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STORY ARTIST
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Story Development Course for Animated Films

...don't let the 'FILM' part scare you. All storytellers are welcome!

Course Description

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INSTRUCTOR: Jed Diffenderfer (Detail ▶)
DURATION: 5-6 weeks per section (Syllabus below) 
LEVEL: College Students, Professional Storytellers

 

Built on 25+ yrs direct experience in the story & development departments of Sony, Pixar, Illumination, Disney, Dreamworks, & many more. 

An in-depth 3-part course covering the foundational skills needed of story artists at a feature feature animation studio. Learn reliable methods we use to confidently create, develop, and improve original stories, characters, and worldbuilding narratives used on award-winning feature films.

SYLLABUS

  1. SAF | SECTION 1: Character & Comedy

    1. Week 0 - ORIENTATION

      1. Meet the Instructor
      2. Story Artist Foundations
      3. EXERCISE | Mini-Storyboard
      4. Studio Needs
      5. QUIZ | Story Artist 101
      6. Community Campus
      7. ASSIGNMENT | Tell a "You" Story
      8. REFERENCE | Orientation
      9. Pre-class Checklist

    2. Week 1 - CHARACTER & PERSONAS

      1. Story & Character
      2. What IS Character?
      3. QUIZ | Character for Story
      4. Character Driven Choices
      5. Character Motor - Part One
      6. Character Motor - Part Two
      7. QUIZ | Character Breakdown
      8. Undraw
      9. Acting Clarity
      10. EXERCISE | Character Sheets
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Character Development
      12. REFERENCE | Character & Personas

    3. Week 2 - STRUCTURE & ARCS

      1. Structure & Arcs Overview
      2. What IS Story?
      3. Story Structures
      4. Story Anatomy
      5. QUIZ | Story Structure Essentials
      6. Writing Scene Outlines
      7. Comedic Structure
      8. QUIZ | Writing Scenes
      9. EXERCISE | Comedy Pass
      10. ASSIGNMENT | Beat Board Auditions
      11. REFERENCE | Structure & Arcs

    4. Week 3 - CINEMATOGRAPHY

      1. Cinematography Overview
      2. Cinema & Cinematography
      3. Visual Storytelling
      4. QUIZ | Cinematic Storytelling
      5. Visual Structure
      6. Cameras & Composition - Part One
      7. Cameras & Composition - Part Two
      8. QUIZ | Visual Control
      9. Story Thumbnailing
      10. EXERCISE | Re-Composing Shots
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Comedy Scene: Thumbnail Outline
      12. REFERENCE | Cinematography

    5. Week 4 - NARRATIVE & PACING

      1. Narrative & Pacing Overview
      2. Narrative & Storytelling: Part One
      3. Narrative & Storytelling: Part Two
      4. QUIZ | Narrative POV's
      5. Sequential Imagery
      6. Time as Canvas
      7. QUIZ | Story & Time
      8. From Thumbs to Boards
      9. Storyboard Formatting
      10. EXERCISE | Editorial Fixes
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Comedy Scene: Rough Pass
      12. REFERENCE | Narrative & Time

    6. Week 5 - AUDIENCE & PITCHES

      1. Audience & Pitching Overview
      2. Know your Audience
      3. Stages & Venues
      4. Audial Storytelling
      5. QUIZ | Audience & Audio
      6. Story Pitching
      7. Storyboard "Final" Pass
      8. Package & Delivery
      9. QUIZ | Finishing Scenes
      10. EXERCISE | Audio Pitches
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Comedy Scene: Final Pass
      12. REFERENCE | Audience & Pitches
      13. FINAL FOLIO: Section 1

