Storytelling 101

This online course Storytelling 101 is the first in our story series.  Subsequently, you will learn the art western of story taught by master storyteller Leonardo Beltran. This course focuses on story for film and visual media.  Using the same concepts used by the best storytellers of our time. There are many books by various storytellers online. I admire the guys and girls and Pixar. We have used many of their principles for this class. Storytellers know how to read their audience. For example, when telling a scary story they know how to get the most of a jump scare! Everyone has a story to tell. However, not everyone can draw their story. Visual storytelling is a skill that can be learned.

What does storytelling have to do with animation?

In a word. Everything.  For example, Look at any Disney film. From character design to background layout, the story is everything in animation. The narrative story has been used by humans in every civilization since time began! We communicate through storytelling! From a simple oral story told at the dinner table to a million-dollar budget feature film. Storytelling is in every human being. Visual storytelling takes it a step further. In visual storytelling, accordingly, we must visualize and present to our audience so that they understand and emphasize our story and characters.  Above all the audience must care about your story. Most importantly if your story is too long they will get bored. However, if the story moves too fast they will get confused. You must learn the 3 part story structure. First the beginning. Secondly the middle. thirdly the end. This simple three-act structure is crucial to your story.

Some of the concepts covered are:

• The story of the story
• Worldbuilding
• Character development
• the internal vs. external struggle
• Obstacles,
• Roadblocks,
• Risks, and Stakes
• The story spine
• The 3 acts
• Terms and vocabulary