25 Stories

Class exercise: 
Let's practice story-telling using the 1-sentence summary.
Write them in one blog entry - will be graded as blog notes. 
ALL stories must be suitable for animation.  


STEP1: CREATE & CRAFT 10 STORIES INTO THE 1-SENTENCE SUMMARY

Story1: Character driven story, eg Mr Bean
The truth behind Merlin
A life journey of Merlin, the greatest wizard, and how he was a female before he came into power.



Story2: Story driven by a location.
Plane wrecked 
An aircraft accident left a group of passengers on a small uninhabited island, and someone on the island is reducing the numbers to preserve the food ration... or is that the real reason?



Story3: Story driven by an item.
The Mirror on the Wall
A girl realized that the mirror on the wall of their new house does not only reflects what is in front of it, but is also a gateway to another dimension when the grandfather clock strikes thirteen times.




Story4: Story driven by a situation.
Last Summer
2 children were left at their relative's countryside house for the summer because their parents were busy getting a divorce, and the children met an old crone in the woods who claimed she could save the situation.




Story5: Story driven by Character's motive(s) or conflict with another Character.
Nerds versus Jocks
The Nerds have always suffered in silence under the Jocks' bullying, under the recent transfer of a Super Nerd who will be leading an all out attack against the Jocks.




Stories 6 to 10: Combination of above points for your stories.


Story6: Location, item
The Jewels of Beach Mahou
Tom is the new lifeguard for Beach Mahou, and on a early morning patrol, he discovers an exquisitely jeweled comb and mirror set that belongs to... a mermaid?




Story7: Situation, Conflict
The Witch of the next Town
A mother set off to the next town to find her missing husband only to realize that he, amongst other men, had been bewitched.




Story8: Item, Conflict
The Cursed Golden Collar
The dwarves and goblins have always been at odds with each other, until they finally agreed to a peace negotiation sealed with an exchange of their races' precious golden collars, only that someone sabotage the negotiation with a cursed collar.




Story9: Character, Motive
The Witch, the Prince and the chosen Embers
The Witch gave an apple to Embers, who was on the way to the Prince's Ball, promising Embers that the apple would change her life.


Story10: Item, Conflict
That Suitcase is Mine
A con artist bumped into a cat bulgar causing their similar looking suitcases of real and fake jewelry to mix up, and the approaching police sirens spells doom if they do not think fast.



STEP2: CREATE  (1 Sentence) STORIES FOR THESE GENRES: 

Story 11: Drama
Hybrid
She was always bullied in the past because of her mixed race, but now she stands at the top of the world of politics.


Story 12: Documentary
The Lost Island
An underwater journey exploring a long forgotten sunken island.


Story 13: News / Current Affairs

Nature's Wrath
The scenes behind the flood in Thailand and its aftermaths.



Story 14: Comedy
Ain't no ugly duckling

A nerd transferred to a former all girls school which recently changed co-ed, is being forced  to undergo a makeover to become a super handsome man.


Story 15: Horror
Bloody (Mary) Emily 
Occult crazy Emily performed the ritual for calling Bloody Mary and discovered the the bloody reflection was a horribly disfigured of her own face, and something invited itself into the house, refuses to leave until Emily's face becomes like the bloodied image in the mirror. 


Story 16: Action

Not so dirty Dirt Bikes
A biker who loves bikes races brings his reluctant girlfriend to an exhilarating dirt bike race.


Story 17: Mystery / Thriller / Crime
The Grave Digger
A group of young adults on a paranormal investigation at the graveyard saw someone digging in the graves for something, or to hide something?



Story 18: Teenage Drama
The School Mafia
The board of educators have decided to fight an eye with an eye by hiring ex-yakuzas into the disciplinary committee to control the increasing number of delinquents in school.


Story 19: Romance
To Love or Not
A man falls in love with a woman who does not understand what is love.


Story 20: Fantasy / Sci-Fi
Naughty or Nice
A pixie loses his senses under the mounting pressure of the upcoming Christmas, goes on a rampage, will Christmas be postponed?  


