT FITS THE ABOVE 25-GENRE-DRIVEN STORIES.
Examples of Blockbuster/Successful Movies for:
Story 11: Drama
Story 12: Documentary
Story 13: News / Current Affairs
Story 14: Comedy
Story 15: Horror
Story 16: Action
Story 17: Mystery / Thriller / Crime
Story 18: Teenage Drama
Story 19: Romance
Story 20: Fantasy / Sci-Fi
Story 21: Children
Story 22: Adventure / Swashbucklers
Story 23 - 25: Combination of any genre from above.
STEP4: POST HERE > YOUR STORY SUMMARIES & EXAMPLES (POST COMMENT)
>> POST A COMMENT AT THIS BLOG ENTRY
>> SIGN OFF WITH YOUR NAME
>> COPY & PASTE THIS CLASS EXERCISE INTO THE COMMENT
Notes:
While you enjoy this class exercise, I will be calling you one by one during class to discuss your assignment. For those who have already discussed with me, pls ask your classmates to help you with constructive feedback which you may or may not act on for your assignment.
Thank you and have fun! :)
Tuesday 4 October 2011
no16. CHARACTER STUDY
EX1 - CHARACTER STUDY
ok... Ex1 is to do a character study, not story analysis.the little prince/Mr Twit/Mrs Twit are a key characters in the story. what does that mean? what is the role of the key character? & how does the key character drive the story? focus on the key character, study his traits, personality, behaviour, attitudes/values, motives, thoughts, etc...
>> all these characteristics are not told to you in words in the story, these characteristics are displayed/shown through situations (UNUSUAL/NON-TYPICAL SITUATIONS for the 2 stories)...
>> characters in situations to communicate key message/idea >> STORY
what can you learn from studying this key character?
how can you apply what you've learnt here to tell your own stories?
try to remember my comments about your character study during group presentation :)
ALL CHARACTERS HAVE A PURPOSE
Characters show/tell us about people, our world, about ourselves!
Characters & relationships with other characters help reveal their true character for us to know them better. when we know them well, we may start to "care" about them. we are anxious when they are in danger or upset when something happens to them...
CHARACTERS ARE
ABOUT PEOPLE, ABOUT US,
CHARACTERS ARE CREATED
FOR PEOPLE, FOR US
We love to hear about ourselves! Characters are familiar to us. Even aliens and non-human characters act/behave/think like humans in our stories!! We can learn about ourselves and know ourselves better through characters in a story.
NO CHARACTER = NO STORY!!
and we are all suckers for stories!!
Character Study:
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
>> prompt reaction(s) from key character
>> prompt key character to reveal his/her thoughts and feelings
>> help us get to know key character better through their relationship/ dialogue/ activities
>> help us relate to the story/characters better
FOX
fox = wise, loyal, supportive, good at mentoring, etc
motive = wants to make friends with L. Prince
role = allows readers to understand meaning of friendship through situation (the chapter story)
apply
>> relationships/getting to know a character takes time & effort
>> the more you understand/know a character, the more you will feel for him/her (eg horror movies - u never feel bad if some characters are killed but u feel anxious & scared for the key characters)
THE KING
role = unlike the Little Prince > creates contrast, conflict & drama
apply
>> contrasting characters makes your key character outstanding, more prominent
THE ROSE
rose = "woman"
>> stereotyped, woman-like characteristics/behaviour/attitude
>> reflects what & how men think of/react to women
role = allows readers to understand relationship between men & women
apply
>> write for gender, eg white chicks
>> gender reacting & behaving when put together in a situation
THE SNAKE
snake = villain, dangerous
role = creates conflict, drama, sense of danger
apply
>> warning sign, dangerous character = conflict = drama
THE BUSINESSMAN
motive = focused on making money
>> a common trait that people can relate to
role = helps author communicate key message/idea
apply
>> prompts reaction from key character, prompts key character to think & react
>> helps us know key character better
THE RAILWAY SWITCHMAN
may be shortest chapter in the story BUT it re-confirms what the key character has learnt in previous chapters.
role = re-confirms lessons learnt
apply
>> the journey is more impt than the destination
THE LAMPLIGHTER
motive = focused on task, priority in life is task
>> a common trait that people can relate to
role = helps author communicate key message/idea
apply
>> prompts reaction from key character, prompts key character to think & react
>> helps us know key character better
ALL CHARACTERS HAVE
A PURPOSE IN YOUR STORY!!