    7. SECTION 1 | Complete!

      1. Comedy Section Feedback
      2. Community Campus

  2. SAF | SECTION 2: Drama & Conflict

    1. Week 6 - CONFLICT & CHEMISTRY

      1. Conflict & Chemistry Overview
      2. Conflict & Antagonism: Part One
      3. Conflict & Antagonism: Part Two
      4. Stakes & Tension
      5. QUIZ | Voices of Antagonism
      6. Character Chemistry: Part One
      7. Character Chemistry: Part Two
      8. Relationship Design
      9. QUIZ | Good Conflict, Bad Conflict
      10. EXERCISE | Why Them?
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Relationship Beat Boards
      12. REFERENCE | Conflict & Chemistry

    2. Week 7 - SUBTEXT & DIALOGUE

      1. Subtext & Dialogue Overview
      2. Dramatic Elements
      3. Dramatic Structure
      4. QUIZ | Shapes of Drama
      5. Writing Scenes
      6. Subtext
      7. QUIZ | Say vs Do
      8. Screenwriting Formats
      9. EXERCISE | Script Breakdown
      10. ASSIGNMENT | Drama Scene: Rough Draft
      11. REFERENCE | Subtext & Dialogue

    3. Week 8 - SHOTS & SETUPS

      1. Shots & Setups Overview
      2. Choosing Shots
      3. Camera Setups
      4. QUIZ | Camera One, Camera Two
      5. Compositional Arcs: Part One
      6. Compositional Arcs: Part Two
      7. Complex Continuity
      8. QUIZ | Camera Continuity
      9. Common Setups
      10. EXERCISE | Camera Dissection
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Drama Scene: Thumbnail Pass
      12. REFERENCE | Shots & Setups

    4. Week 9 - TONE & LIGHTING

      1. Tone & Lighting Overview
      2. Story & Tone
      3. Tone Control: Part One
      4. Tone Control: Part Two
      5. QUIZ | tone Tone TONE T-O-N-E
      6. Cinematic Lighting: Part One
      7. Cinematic Lighting: Part Two
      8. QUIZ | LIghting for Tone
      9. Lighting for Storyboards
      10. EXERCISE | Lighting Study
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Drama Scene: Rough Pass
      12. REFERENCE | Tone & Lighting

    5. Week 10 - WORLD & GENRE

      1. World & Genre Overview
      2. World Themes
      3. Living Worlds
      4. Production Design & Story: Part One
      5. Production Design & Story: Part Two
      6. QUIZ | Narrative Worlds
      7. Genre & Expectations
      8. A Tome of Tropes
      9. QUIZ | Story Genre
      10. EXERCISE | WORLD BREAKER
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Drama Scene: Final Pass
      12. REFERENCE | World & Genre
      13. FINAL FOLIO: Section 2

    6. SECTION 2 | Complete!

      1. Drama Section Feedback
      2. Share your work

  3. SAF | SECTION 3: Action & Narrative

    1. Week 11 - CINEMATIC SPECTACLE

      1. Cinematic Spectacle Overview
      2. Action Story
      3. Action Types
      4. Character Action
      5. QUIZ | Actions vs Words
      6. Action Narrative
      7. Story & Spectacle
      8. QUIZ | Action Storytelling
      9. Writing Action
      10. EXERCISE | Memorable Moments
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Action Scene: Concept & Story Beats
      12. REFERENCE | Cinematic Spectacle

    2. Week 12 - CHOREOGRAPHY & BLOCKING

      1. Choreography & Blocking Overview
      2. Concept Choreography
      3. Location Exploration
      4. Action Beats
      5. QUIZ | Plan of Action
      6. Action Posing
      7. Choreo & Composition
      8. QUIZ | Visual Action
      9. Action Thumbnails
      10. EXERCISE | Actionalysis
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Action Scene: Thumbnails
      12. REFERENCE | Choreography & Blocking

    3. Week 13 - MOTION & MOVING CAMERAS

      1. Motion & Moving Cameras Overview
      2. Camera Moves
      3. Moving Cameras
      4. QUIZ | Of Moves & Movies
      5. Moving Environments
      6. Compositions in Motion
      7. QUIZ | The Order in Chaos
      8. Kinetic Sketching
      9. EXERCISE | Action Frames
      10. ASSIGNMENT | Action Scene: Rough Pass
      11. REFERENCE | Motion & Moving Cameras

