Applications will open on December 15th

Important Notice:

  • Students may only take a maximum of 8 units.
  • Students cannot take more than one production course.
  • Students cannot take a production course with any of the feature writing courses.
  • Students cannot take more than one feature writing course.
  • No auditing courses.
  • The SCA Summer Program courses are intended for students not currently enrolled at USC/SCA
  • USC/SCA students will not be granted D-Clearance for SCA Summer Program courses.

Creating Storyboards for Animation, Film, and Television

Units: 4
Student Level: All

Jun 23 - Aug 1 Registration will open on December 15th
In-Person (Ages 16+)
Schedule: Mon/Wed 4:00pm - 7:50pm
Max. Seats: 21
Faculty: TBD


Unleash your creativity and master the art of visual storytelling in Creating Storyboards for Animation, Film, and Television, a dynamic and hands-on course crafted for Animators, Film and Television Directors, Cinematographers, Screenwriters, and Graphic Novelists. This course will cover the foundations of art and design including: perspective, figure drawing, dynamic sketching, and composition.  Students can be eager beginners or experienced artists and still fully participate in this course and grow their skills over the six weeks. 

Whether you’re shaping the next groundbreaking animated series, crafting visually stunning film sequences, or developing a gripping graphic novel, this transformative experience will elevate your ideas into compelling visual narratives. Guided by seasoned industry professionals, you’ll gain access to the essential tools, techniques, and creative processes that fuel success in the fast-paced worlds of animation, film, and television.

Course Description
This immersive course bridges the theory and practice of storyboarding, equipping you with the techniques and skills required to become a master visual storyteller. Through a blend of lectures, screenings, and hands-on projects, you’ll embark on an exciting journey to refine your craft and unlock your creative potential.

The class begins with a deep dive into the principles of cinematography and the fundamentals of drawing for storyboards, exploring genres such as drama, action, and comedy. Screenings and discussions will provide inspiration and insight, giving you the foundational knowledge needed to bring your vision to life. Next, you’ll develop your story concept for a short piece, write a short script, and define the intentions behind your boards. As you sketch characters and test their movements, you’ll bring depth and vitality to your work while learning from iconic films and professional storyboards.

Once your story takes shape, you’ll create thumbnails for your sequence, focusing on clarity, pacing, and composition. Guided by constructive feedback, you’ll expand your thumbnails into rough boards, adding intricate details to convey your narrative with precision. Through continuous refinement and iteration, your work will evolve into polished boards, ready to captivate both viewers and audience. The course culminates in the creation of a dynamic animatic—a vivid showcase of your storyboarding prowess—enhanced with sound effects, music, and voice acting to bring your vision to life.

Whether you’re crafting heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud comedy, or character moments, this course will empower you to tell stories that resonate. Step into the world of cinematic storyboarding, where your creative visions can soar. With the skills and confidence gained in this course, you’ll be prepared to leave a lasting impact on the worlds of animation, film, television, and beyond.

Your next big project starts here!

Instructor: TBD