NO CHARACTER = NO STORY
THE LITTLE PRINCE
- The little Prince learns about himself, his world and his life through all those characters he meets, even from the narrator
- through the Little Prince's story, we get to learn about his world and his life >> we learn as he learns about humans, about people and our world.
- the little Prince reflects our world, the different kinds of people we meet in real life and reflects things about ourselves - what we are like, how we think, how we react & behave...
>> APPLY = characters reveal our world and ourselves so when you can relate to your readers or viewers, they will LOVE your character = LOVE your story
MR & MRS TWIT
- using "extreme" characters, author shows us how people (like us) react to people like the twits
- readers are very clear about these characters - we understand who the twits are. from what we understand and are clear about, we will react & think accordingly >> like/dislike them
>> APPLY = when writing your stories make sure readers are clear about your character & that they understand and know your character very well. When they do, they start to have a "relationship" with the character, eg they may care for the character or they will watch the show because they love to see their favourite character in action
here are some of your classmate's work for character study:
Monday 3 October 2011
no15 ASSIGNMENT
3 OCT 2011 CLASS EXERCISE
pls upload into your blogs...
POST #1
1. 1 sentence summary
- give me all 5 summaries from your Ex2
- bold & underline theone story chosen for your Assignment
2. Character Bio
- of chosen story
- info relevant to story
POST #2
3. Storyline / Beats
- think i'll go through the treatment tool today
- you can use SCENE - VISUAL - AUDIO columns
and 3 Act structure if u have it...
POST #3
4. SCRIPT - DRAFT #1
to do:
1. get into GROUPS OF 2
2. read each other's posts
3. give constructive comments & feedback
4. edit your draft script after
Please get your posts ready.
When i call you, we will talk about your assignment > your story & draft script.
it'll take abt 5-10min per student. thanks!
pls upload into your blogs...
POST #1
1. 1 sentence summary
- give me all 5 summaries from your Ex2
- bold & underline theone story chosen for your Assignment
2. Character Bio
- of chosen story
- info relevant to story
POST #2
3. Storyline / Beats
- think i'll go through the treatment tool today
- you can use SCENE - VISUAL - AUDIO columns
and 3 Act structure if u have it...
POST #3
4. SCRIPT - DRAFT #1
to do:
1. get into GROUPS OF 2
2. read each other's posts
3. give constructive comments & feedback
4. edit your draft script after
Please get your posts ready.
When i call you, we will talk about your assignment > your story & draft script.
it'll take abt 5-10min per student. thanks!
Sunday 2 October 2011
no14. KEEP WRITING, KEEP CREATING
The Art of Writing is Rewriting!
Never give up! the more u write, the more u create, the more you'll learn and improve! Keep writing & creating stories. Remember, draft1 scripts are always a great starting point to having an awesome final script! ANALYZING & EDITING YOUR STORY & SCRIPT make a huge difference.
EDITING TIPS:
* Simplify!
if u remove a sentence or a string of words, will that affect or change your story? if the answer is no, these words don't help my story >> remove!
* Use SHORT simple sentences!
* Every word counts in your script!
Provide relevant info, give answers to...
Who,
What,
When,
Where,
Why
and How
we should do some exercises on editing to get your script drafts going... hmmm... while i think of an exercise for you, here is a repeat of what i've played for you in class some time back...
REFERENCES ON EDITING:
http://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Editing-Skills
yes, he looks like a nerd and sounds pretty boring. BUT listen to what he says... he's sharing his years of experience with you... and if you get what he says, you probably will be able to grow faster as a master-creator and master-writer :)
CLASS EXERCISE:
GROUPS OF 2.
Exchange your draft1 scripts & storylines. Give each other constructive comments on how the script can be improved.