Story 21: Children
Kounna the Ramen Girl
Kounna, a Ramen Girl, vows to uphold her family's honor by creating the best ramen, goes on an adventure journey to sample the world's ramen. 



Story 22: Adventure / Swashbucklers
One new tour
A new tour guide brings a small group of tourist to visit some ruins, only to find themselves being teleported to the pirate age, and they have to figure out how to get back to present safely.


Story 23 - 25: Combination of any genre from above. 


Story23: Horror  & Thriller/Crime: 

That Night in the Ward

A hospitalized girl who shared an empty 4 patients' ward, started hearing muffled screams for help in her ward in the middle of the night, and it seems that someone is ensuring that she keeps the screams for help a secret...forever.

Story24: Children & Comedy:
Black Sheep in Wolf's Clothing

The black sheep plans his own petty revenge against the white sheep who outcast him.

Story25: Children & Adventure:
TeeVee Versus Me
TeeVee the hypnotist has been around controlling people's minds unknowingly for ages, until recently a group of children realizes his power, and sets out in an adventure battling TeeVee's underlings and ultimately TeeVee himself, thus freeing the people.

STEP 3: GIVE ONE OR TWO EXAMPLES OF A BLOCKBUSTER / SUCCESSFUL MOVIE THAT FITS THE ABOVE 25-GENRE-DRIVEN STORIES. 

Examples of Blockbuster/Successful Movies for: 
Story 11: Drama : Black Swan
Story 12: Documentary : Anne Frank Remembered
Story 13: News / Current Affairs : Minus One, The Wall Street
Story 14: Comedy : Vampires Suck
Story 15: Horror : Ju-on
Story 16: Action : IP Man 2
Story 17: Mystery / Thriller / Crime : Sherlock Holmes 
Story 18: Teenage Drama : High School Musical
Story 19: Romance : The Notebook
Story 20: Fantasy / Sci-Fi : Star Wars
Story 21: Children : Finding Nemo
Story 22: Adventure / Swashbucklers : Spirited Away
Story 23: Adventure & Comedy : The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Story 24: Action & Thriller : 2 Fast 2 Furious
Story 25: Fantasy & Comedy : Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

STEP4: POST HERE > YOUR STORY SUMMARIES & EXAMPLES (POST COMMENT)

>> POST A COMMENT AT THIS BLOG ENTRY
>> SIGN OFF WITH YOUR NAME
>> COPY & PASTE THIS CLASS EXERCISE INTO THE COMMENT 

[Notes] Homer

Bart's photo gets Homer into trouble with Marge.
Plot 1: Homer's party/caught in a photo/ distributed ->Marge ->Trouble
Plot 2: Bart get spy camera -> plays ->took a picture of Homer and dance -> trouble



one sentence story

3 act structure


Act 1
Setup
-Homer has a night out (stag party)
-Bart gets spy camera from Fe-Mailman
    and uses it accordingly to his character.



Conflict
Homer's picture with Dancer taken
Bart gives picture to friend -> Springfield (chain reaction)
Up the Stakes
Marge sees photo
freaks out

Turning point
How will Homer explain?
Bart just realises that he is in trouble (because he admitted to taking the photo)



Act 2
Confrontation
- Homer thrown out by Marge
- Bart faces parents' problem (because Dad is not around)


Conflict
Homer tries to explain, Marge gives him a mission
Tries to teach Bart, but got into trouble
SOmehow got into the show, and got distracted by the dancers
Will Homer get Marge to forgive him?

Turning point
Homer to teach Bart a lesson not to treat women as objects



Act 3
Resolution
- Homer and Marge make up
- Bart learn his lesson and he got his father back, parents are ok







Set up Scene breakdown
Act 1
Scene 1 - Interior - Home- day (slugline)
1. Homer and Marge talking about party
2. Homer gets onto a weighing scale
2.1 Homer wants to lose weight by exercising in the morning

Scene 2 - interior - home - day
1. Bart waits for the mailman to bring the spy camera
2. Gets spy camera
3. uses spy camera in the Bart's way that got him into trouble

[Class Exercise] Post #1

1. One Sentence Summary

[Story 01] Human the Chameleon
We are all liars, someway or another. This is how I lie...

