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Course Description
Building on the foundation established in Alessandra Sorrentino’s first course, "Storyboarding for Feature Animation," this advanced class takes students deeper into the art of storyboarding at a professional level. This course is designed for artists who are ready to push their storytelling skills further, focusing on the work required in feature animation.
Key topics include character development, script breakdown, and world-building, with lessons that guide you from initial thumbnails to final storyboard sequences. Each lesson mirrors industry practices to help artists understand their role within a larger production pipeline, from script breakdown and thumbnailing to refining scenes based on feedback. Each assignment is designed to strengthen your visual storytelling and collaboration skills, preparing you for the teamwork and creative demands of the industry.
This course offers insights into the collaborative process in a studio environment, equips students with the tools to excel in the competitive field of feature animation, and is ideal for those who completed her first course or have prior storyboarding experience.
➡︎ For the ‘Critiqued Sessions’, students will meet up with Alessandra Sorrentino LIVE once per week on Wednesdays at 11am PT / 2pm ET.
- Adobe Photoshop
Lesson Plan
LESSON 1Character Development
We’ll begin by studying the craft of creating multi-dimensional characters. By exploring character psychology, motivations, and the subtle art of visual character portrayal through design choices, you will learn how character integration within the narrative structure can elevate the storytelling impact.
LESSON 2World Building, Specificity, and Brainstorming
This lesson focuses on creating immersive worlds that support the narrative and resonate with the audience. We’ll discuss world-building principles, the importance of thematic consistency, and techniques for brainstorming cohesive settings.
LESSON 3Writing for Animation Workshop
In this lesson, we’ll talk a little more about script writing techniques specific to animation, enhancing narrative skills that complement visual storytelling. We’ll also do some practice together with fun games and examples.
LESSON 4Script to Thumbnail Demo
From script analysis to thumbnail creation, this lesson covers the first part of crafting the scene so you can experience the foundational tasks of a story artist. Learn an efficient workflow, fine-tune your process to break down scripts, organize thoughts visually, work with references, and translate written content into initial storyboard sketches.
LESSON 5The Value of Feedback
This lesson emphasizes the importance of constructive criticism in refining storyboards and improving as a story artist. This will be valuable both in team dynamics and to prepare yourself for future leadership opportunities.
LESSON 6Thumbnail to Final Storyboard Pass
This lesson covers the second phase of the anatomy of a scene where you will learn to take your thumbnails into detailed storyboards, according to the notes received. Learn how to incorporate the Director’s feedback effectively and prepare for your storyboard’s second pass presentation. Focus on visual clarity, emotional impact, eyes expression, and narrative precision.
LESSON 7Feature Animation Production Pipeline
You will learn about your role in the broader production context of a major feature animation studio, and understand the interplay between storyboarding and other departments such as the art department, animation, and edit department, as well as internally to the story team (Director/Head of Story/Production Manager).
LESSON 8Pitch Workshop
Learn the art of pitching storyboard sequences to your story team through examples and fun games. This one is focused on pitching ideas to explore a situation, solve a problem, or find gags for something.
LESSON 9Career Advancement Strategies
This lesson offers insights into navigating the animation industry successfully, covering festivals, networking opportunities, and other resources to build a successful career in the industry.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Alessandra Sorrentino
Alessandra Sorrentino is a story artist and 2D animator, born and raised in Turin, Italy. She has been active in the animation industry for the past 16 years, starting off her career in Ireland at Cartoon Saloon, where she worked on both animation and story on the Oscar nominated feature films "The Secret of Kells," "Song of the Sea," "The Breadwinner" and "Wolfwalkers." She has spent several years in London working with clients such as Netflix, Blue Sky, Aardman, Locksmith Animation, Cartoon Network, Disney television, Nickelodeon, BBC, Studio Aka, The Line, Passion Pictures. She is currently a story artist at Pixar Animation Studios.