Never give up! the more u write, the more u create, the more you'll learn and improve! Keep writing & creating stories. Remember, draft1 scripts are always a great starting point to having an awesome final script! ANALYZING & EDITING YOUR STORY & SCRIPT make a huge difference.
EDITING TIPS:
* Simplify!
if u remove a sentence or a string of words, will that affect or change your story? if the answer is no, these words don't help my story >> remove!
* Use SHORT simple sentences!
* Every word counts in your script!
Provide relevant info, give answers to...
Who,
What,
When,
Where,
Why
and How
we should do some exercises on editing to get your script drafts going... hmmm... while i think of an exercise for you, here is a repeat of what i've played for you in class some time back...
REFERENCES ON EDITING:
http://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Editing-Skills
How to be your own script doctor By Jennifer E. Kenning
yes, he looks like a nerd and sounds pretty boring. BUT listen to what he says... he's sharing his years of experience with you... and if you get what he says, you probably will be able to grow faster as a master-creator and master-writer :)
CLASS EXERCISE:
GROUPS OF 2.
Exchange your draft1 scripts & storylines. Give each other constructive comments on how the script can be improved.
Remember: there’s always room for improvement and someone else might help point the way to a better script :)
Friday 23 September 2011
no13 WRITING THE DIALOGUE
DIALOGUES help tell your story. know your story & character(s) before writing the dialogue!
tip1: write dialogue that is suitable for the character/personality.
tip2: write only necessary info to tell your story. KEEP IT SIMPLE > SHORT SENTENCES.
tip3: listen to the dialogues on good tv shows & listen to how people talk in real life.
CLASS/GROUP EXERCISE: WRITING DIALOGUES
below are videos. mute them and write the script for the scenes. give your script a suitable title & write a 1 sentence summary about your script.
tip1: write dialogue that is suitable for the character/personality.
tip2: write only necessary info to tell your story. KEEP IT SIMPLE > SHORT SENTENCES.
tip3: listen to the dialogues on good tv shows & listen to how people talk in real life.
CLASS/GROUP EXERCISE: WRITING DIALOGUES
below are videos. mute them and write the script for the scenes. give your script a suitable title & write a 1 sentence summary about your script.
look at examples below... (pls ignore swear language!)
TELLING STORIES WITH ONE FOCUSED KEY MESSAGE: same scenes, different story!!
1. Hitler's water bottle is stolen and thrown at Justin Bieber
2. Hitler is informed that he is Lee Kuan Yew
3. Hitler is informed Santa Claus doesn't exist
4. Hitler defies gravity
ok, use the same hitler scene and come up with your own scripts!
plz do NOT use swear language.
thanks & have fun!!
meanwhile, i'll look at your assignment's draft1 scripts...
Monday 12 September 2011
no12. WORK2!!!
EXERCISE 1 (DONE)
Character Study:
1. Key Characters - Individual
- Mr or Mrs Twit
- The Little Prince
2. Supporting Characters - Group presentation
- One supporting character from The Little Prince
EXERCISE 2 (DONE)
Stories
1 - Student's own story
2 - Use a location in your story
3 - Use an item in your story
4 - Non-human key character, eg animal, objects, etc
5 - 2 Key Characters with 1 motive (& they don't like each other)
Stories 3, 4 & 5 must be suitable for animation.
WRITTEN TEST - Week9
ASSIGNMENT
- choose one story from Exercise2
- transfer story to a script with the story - 5min, Eng
- script must be suitable for animation
Grading each week...
wk 10 - script draft1
wk 11 - script draft2
wk 12 - script draft3
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
wk 13 - FINAL script - SUBMIT
wk 13 - also to prepare & submit...
- 1 sentence summary
- synopsis
- character bio
- scene breakdown
- storyline/beats
- 3 act structure
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR WORK ON TIME!! Thanks!
Character Study:
1. Key Characters - Individual
- Mr or Mrs Twit
- The Little Prince
2. Supporting Characters - Group presentation
- One supporting character from The Little Prince
EXERCISE 2 (DONE)
Stories
1 - Student's own story
2 - Use a location in your story
3 - Use an item in your story
4 - Non-human key character, eg animal, objects, etc
5 - 2 Key Characters with 1 motive (& they don't like each other)
Stories 3, 4 & 5 must be suitable for animation.