    4. Week 14 - CINEMA & SOUND

      1. Cinema & Sound Overview
      2. Recording V.O. & Foley
      3. Score & Soundtrack
      4. QUIZ | The Sound of Story
      5. EXERCISE | Alternate Soundtrack
      6. Music & Story
      7. Boards, Reels, & Animatics
      8. QUIZ | Cinema-Sync
      9. Story Screenings
      10. EXERCISE | Story Karaoke
      11. ASSIGNMENT | Action Scene: Final Pass
      12. FINAL FOLIO: Section 3
      13. REFERENCE | Cinema & Sound

    5. Week 15 - CRAFT & CAREER

      1. Craft & Career Overview
      2. Foundation of Growth
      3. The Arts & Business
      4. Story Work
      5. QUIZ | Story for Sale
      6. Professional Relationships
      7. Portfolios & Presentations
      8. QUIZ | Career Health
      9. ASSIGNMENT | FINAL FOLIO

    6. SECTION 3 | Complete!

      1. Action Section & Final Course Feedback
      2. FINAL | Portfolio Review

    7. FULL COURSE | Complete!

      1. Certification
      2. Next Steps
      3. Alumni

FREE to START

Before the stories, characters, and worldbuilding narratives of feature animated films become household names across the globe, they start with blank pages. How are they made? What's the difference between that and the stories you make yourself? What does each studio do differently? What actually works when all that story theory hits the reality of selling it to an audience?

I wondered the same things before making a story career of doing it the past couple decades in key creative and leadership roles on original projects from KPOP Demon Hunters to Kung-Fu Panda, and everything in-between. Now, I'm sharing how I work through my course STORY ARTIST FOUNDATIONS.

Go beyond the usual "making of", or "the art of" curated talking points sold to fans after the fact, and learn the unpolished nitty gritty of how we actually turn the same blank pages you work with, into the narrative bedrock of blockbuster original films that don't just win awards, but spawn entire franchises audiences want more of!

START

Story Artist Foundations | Introduction (Free)

Your FREE introduction to Story Artist Foundations. A chance to try it out, kick the tires, and decide if this is for you.

Free

COURSE OPTIONS

If you like working at your own self-guided pace, these are the paths for you.

SAF | SECTION 1: Character & Comedy

Section 1 of Story Artist Foundations, focused on Character and Comedy.

$250
Enroll

OR

Story Artist Foundations | Full Course

The full Story Artist Foundations course. Includes all three sections of the course.

$700
Enroll

LIVE OPTIONS

From time to time, I offer live additions to the course for those already enrolled. 

Group Pitch Rooms

When available, these are limited seating (5-6 people) runs of 8 weeks where we meet up weekly, and remotely so everyone can get the story room experience of pitching your work live, and professionally. No pre-recorded videos allowed – One of the most important core skills of a storyteller is...well, the ability to tell a story. Specifically the ability to pitch and perform your work live, and how that changes for each step of the process. You'll learn to give and get feedback in a professional, constructive way. This is a +1 to the core course so you have a chance to apply what you've learned even more directly to how we do it at the studio. 

Personal Story Direction

This is another 8 week run of time dedicated to a single section of the course. With it, you'll turn in assignments weekly as video pitches, which I'll review in depth with a personalized critique, draw-overs as needed, and during that period we'll meet 1x1 via video chat at the beginning, middle, and end so you can ask questions directly, and get personal guidance. This is most like a private working session I'll do with story artists at the studio. I can't offer many seats to this, and I may need to see a portfolio ahead of time.

 

First seats always go to those already enrolled in the course itself. Subscribe below to be notified when they become available.