[Story 02] Human and Misassumption
When the Walls have ears and jumping into conclusions result in awkwardness.

[Story 03] Connecting Technologies, Disconnecting Humanity
With his precious earpieces on, and the player blasting music, he was lured subconsciously to the place where he would be loved.

[Story 04] The House Cat and Miss Birdbrain
A House Cat trying to free itself and the other pet bird, only to get pecked for its efforts.

[Story 05] The Hare versus the Tortoise
THe Flighty Hare and the Calm Tortoise have a competition to see who will reach the end first, end up acknowledging each other's speed.

2. Character bio of chosen story
info relevant to story

House Cat (Thomas)
Gender: Male
Been a house cat for 4 years since he was a kitten. A rather laidback cat who has a rather kind heart


Bird (Birdbrain)
Gender: Female
A young timid bird which was recently caught and sold as a pet.


A young working couple living in a apartment
Male - 34
Female - 32

[Class Exercise] Writing Dialogues

[Group] Hilter the animator and his required equipments




Scene 1: INT. HITLER'S OFFICE. DAY.

HITLER sits down. He looks angry. His OFFICER enters.


                                   OFFICER : Is the paper quality alright?

                                   HITLER : Who bought those papers? I want them changed!

                                   OFFICER : (looks on)

                                   HITLER : It's not translucent!
                                                   It's cartridge!
                                                   How do you expect me to use this on the light-box?
                                                   I want to draw!
                                                   Prancing, jumping, pink unicorns! Get me the Fegelein brand!
                                                   FEGELEIN! FEGELEIN! FEGELEIN!

x x x

[Individual] Never Forget The Basic Rule

HIROTA sits in her car, silently fuming. She glares at the surroundings, and sees a familiar figure walking with a skip in her steps. Hirota gets out of car and shouts.

HIROTA : OI MINAMI! (slams door shut)

MINAMI turns to see who called her. 


HIROTA : You Bitch!


Minami sighs when she realizes it is Hirota. Minami gives a "omgwtf, sianz" expression as Hirota approaches her.


HIROTA : Are you that jealous of me?


MINAMI : (gives a "i don't know what you are talking about" look)

HIROTA : You tried to get the Management to withdraw me?!


MINAMI : Hah, obviously. Someone like you don't deserve the title.


HIROTA : Oh yeah? So you think you are better?


MINAMI : Of course!


HIROTA : I have been in this industry longer than you, and you think a newb like you can win?


MINAMI : Haa, so what? You got more experience but you still forgot your basics? A true wrestler never leaves her hair long.


HIROTA : (in a steely voice) Mind your own business.


Minami rolls her eyes and turns to leave. Hirota grabs Minami's wrist in passing, causing Minami to step backwards a couple of steps.


MINAMI : Go cut your hair Noob (pushes Hirota)


HIROTA : You dare call me NOOB? I'll show you who's NOOB!


Hirota grabs hold of Minami's shoulders and push. Both of them start wrestling. A crowd gathers, and a couple of lookers elbow their ways to the front.


LOOKER #1 : Oh my god! Look! Isn't that Hirota? (Getting more excited) and Minami!


LOOKER #2 : Who?


LOOKER #1 : The top 2 female wrestlers!! Hey, hey, let's bet!


LOOKER #2 : $10 on the Yellow shirt!


LOOKER #1 : That's Minami! Ok, and I'll bet on Hirota! 


Hirota and Minami grappling. Hirota pushes Minami to the ground. Minami takes off her sling bag and starts hitting Hirota with it.


LOOKER #1 : OI! FOUL FOUL! 