WRITTEN TEST - Week9
ASSIGNMENT
- choose one story from Exercise2
- transfer story to a script with the story - 5min, Eng
- script must be suitable for animation
Grading each week...
wk 10 - script draft1
wk 11 - script draft2
wk 12 - script draft3
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
wk 13 - FINAL script - SUBMIT
wk 13 - also to prepare & submit...
- 1 sentence summary
- synopsis
- character bio
- scene breakdown
- storyline/beats
- 3 act structure
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR WORK ON TIME!! Thanks!
no11. CASE STUDY2 - SIMPSONS
PS: THIS IS ONE EXAMPLE >> HOW U CAN USE AN ITEM TO TELL A STORY
REF: You can download
1. Transcript - Simpsons
2. Script Format Template
3. Lesson Slides (this week is lesson 7)
CASE STUDY: SIMPSONS "Homer's Night Out"
1-SENTENCE SUMMARY
Bart's photo, showing Homer dancing with a woman during a party, gets distributed all over Springfield and causes tension at home - Marge throws Homer out of the house.
SYNOPSIS
Bart purchases a mini spy camera and manages to take a picture of Homer dancing with a stripper named Princess Kashmir at a co-worker's strip club party. He gives copies of the picture to his friends, and eventually the picture starts to circulate around until eventually Marge sees it. She kicks Homer out of the house, but the next day explains that she is not upset about him dancing, but rather that Bart saw it. She demands that he take Bart and go apologize to Princess Kashmir. Homer agrees and says that he is ready to start respecting women.
PLOTS:
Plot1 (MAIN)
- Homer's party/ caught on Bart's photo >> consequences
Plot2 (SUBPLOT)
- Bart gets spy camera, plays with it, distribute photo >> consequences
3 ACT STRUCTURE
Act1 - Setup
Act2 - Confrontation
Act3 - Resolution
Conflict
Turning Point
Motive
SCRIPT FORMAT
- slugline (scene description) - INT / LOCATION / TIME OF DAY
- action description/storyline (visual)
- dialogue/sfx/music (audio)
REF: You can download
1. Transcript - Simpsons
2. Script Format Template
3. Lesson Slides (this week is lesson 7)
CASE STUDY: SIMPSONS "Homer's Night Out"
1-SENTENCE SUMMARY
Bart's photo, showing Homer dancing with a woman during a party, gets distributed all over Springfield and causes tension at home - Marge throws Homer out of the house.
SYNOPSIS
Bart uses his new miniature "spy" camera to take candid pictures around
the household; meanwhile, Homer is preparing to go to a bachelor party
for his co-worker at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. While at the
party, Homer is invited to dance on stage with a stripper. Bart (who is
dining with the rest of the family in the next-door restaurant) uses his
camera to snap a photo of Homer and the dancer having a great time. At
school, Martin develops the picture, which - after he compliments Bart's work - gets distributed around school, and eventually around town. Marge sees the photo and is outraged. Homer arrives home, where Marge immediately confronts her husband and kicks him out of the house. Eventually, Marge agrees to let him back in on the condition he take Bart around to meet the stripper and show that she is not a sex object. After almost winding up on stage at another of the dancer's performances, Homer does as he is asked and all is forgiven.
Bart purchases a mini spy camera and manages to take a picture of Homer dancing with a stripper named Princess Kashmir at a co-worker's strip club party. He gives copies of the picture to his friends, and eventually the picture starts to circulate around until eventually Marge sees it. She kicks Homer out of the house, but the next day explains that she is not upset about him dancing, but rather that Bart saw it. She demands that he take Bart and go apologize to Princess Kashmir. Homer agrees and says that he is ready to start respecting women.
