STORY ARTIST: FOUNDATIONS

Week Zero

Orientation

A quick overview of the class framework, and resources to get you ready so you can focus on the class.

• Concepts | What is Story?
• Techniques | What is a Story Artist?
• Assignment | Gear up!

Week One

Character & Personas

You know it's important, what what actually is it? Furthermore, why do we even care?

• Concepts | Character Driven Storytelling
• Techniques | Character Layers & Performance
• Assignment | Character Development

Week Two

Structure & Arcs

Three Acts. Five Acts. No Acts. Why have any of it at all?!

• Concepts | Story Anatomy
• Techniques | Beats & Scope
• Assignment | Beat Boarding

Week Three

Cinematography

Visual Storytelling is more than lens choices and composition. 

• Concepts | Cinematic Mediums
• Techniques | Elements of Visual Structure
• Assignment | Scene One: Thumbnail Outline

Week Four

Narrative & Pacing

But, it worked on paper! Why don't they get it?

• Concepts | StoryTELLING
• Techniques | The Canvas of Time
• Assignment | Scene One: First Pass

Week Five

Audience & Pitching

This isn't 'Mom's fridge'. Know your audience.

• Concepts | Experiential Communication
• Techniques | Pitching Tactics & Techniques
• Assignment | Scene One: Final Pitch

Week Six

Conflict & Chemistry

Obviously you need it, but how to keep it from just being annoying, and stressful?

• Concepts | Conflict & Affinity
• Techniques | Character Chemistry
• Assignment | Relationship Development

Week Seven

Subtext & Dialogue

A picture says 1000 words. So, let it.

• Concepts | Spoken Silence & Words Unspoken
• Techniques | Dialogue as Design
• Assignment | Script Analysis & Breakdown

Week Eight

Shots & Setups

With near infinite choices of shots, which one is the 'right' one?!

• Concepts | Perspectives & POV's
• Techniques | Cinematic Palettes
• Assignment | Scene Two: Thumbnail Outline

Week Nine

Tone & Lighting

Comedy. Drama. Everything in between. As essential to story as values to a painting.

• Concepts | Tonal Control
• Techniques | Painting with Light
• Assignment | Scene Two: First Pass

Week Ten

World & Genre

But why THIS world for THIS story though?

• Concepts | Harnessing Genre
• Techniques | Production Design 101
• Assignment | Scene Two: Final Pitch

Week Eleven

Sets & Spectacle

Of tropes and nopes. Great expectations and greater innovations.

• Concepts | Tentpole Moments
• Techniques | Set Design
• Assignment | Set & Scene Design

Week Twelve

Cinema & Sound

"Make it more cinematic!" So often said, so rarely understood.

• Concepts | Story Cinematic Storytelling
• Techniques | Making it 'Cinematic'
• Assignment | Tentpole Moments

Week Thirteen

Choreography & Blocking

The one-inch punch of storytelling. 

• Concepts | Dancing through Time
• Techniques | Orchestra of Story
• Assignment | Scene 3: Thumbnail Outline

Week Fourteen

Action & Moving Cameras

Anyone who says action has no story, has never been in a real fight.

• Concepts | Action as Story
• Techniques | Framing Controlled Chaos
• Assignment | Scene 3: First Pass

Week Fifteen

Craft vs Career

Or, how to avoid planting seeds in cement.

• Concepts | Story as an Art
• Techniques | Story as a Trade
• Assignment | Scene 3: Final Pitch
• GRAND FINALE | Pitch of Choice to Guest Director
• ACCESS | Story Arts Alumni Network

"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)