"Unlocking the Power of Digital Storytelling: A Practical Guide to From Concept to Completion"

In today's digital age, storytelling has become a crucial aspect of communication, marketing, and education. The Undergraduate Certificate in From Concept to Completion: Digital Storytelling Workflow is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to craft compelling digital stories. In this blog post, we'll delve into the practical applications and real-world case studies of this program, exploring how it can help students bring their ideas to life.

Section 1: Concept Development - The Art of Idea Generation

The first step in any digital storytelling project is concept development. This is where students learn to generate, refine, and pitch their ideas. The program teaches students various techniques for idea generation, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and free writing. A great example of concept development in action is the award-winning short film "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore." This animated film was created by Moonbot Studios, a renowned animation studio that has worked with major brands like Apple and Coca-Cola. The film's concept was developed through a combination of brainstorming and research, resulting in a unique and captivating story that has won numerous awards.

Section 2: Pre-Production - Planning and Preparing for Success

Pre-production is a critical phase in the digital storytelling workflow. It's where students learn to plan and prepare for their project, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, and scheduling. A real-world case study that demonstrates the importance of pre-production is the popular web series "The Lizzie Bennet Diaries." This series was created by Bernie Su and Kate Rorick, and it's a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." The creators spent several months in pre-production, developing their concept, writing scripts, and planning their shoot. The result was a highly successful series that won numerous awards and gained a large following.

Section 3: Production and Post-Production - Bringing Your Story to Life

Production and post-production are the phases where students bring their story to life. This includes filming, editing, and adding visual effects. A great example of production and post-production in action is the documentary "The Cove." This documentary was created by Louie Psihoyos, a renowned filmmaker who has worked with major networks like CNN and PBS. The film was shot on location in Japan, and it features stunning footage of dolphins and other marine life. The post-production process involved editing the footage, adding music and sound effects, and creating a compelling narrative.

Section 4: Distribution and Marketing - Reaching Your Audience

The final phase of the digital storytelling workflow is distribution and marketing. This is where students learn to promote and distribute their work, including creating a marketing strategy, building an online presence, and engaging with their audience. A real-world case study that demonstrates the importance of distribution and marketing is the viral video "Kony 2012." This video was created by Invisible Children, a non-profit organization that aims to raise awareness about human rights issues. The video was distributed through social media and online platforms, and it gained millions of views within days of its release.

Conclusion

The Undergraduate Certificate in From Concept to Completion: Digital Storytelling Workflow is a comprehensive program that equips students with the skills and knowledge required to craft compelling digital stories. Through practical applications and real-world case studies, students learn to develop their ideas, plan and prepare for their project, bring their story to life, and promote and distribute their work. Whether you're a filmmaker, marketer, or educator, this program can help you unlock the power of digital storytelling and bring your ideas to life.