Plot1 (MAIN)
- Homer's party/ caught on Bart's photo >> consequences
Plot2 (SUBPLOT)
- Bart gets spy camera, plays with it, distribute photo >> consequences
3 ACT STRUCTURE
Act1 - Setup
Act2 - Confrontation
Act3 - Resolution
Conflict
Turning Point
Motive
SCRIPT FORMAT
- slugline (scene description) - INT / LOCATION / TIME OF DAY
- action description/storyline (visual)
- dialogue/sfx/music (audio)
Monday 5 September 2011
no10. STORYLINE, TREATMENT, SCRIPT FORMAT
Reading Ref:
Treatment
Storyline
Script - Formats
How to write a script
Also check scriptwriter's glossaries on:
1. Concept
2. Treatment
SLUGLINE = SCENE DESCRIPTION
1. Interior / Exterior (INT / EXT)
2. Place - eg Homer's Living Room
3. Time of Day - eg Morning/Evening, DAY/NIGHT
ACTION DESCRIPTION = VISUAL
see below
DIALOGUE = AUDIO
see below
3 ACT STRUCTUREAct1 - Setup
Act2 - Confrontation
Act3 - Resolution
Conflict
Turning Point
Motive
SCRIPT FORMAT
- slugline (scene description) - INT / LOCATION / TIME OF DAY
- action description/storyline (visual)
- dialogue/sfx/music (audio)
Monday 29 August 2011
no9. EX1 / EX2 / ASSIGNMENT - BRIEFS & DEADLINES
REMINDER!!!
Email & Print EX1 & EX2 on time.
1. Ex 1 - DUE 5 SEPT 2011 (MON)
- character study
- Individual - key character
- Group - supporting character
2. Ex 2 - DUE 5 SEPT 2011 (MON)
- Story 4
- a good 1-sentence summary
- story suitable for animation
- keep it simple - even children can understand and enjoy
- keep to 1 location (no location possible too)
- key character is NOT human - can be animal, plant, thing, object, imaginary, etc
3. Assignment - Read Brief, think of your story in 1 Sentence
ps: if you're not sure, download & read the briefs!
use lesson slides & template as guides.
download: https://sites.google.com/site/nafawrites/downloads
thanks and have fun!!
jt
29/8/2011
Email & Print EX1 & EX2 on time.
1. Ex 1 - DUE 5 SEPT 2011 (MON)
- character study
- Individual - key character
- Group - supporting character
2. Ex 2 - DUE 5 SEPT 2011 (MON)
- Story 4
- a good 1-sentence summary
- story suitable for animation
- keep it simple - even children can understand and enjoy
- keep to 1 location (no location possible too)
- key character is NOT human - can be animal, plant, thing, object, imaginary, etc
3. Assignment - Read Brief, think of your story in 1 Sentence
ps: if you're not sure, download & read the briefs!
use lesson slides & template as guides.
download: https://sites.google.com/site/nafawrites/downloads
thanks and have fun!!
jt
29/8/2011
Thursday 25 August 2011
no8. WHAT'S YOUR STORY?
Alright, i see you're all struggling with the 1-Sentence Summary. you'll also need to master getting the 3 ACT STRUCTURE right before you can write the Storyline!
no uh-oh... so how?
PRACTICE :)
let's do some class exercises together.
Watch the following videos, then work out the
> 1 SENTENCE SUMMARY
> 3 ACT STRUCTURE
> STORYLINE
> SCENE BREAKDOWN & BEATS
IT'S MY LIFE - BON JOVI
Boy, rushing to meet girl at live gig has to overcome obstacles to reach his destination.
FOR THE BIRDS
Group of small birds sitting on a wire try to chase away a friendly but different bird.
OR A friendly bird tries to make friends with a tight group of small birds but finds that it's not welcomed as an outsider.
SNOWMAN
A snowman stuck in a decorative shaker tries to get out to join the other toys.
Flamingo
A flamingo, obsessed with his yo-yo is being pressured by the rest of the group to behave and focus on group dance.
Jurassic Fart
A T-Rex, small dino and a pig have a farting contest. Pig wins.
(NOTE: NO LOCATION INDICATED)
Interesting Notes:
1. Location - kept to 1 location for most clips
Dino fart - no location
- why?! it's not important to the story!
2. Key Characters can be a group eg. for the birds
3. Simple motive = simple story (one main motive)
no uh-oh... so how?