LOOKER #2 : Yay, I'm going to win the bet


LOOKER #1 : (Looks around frantically, as if for a referee) 


LOOKER #2 : Aww, I should have bet more


Hirota manages to snatch the bag from Minami and starts hitting her with it. Minami, fending blows, fell. Hirota takes the chance and starts to do the head lock. Minami struggles and grabs hold of Hirota's ponytail.


MINAMI : See! Noob! This is ... MY WIN! (pins Hirota to the ground and attempts head lock)


2 teenagers see the scene with shocked expression and hurry to separate them.


MINAMI : (panting) Told you so. The basic rule of female wrestlers.


HIROTA : (unable to retort)


LOOKER #1 and #2 wondering who is the real winner. Hirota leaves scene in a huff. 


LOOKER #1 : Bets cancelled...








MINAMI : Retards... (leaves scene)






**about the basic rule, it is pure fiction.

[Story 05] The Hare versus the Tortoise

Create a visual/audio story that's simple and suitable for animation. Write a story that has 2 key characters who share one motivation. Use present tense.

Possibilities:

Both key characters can't get along/ hate each other

both must "journey" together to attain their goal

Keep it simple!

______________________________________________________________________

The Flighty Hare and the Calm Tortoise have a competition to see who will reach the end first, end up acknowledging each other’s speed.

______________________________________________________________________

Set up
The Hare boasting about her speed and escape from the Hawk, leering at the Tortoise about his speed.

Confrontation
It is night when the Hare wakes up, and see that there is a fire. She needs to warn their friends but the route is blocked by the fire. Just then the Tortoise arrives, and tells her that the shortcut is across the stream.
The Tortoise is slow in leading the way and the Hare cannot swim.

Resolution
They helped each other and manage to reach the ending point. The wise crow investigates the scene and tells them what the fire really is.

______________________________________________________________________

“The Humans are here.”

“Pah, who cares about them, I can outrun them anytime.” The Hare exclaims proudly, “Why, the other day, I just escaped from the awful hawk!”

The other little animals express their admiration at that, for every successful escape means a longer life.

“It was merely luck. You only escaped because there was a hole nearby.” The Tortoise scoffs.

“So says the latecomer! Could it be that you are jealous of my speed?”

“Who is? You can barely last from here to the next clearing!”

The Hare and Tortoise continue bickering until the wise Crow stops them with a challenge to see who can reach the next clearing, get the marked flower and come back first. The Hare and Tortoise agree amidst the cheering of the other animals.

“Go!”

It is night when the Hare opens her eyes after her rest. To her horror, the Hare sees a bright reddish-orange light flickering a short distance away that could only means …

“Fire!” the Hare leaps to her feet, panicking.

“What?” The Tortoise asks calmly as he prods nearer to where the Hare is hopping up and down.

“Hah, you just reached? Anyway, there is a fire!”

The Tortoise squints in the direction where the Hare is pointing, “I guess we need to warn the others.”

“But the way back is blocked by the fire!”

“There is a shortcut. We just need to cross the stream a couple of steps away from here.”

“Lead the way!”

The Hare bounces off quickly; anxious to be the bearer of big news, turns her head, only to see the Tortoise prodding slowly along.

“Come on, I’ll try to carry you!” With some difficulty, the Tortoise climbed onto the Hare’s back and then they are off! Bursting with eagerness, the Hare manages to reach the stream-bank under the Tortoise’s directions in a relatively short time despite the extra weight.

“What now? I can’t swim!” The Hare wails in dismay.

“Climb onto my back now.” The Tortoise says, preparing to enter the stream.

“You can swim?”

“I’m a semi-aquatic Tortoise, and this is quite a calm shallow stream.”

With that assurance, the Hare climbs onto the top of the shell.

The Tortoise swims swiftly across the stream, much to the Hare’s surprise, and they reach the other side of the stream-bank where the little animals are waiting for their arrival.

“Hey, I see no flower!” Squirrel proclaims.

“There is a Fire!” Announces the Hare.

The little animals look in the direction of the Tortoise for confirmation, when he gives a small nod, panic starts to set in.

“Silence! I shall investigate this matter.” The Crow says before flying off.

