Theseus and the Minotaur

The latest assignment in the story class I'm taking at work is the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Our instructor, Mark, encouraged us to do our own personal take on the tale. Here were my first impressions.

13 days...

The Children's Creativity Museum

Last Saturday, I taught a storyboarding class for kids at the Children's Creativity Museum, nestled in San Francisco's Yerba Buena Gardens.

We started the class with a few improv games outside to get everyone's creative juices flowing. Apparently kids dig playing outside--who knew!

When we came back inside, I explained story structure (using the most important film in cinema history as an example). We also discussed protagonists and antagonists, and why it's important to have contrast in those characters.

The children did an excellent job pretending to listen.

I told CCM that the class would be best suited for ages ten and up. Eight year old Allison weaseled her way in, and ended up being the best student in the class. Here Allison is explaining to me the components of a storyboard.

The kids came up to the whiteboard one at a time and created the hero of our own story, the bank-robber George "The Muscle Man" Jefferson. I created his antagonist, Det. Jimmy.

Using the formula I'd taught them at the beginning of class, we brainstormed the first act of a story. The students then had to storyboard acts two and three and pitch them to the class in groups.

I thumbnailed out my own version of the story on the whiteboard, to show them how to pitch.

Then the students went to work pitching their own boards.

My braintrust (the CCM faculty) chose their favorite pitch, and I drew pictures of George "Muscle Man" Jefferson and Det. Jimmy for the winning team.

In the end, everyone lived happily ever after!

If you're interested in visiting CCM, check out their website, Creativity.org. Ask for Heather, she's the best!

6 days...

Wrapped in an E. Nygma

Some Riddler sketches made while standing in line for The Dark Knight. Highlight the white font next to "Answer:" to reveal the solution. 

Answer: Coffee

Answer: A dinosaur (on one side of their scales is a feather, on the other side is the rest of the dinosaur!)

Answer: The Star Wars trilogy (that's not The One Ring, it's from the "Look, sir, droids!" moment in A New Hope)

3 days...

Hunny Bear

A few weeks ago, I stayed with some friends in a Cabin in Tahoe. I don't know much about camping or cabins, but I do know bears love honey. And that you don't want bears around. So here's a tip from me to you!

Next week, I'll be providing tips for surviving Comic Con. Including "Don't look a Twihard in the eye. Their ennui is contagious."

5 days...

Last Day of AM/PM Class

Last night was the final class of my third semester teaching at the Academy of Art University. 

Brave's director, Mark Andrews, was our guest lecturer. Fresh from finishing the final cut of the film, Mark gave a talk on the slings and arrows of filmmaking and the story process. I think it's safe to say all of the students came bounding out of the lecture, their cups brimming with a fresh serving of inspiration.

We asked our class to bring in scenes where a character experienced victory, to celebrate the end of a successful term. This scene, in particular, fit what Paul and I put our students through and the vindication of passing our class.

The clip warranted a final whiteboard sketch.

As you may know, we have a tradition of bringing a dessert to class. This week it was my turn, and I wanted to send my class of in the most decadent chocolaty style.

Congrats to our class, and all you film students out there who are wrapping up a semester of hard work!

37 days...

The PUNisher

Killing time after a Mark Andrews story class. Also probably killing brain cells.

2 days...

Butt-Touchdown

Last night in class, we analyzed Ahmad Bradshaw's game-winning butt touchdown. I love the sharp angle as he put on the breaks just before the endzone, juxtaposed with the almost absurd squat-and-tilt backward. These are the sort of contrasting poses that make for great animation.

As I mentioned last week, my co-teacher Paul and I are also instituting a new tradition of students bringing deserts for the class. Here's Fiona with the first animation class dessert: dried mangoes.

Fiona was kind enough to bring a box for every row. We're definitely keeping this tradition going (though I discovered it's a bit more difficult to teach with your mouth full)!

18 days...

Just Desserts

Last night was the first class of the new semester at AAU. Animation Lesson One: always bring a dessert for teacher.

Each week, a different student is assigned to provide treats for the entire  class. I'm particularly looking forward to frozen grapes. Yeah, I'm failing that kid.

25 days...

School's Out II

See School's Out I here.

Paul Mendoza and I teach animation one night a week at the Academy of Art University. Last night was the last class of the semester, as evidenced by my whiteboard drawings:

As you may know from previous posts, I always leave a whiteboard drawing under the projector screen for the next class.

Today was special, because when I got to class, there was finally a whiteboard drawing waiting for me!

Also waiting for me: a delicious batch of cake pops! Thanks, Hannah!

Congrats to our students for a semester of fantastic animation!

11 days...

More Whiteboard Drawings

It seems I can't get near a dry erase pen without leaving my mark! This whiteboard happens to be at work, on my friend Neil's office wall. 

We like to put up a weekly brainteaser to keep the wits sharp. And being how it is a studio of animators, there's usually a cartoon to go along with said brainteaser. This one is an homage to my new favorite Batman actor (sorry, Keaton).

20 days...

Whiteboard Drawings

I teach an animation class at the Academy of Art University. At the end of each class, I like to leave a drawing up on the white board, under the projection screen for the next class that uses our room.

The unsuspecting professor goes to raise his projector screen...

...when he is met by a dry-erase masterpiece!

I always expect a thank you written on the white board, or at least a return drawing. So far, no dice.

0 days...The Muppets Are Here!!!