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Springboards & Premises Instructions




Springboards & Premises
1. Watch Keynote: Springboards & Premises
2. Read Ch. 8 in Wright
3. Read Gene Deitch’s online article “Story—What’s It All About”
http://www.awn.com/genedeitch/gene-deitch-how-succeed-animation/part-one-how-you-should-do-it/chapter-7-story-whats-it-
4. Questions to consider:
a. How do character flaws lead to springboard ideas?
b. How do dramatic images lead to springboard ideas?
c. How can you combine striking images and character flaws to create springboards?
d. How can focusing on what the main character wants lead to writing a successful premise.
e. How can you setup characters and conflict early in your premise so that you foreshadow plot twists and unexpected endings?
f. How will envisioning the climax of your story help you write the beginning and middle of your story? How can you use this method to write your premise?
5. Understand the following concepts:
a. Springboards are brief half-page idea-driven story ideas that can be verbally pitched to the story editor. They are longer that a log line and alow for character description, conflict, obstacles and resolution. Points will be deducted if you submit loglines insteads springboards. A well-developed paragraph from a third to half a page is what I'm looking for.
b. Premises usually come from an approved springboard. A premise is a one to two page document that focuses on what the main character wants, the main conflict, and what the big climax will be.
c. Premises also include other story elements such catalyst, major turning points, critical choice for the hero, resolution, twist at the end, and character arc.
6. Watch three episodes of an animated series that interest you. Take notes on the characters (strengths, flaws, fears, wants), kinds of stories, gags, plot twists, number of acts, and their length, etc. Also note:
a. Where does the major conflict begin?
b. What does the main character want?
c. What is the climatic scene and how does this scene relate to what the character wants and his or her character flaw/worst fear?
Write two springboards for this series that play off of what you have learned about the characters and stories from this series.
7. Assignment 2: Develop 3 springboards and 1 premise for an animated television short or 30-minute program. Due Sunday  11:59 EST

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