Week 6: Story Structure & Scripts

Pitch Deck (15%)

Script (5%) – completed Oct 3

Storyboard (5%) & Moodboard (5%) – submitted with Script by Oct 17

This is a self-contained project. You will design a short cinematic idea and express it through three complementary pre-production elements: a script, a storyboard, and a mood board. You will not be required edit or shoot this project later; the goal is to practice translating an idea into clear, compelling visual storytelling. Be imaginative and unconstrained by budget while focusing on story structure, cinematic language, and visual design. Each component is worth 5% for a total of 15%.

Group Workshopping & Beat Sheets

Students will begin by discussing story ideas in small groups. Each student will develop a beat sheet—a brief outline of the key beats and emotional turns of their story—and share it with their group for approval and suggestions. Only after receiving group feedback will students write their individual script drafts. Each group will create a Slack channel (with the me included) where drafts of beat sheets and scripts are posted for feedback and suggestions. Storyboards and production design details are created only after group approval of the script.

1. Script (5%)

• Length: 60–120 seconds (about 1–3 pages).
• Format: Proper screenplay style (scene headings, action, dialogue).
• Goal: Demonstrate a clear narrative arc (beginning–middle–end or an alternative but coherent structure), conflict, and resolution, and ideally a twist.
• Process: Start with a group-approved beat sheet, then write your script individually. Post drafts to your group Slack channel for feedback before finalizing.

2. Hand-Drawn Storyboard (5%)

• Medium: Pencil/pen sketches or digital drawing (hand-rendered look preferred).
• Panels: A frame for each planned shot showing composition, angle, and movement.
• Notes under each frame:
  • Shot type (CU, WS, POV, OTS, etc.).
  • Camera movement (pan, tilt, dolly, handheld, static, etc.).
  • Editing intent (continuity vs. discontinuity; match on action, screen direction, ellipsis, jump cut).
  • Key sound cues (dialogue, effects, ambience, music) and any timing beats.
• Goal: Visualize the story shot-by-shot, demonstrating how framing, movement, and editing shape meaning.
• Timing: Begin your storyboard only after your script has been approved by your group.

3. Mood Board / Production Design (5%)

• Images: Collect 5–10 images (AI-generated and/or screen grabs) that convey look and feel.
• Focus: Style, color palette, lighting, settings, costumes, and character design.
• Notes: Brief description about visual design, mood and overall tone.
• Timing: Create your mood board after your script has been approved by your group.
• Goal: Present a cohesive design sense and color palette that communicates the project’s atmosphere and style.

Submission

Your finished project will be submitted as a single zip package uploaded to Canvas. This package should include:

• Your formatted final script (PDF or Word Doc).
• Digital photos or scans of your storyboard.
• A PDF of your production design/mood board elements with brief description.
• Optional: share unzipped files on Slack

Purpose

This assignment builds core skills in conceiving and communicating a cinematic concept—useful for social media videos and traditional film contexts alike. Even though it will not be produced in this class, your pitch deck should read as if it could guide an actual production.