PRACTICE :)
let's do some class exercises together.
Watch the following videos, then work out the
> 1 SENTENCE SUMMARY
> 3 ACT STRUCTURE
> STORYLINE
> SCENE BREAKDOWN & BEATS
IT'S MY LIFE - BON JOVI
Boy, rushing to meet girl at live gig has to overcome obstacles to reach his destination.
Group of small birds sitting on a wire try to chase away a friendly but different bird.
OR A friendly bird tries to make friends with a tight group of small birds but finds that it's not welcomed as an outsider.
SNOWMAN
A snowman stuck in a decorative shaker tries to get out to join the other toys.
A flamingo, obsessed with his yo-yo is being pressured by the rest of the group to behave and focus on group dance.
Jurassic Fart
A T-Rex, small dino and a pig have a farting contest. Pig wins.
(NOTE: NO LOCATION INDICATED)
Interesting Notes:
1. Location - kept to 1 location for most clips
Dino fart - no location
- why?! it's not important to the story!
2. Key Characters can be a group eg. for the birds
3. Simple motive = simple story (one main motive)
Monday 22 August 2011
no7. WRITE THE AV
WRITE THE AUDIO & VISUAL
The street was deserted, though music played
from one house, a tv from another, and a foghorn
sounded in the distance. She crossed toward the
house.
Suddenly, a pair of high-intensity headlights
appeared out of nowhere. They blinded her,
growing larger as a vehicle roared toward her. With
a scream, Anna lunged toward the curb, unseeing,
desperately trying to get away.
The car was barreling toward her! There was no mistaking
it, the car wasn’t slowing, wasn’t moving straight down the
road, like an automobile simply going far too fast. It veered
toward the shoulder of the road, toward the curb, heading
right at her. Anna recognized the vertical chrome grill of a
Lincoln Town Car, its flattened rectangular headlights
somehow giving it a predatory, shark-like appearance.
MOVE!
The car’s wheels squealed, the engine at full throttle, as
the maniacal car bore down on her.
Thursday 18 August 2011
Monday 15 August 2011
EX2 STORY2 - LOCATIONS
EX2 – STORY2 (DUE WEEK4)
Choose a location that you know, example from childhood.
Write your story – characters at this place.
Notes: Locations can help evoke and add on to human emotion.
for example, think of a park.
sunny, crowded park with children playing = happy park
birds singing in the park at dawn = soothing, tranquil park
misty, shadowy park at night = scary, dangerous, eerie park
think of a location that has lots of cliches and you won't need to explain or describe the location. if you need to describe a location, THE DESCRIPTION OF YOUR LOCATION, IF NEEDED, MUST BE CRUCIAL TO YOUR STORY. eg. blood-splattered leaves at the park. all descriptions must be useful for your story.
Apply 3 ACT STRUCTURE to your story.
- Add hooks & drama. then up the stakes.
- Make sure your key character's motive is clear.
- Create setup, turning points, confrontation & resolution.
What is drama? know how to use drama.
think of a tv drama serial, eg chinese/korean drama.
what makes them so "drama" and why is drama addictive?
Notes: Locations can help evoke and add on to human emotion.
for example, think of a park.
sunny, crowded park with children playing = happy park
birds singing in the park at dawn = soothing, tranquil park
misty, shadowy park at night = scary, dangerous, eerie park
think of a location that has lots of cliches and you won't need to explain or describe the location. if you need to describe a location, THE DESCRIPTION OF YOUR LOCATION, IF NEEDED, MUST BE CRUCIAL TO YOUR STORY. eg. blood-splattered leaves at the park. all descriptions must be useful for your story.
Apply 3 ACT STRUCTURE to your story.
- Add hooks & drama. then up the stakes.
- Make sure your key character's motive is clear.
- Create setup, turning points, confrontation & resolution.
What is drama? know how to use drama.
think of a tv drama serial, eg chinese/korean drama.
what makes them so "drama" and why is drama addictive?
Sunday 14 August 2011
no5B FRASIER S1 EP1
CASE STUDY:
Read the script, storyline & watch the show.
