Class Duration: Weekly sessions (2 hours)
Cost: $50
Theme: The story of a tall robot, inspired by Shakespeare, discovering nature and friendship through the eyes of his bunny friend.
Recommended Reading:
1. “The Art of Stop-Motion Animation” by Tony White
2. “Making Clay Characters” by David J. D’Angelo
3. “Puppetry: A Practical Guide to Puppet Making” by Hillary B. Schwartz
4. “Visual Storytelling: A Practical Guide to the Art of Story” by Tony K. Tuan
5. “The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams
Weekly Schedule:
Week 1: Introduction to the Story Concept
Objectives: Introduce students to the storyline and main characters: the tall robot and his bunny friend.
Activities:
– Discuss the themes of friendship, nature, and the concept of a ‘soul’ in the context of the robot’s journey.
– Analyze aspects of Shakespeare’s work and its relevance to the characters.
– Collaborative brainstorming on how to incorporate classical Christian themes into the narrative.
– Assignment: Write a draft overview of the series, highlighting character motivations and plot arcs.
Week 2: Character Development
Objectives: Develop the robot and bunny characters, including personality traits and appearance.
Activities:
Create detailed character sheets for the robot (tall, perhaps metallic with a soft heart) and the bunny (a playful contrast).
-Discuss the emotional depth of characters and how they connect with Shakespearean themes.
-Assignment: Finalize character designs and write character backstories, including the robot’s awakening to the beauty of nature.
Week 3: Visual Storytelling Techniques
Objectives: Learn about storytelling through visuals, focusing on how emotions are conveyed artistically.
Activities:
– Workshop on creating storyboards that visually plan key scenes.
– Discuss how nature plays a vital role in the narrative and the robot’s emotional journey.
– Assignment:** Create storyboards for the first episode’s key scenes.
Week 4: Prop and Set Design
Objectives: Understand the importance of props and sets in storytelling.
Activities:
– Begin designing props (like nature elements, Shakespearean books, and character accessories) that reflect the characters’ personalities.
– Start planning miniature sets that feature scenes from the story (e.g., a forest, a garden, or a whimsical Shakespearean stage).
-Assignment: Draw sketches of relevant props and collect materials for prop making.
Week 5: Puppet Creation and Basics of Puppetry
Objectives: Create puppets for both the robot and the bunny character.
Activities:
– Use fabric and crafting techniques to create hand puppets.
– Discuss how puppetry can enhance character expression.
-Assignment: Finalize puppets and practice basic puppetry skills for character movement.
Week 6: Clay Animation Techniques and Armature Building
Objectives: Learn about armatures for the robot character and other claymation techniques.
Activities:
– Build and equip the armature for the robot, allowing for movable sections.
– Explore making smaller clay models for the bunny.
-Assignment: Prepare armatures and simple clay models for animation testing.
Week 7: Animation Techniques and Filming Preparation
Objectives: Develop the skills needed for animating the characters in scenes.
Activities:
– Set up cameras and lighting for stop-motion filming.
– Practice animating basic movements using the armature and props.
-Assignment: Set up practice shots with backgrounds and props, testing out movements for the first episode.
Week 8: Filming the First Episode
Objectives: Work collaboratively to film the first episode.
Activities:
– Students animate their characters over various scenes, incorporating dialogue inspired by Shakespeare along with expressive movements.
– Capture necessary footage based on the established storyboards.
– Assignment: Review the footage for continuity and flow, noting scenes that might need to be re-shot.
Week 9: Post-Production and Editing
Objectives: Learn about the editing process of the filmed material.
Activities:
– Introduction to video editing software.
– Import footage and begin editing the first episode, adding in voiceovers and sound effects.
– Incorporate themes of nature and friendship as reflections of the characters’ journeys through audio choices.
Assignment: Finalize editing with attention to how the themes are illustrated.
Week 10: Screening and Reflection
Objectives: Present the completed animation and reflect on the creative process.
Activities:
– Host a screening for family and friends, presenting the short film of the robot and his bunny friend.
– Facilitate a discussion on their experiences, learning outcomes, and how the lessons relate to both art and faith.
-Assignment: Reflect on the process and begin brainstorming ideas for the next episode inspired by audience feedback.
This plan merges storytelling, art, and character development with spiritual insights, encouraging students to explore their creativity in meaningful ways.