The Hard Cell:Writing for animation indigital learning
brightwavegroup.com
Elly DaviesSenior Learning Designer
Once upon a time…
Disney & Warner
Apps CGIFlash
Tricks and toys
Silent film
Brightwave examples
What are they good for?
• Demonstrate mechanics
• Explain abstract concepts
• Show relationships
• Set out sequences
• Engage emotions
• Tell a story
Animation helps to…
Multi-device learning
What aren’t they good for?
• ‘Magically’ making dry content interesting
• Long and complex
o Counter with chunking and user control
• Accessibility
• Being a wallflower
Not a magic bullet!
Watch out!
• Confuse
• Distract
• Reduce accessibility
• Ruin your street cred ;-)
Animations without purpose can:
• Too long
• Too many words
• Too little/much action
• Too many cooks
Pitfalls
Writing tips
1. Know your limits
2. Know the outcome
3. Tell a story
#4: Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.
Pixar storytelling rules
-@lawnrocket
4. Think visually
5. Do the impossible!
6. Sound ideas
7. Keep it tight!
Looking ahead…
Thank youAny questions?
brightwavegroup.com