TESTIMONIALS

"Jed is teaching a class?  Do yourself a huge favor and take it.  Jed is one of the most inventive, adept, and thoughtful animation folks I’ve ever worked with, and elevates or deepens everything he touches.  Getting a glimpse into the way he thinks about story is something you shouldn’t miss!“

 

Peter Ramsey

Writer, Director, Story Artist (Into the Spiderverse; The Mandalorian; Ahsoka)

"Jed’s resume is so STACKED, it boggles the mind. Probably makes sense he’s one of the most versatile story artists in the industry. He’s incredibly funny, and the comic tone in his work is a rare skill that you don’t find much- and is in high demand for big animated feature films. He’s a patient and understanding leader, and one of the most generous people I’ve ever known and worked with. If you’re looking for a teacher, you can’t do much better than Jed."

 

Daniel Chong

Creator, Director, Story Artist (Hoppers, We Bare Bears, Bolt)

"Jed has a wealth of story knowledge and experience from his many years at major studios, as well as an undying creative spirit that is truly infectious. Take his class, learn, and get inspired by one of the bright lights in the animation industry."

 

Trevor Jimenez

Writer, Director, Story Artist (Win or Lose, Weekends, Soul)

"Jed is a true powerhouse in the animation industry. Drama, comedy, action- whatever genre you can think of, he's a master of it all."

 

Jessie Wong

Writer, Story Artist (Centaurworld, KPOP Demon Hunters, Minecraft)

“Jed is one of the greatest visionaries in the Animation and Film Industry as a whole. Not only is Jed a master of his craft, his remarkable intuition, sense of humor and deep passion were undeniable factors for the success of many feature animated films he collaborated with. Jed's meticulous approach to camera, choreography, character and tone brings specificity that elevates any story from familiarity to brilliance.“

 

Leo Matsuda

Writer, Director, Story Artist (Hello Kitty, Inner Workings, Big Hero 6, Wreck-It Ralph)

"It always amazes me how creative and original Jed’s storytelling instincts are. He has a remarkable ability to develop characters and narratives from a solid foundation into something rich in nuance, emotional depth, and, most importantly, entertainment. And yes, he’s also brilliant at visualizing them. Learning from Jed isn't just inspiring, it's an absolute blast!"

 

Jony Chandra

Head of Story, Story Artist (Nimona, Peanuts Movie)

“Jed is an outstandingly creative thinker with a seemingly endless trove of ideas. His storytelling skills are excellent and he tops those with a fresh approach to comedy. Anyone taking his class will receive a good education indeed.“

 

Kent Beyda

Editor (KPOP Demon Hunters, Angry Birds, This is Spinal Tap)

"If you are looking to sharpen your storyboarding sword, look no further than Jed. A story telling master with years of experience! It’s never too late to strengthen your storytelling foundation! Learn from the best!"

 

Michael Yates

Writer, Director, Story Artist (Win or Lose, Soul, Toy Story 4)

"He is someone who truly cares—about his work, the stories he creates, and the growth of his students. Whether he's crafting a narrative or shaping his curriculum, that passion comes through in everything he does. Anyone fortunate enough to receive his feedback will find it invaluable. This class will be an eye-opening experience for anyone aspiring to become a storyteller or director."

 

Yoriko Ito

Production Designer, Art Director (Super Mario Bros Movie, Baba Yaga, Madagascar Franchise)

“Don’t hesitate to take a class with Jed. His storytelling is truly one of a kind, he effortlessly weaves heart and humor together in every frame. If you’re looking to go beyond surface level story and dive into what a scene really needs, Jed class is a rare chance.“

 

Scott Watanabe

Character Designer, Art Director, Visual Development (KPOP Demon Hunters, Raya and the Last Dragon, Zootopia)

"Not only does Jed know his stuff but he knows how to teach it. As a bonus, his enthusiasm for the craft is energizing."

 

Kurt Nellis

Senior Cinematic Designer (Destiny 1-2; Halo 3-Reach)

                

INSTRUCTOR

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