Use the 3 ACT STRUCTURE to outline story for Frasier S1 Ep1.
source: http://www.videozer.com/video/0gWMKLC7
swf link: http://www.videozer.com/flash/0gWMKLC7.swf
Interesting Point:
Eddie is a member of the cast & considered an actor, not just a dog. WHY?
Read the script, storyline & watch the show.
Use the 3 ACT STRUCTURE to outline story for Frasier S1 Ep1.
source: http://www.videozer.com/video/0gWMKLC7
swf link: http://www.videozer.com/flash/0gWMKLC7.swf
Interesting Point:
Eddie is a member of the cast & considered an actor, not just a dog. WHY?
Friday 12 August 2011
no5. LESSON3 - STORY TO SCRIPT
FROM STORY TO SCRIPT
1. 1 Sentence Idea
2. Synopsis
3. Character Bio (or Character Bible) & Story Angle
- character motives
- situations, outcomes, key message
- dramatic sequence - one thing leads to another / chain reaction
4. 3 Act Structure
- identify setup, plots & sub plots
- create a hook/teaser
- turning points
- climax
5. Storyline
- follow 3 Act Structure
- use beats
- use scene breakdown
6. Script - Draft1
- use standard format
7. Story & Script Editing
CASE STUDIES:
- Select 3 movies you've seen.
- identify the above points - from point1 to point5
- go to wikipedia to research and see how they write the storyline
is your 1-sentence idea/storyline/plots/character bios same as wiki's?
STUDY: some existing scripts, synopsis & storylines:
read the synopsis, the script, then watch the show to get a better idea...
the actors' & crew's performances affect the script too!
script: http://catsnguitars.wordpress.com/scripts-archive/
synopsis: http://www.tv.com/shows/frasier/the-good-son-7226/
season synopsis: http://www.tv.com/shows/frasier/season-1/
show creator: http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2010/07/for-frasier-script-fans.html
watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FI0BwUXTxQ
ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Son_%28Frasier%29
READINGS:
Please read books & do your own research on scriptwriting / screenwriting.
FRASIER - SEASON1, EPISODE1 "THE GOOD SON"
Character Study:
USING EDDIE AS A KEY CHARACTER IN THE SERIES:
He becomes a plot point in the episode.
a strong character relates to the target audience:
other: http://www.frasierx.net/season1/season1.html
other: http://www.videozer.com/video/0gWMKLC7
1. 1 Sentence Idea
2. Synopsis
3. Character Bio (or Character Bible) & Story Angle
- character motives
- situations, outcomes, key message
- dramatic sequence - one thing leads to another / chain reaction
4. 3 Act Structure
- identify setup, plots & sub plots
- create a hook/teaser
- turning points
- climax
5. Storyline
- follow 3 Act Structure
- use beats
- use scene breakdown
6. Script - Draft1
- use standard format
7. Story & Script Editing
CASE STUDIES:
- Select 3 movies you've seen.
- identify the above points - from point1 to point5
- go to wikipedia to research and see how they write the storyline
is your 1-sentence idea/storyline/plots/character bios same as wiki's?
STUDY: some existing scripts, synopsis & storylines:
read the synopsis, the script, then watch the show to get a better idea...
the actors' & crew's performances affect the script too!
script: http://catsnguitars.wordpress.com/scripts-archive/
synopsis: http://www.tv.com/shows/frasier/the-good-son-7226/
season synopsis: http://www.tv.com/shows/frasier/season-1/
show creator: http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2010/07/for-frasier-script-fans.html
watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FI0BwUXTxQ
ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Son_%28Frasier%29
READINGS:
Please read books & do your own research on scriptwriting / screenwriting.
FRASIER - SEASON1, EPISODE1 "THE GOOD SON"
(note: PART 2 is Blocked)
Character Study:
EDDIE - a member of the family at Frasier's
nature - dog, personality - human-like
USING EDDIE AS A KEY CHARACTER IN THE SERIES:
He becomes a plot point in the episode.
a strong character relates to the target audience:
other: http://www.frasierx.net/season1/season1.html
other: http://www.videozer.com/video/0gWMKLC7
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