In a few minutes, she is back on her usual branch, trying not to laugh, “It is a Campfire by the Humans.”

The animals heave sighs of relief, forgetting all about the competition. The Hare and Tortoise, embarrassed and remembering how swiftly the other party was hopping or swimming, decide to forget it too.

[Story 04] The House Cat and Miss Birdbrain

Theme: A character that is preferably not human, suitable for children

A House Cat trying to free itself and the other pet bird, only to get pecked for its efforts.

______________________________________________________________________

Set up - a House Cat trying its daily attempts to get free, and set the new pet bird free too.

Confrontation - The bird is frightened when the House Cat managed to get up to its cage. Out of desperate fear, the bird pecked the cat's paw.

Resolution - The bird got free in the end, but the House Cat received nothing for the troubles other than an injured paw. 

______________________________________________________________________

The House Cat opened his eyes lazily as he heard the main door slammed shut, indicating the inferior beings had left the house for the day.

He would be free to roam around, trying to find a way out of this place. He longed for the great outside, with the warm sun gently bathing him with its rays, the breeze ruffling his fur, and the sweet smell of the soil. But he was trapped in here, with the inferior beings refusing to leave him alone in peace, molesting him with their dirty hands, feeding him with disgustingly tasteless dry bits while they enjoyed their feast.

Today, he would be free.

He leapt down from his hiding place, on top of a tall cupboard behind some rolls of paper. It was a little dusty, but it was better than being harassed. He set about his daily routine of checking all possible exits, first padding towards the biggest room where the main door was.

Movement!

The House Cat cowered a little behind the door, ready to escape or surprise. Sensing no other movement and hearing no sounds, he peered around the corner, looking curiously at where he had sensed a living creature.

It was a new object, made of columns of iron bars, hanging from a hook near one of the tiny open windows. It was what the inferior beings called a ‘cage’.

“Who’s there?” a voice from the cage chirped fearfully.

The House Cat jumped onto the TV console, and peered up. “You’re worse off than me,” he purred sadly, “You’re trapped inside such a small cell where you have hardly any room to flap your wings. Your kind belongs to the sky, not here.”

“…Yes. But I was trapped due to a moment of carelessness.”

“I will set you free.” With that, the House Cat gathered all his strength to his hind legs and leapt towards the cage.

With the looming sight of an open mouth full of sharp teeth and outstretched claws, the bird flapped about and squeaked in panic. A paw managed to catch hold of the bottom of the cage.

“A cat! A cat! You’re going to eat me!” The bird wailed in despair.

“Such foolishness. As expected from a birdbrain.”

“Save me!” With that, the bird gathered her courage and fluttered down to the bottom of the cage and started pecking the paw.

“Stop that! You birdbrain! I’m setting you free!” the House Cat hissed.

The bird, never saying a word, continuing pecking for her dear life.

With a hiss of pain, the House Cat reached up desperately with another paw, blindly swiping the lock that is holding the cage closed, before dropping to the ground – elegantly of course.

“I’m free!” the bird sang as she flew out of the window.

“Good riddance.” The House Cat muttered, licking his injured paw. He went off to hide before the inferior beings come back and make a fuss.

He would definitely escape tomorrow when he is feeling better.

[Class Exercise] One Sentence Summary

Bon Jovi - It's My Life
A teenage boy who risked his life just to get to his girlfriend who was at the live gig before it ended.

For the Birds
A group of small birds shunning the odd one while resting on top of a wire pole, teasing and attempts of chasing the odd one only backfired and they were being laughed at in the end.

Flamingo - Fantasia
When a group of flamingos forced the yoyo-obessessed flamingo to join their dance, it only ended in a disaster when the latter incorporate yoyo into the dance.

Snowman
A snowman trying his best to get out of his globe and get closer to the hot babe on the beach, after various attempts, he was still trapped in his dome and ended up in the fishbowl.

Dino Fart
When a T-Rex, small dino and a pig have a farting competition, who would have known that the pig's fart was the most lethal.