THE ULTIMATE GOAL

REGULATIONS

• The visualization may be an animation, such as a biological cell dividing, or it may consist of a series of related static images, such as graphics and charts used in the study of a scientific phenomena. No posters or models will be accepted. All work must be documented in your “design Folder” or blog.
• The visualization should not exceed three (3) minutes in length there will be a three (3) point deduction for each fifteen (15) seconds over the three (3) minute maximum length. For example: A visualization that runs 47 seconds beyond the three (3) minute limit will receive a deduction of nine (9) points.
• Sound may accompany the visualization but is not required.
• All entries must be the original work. Where applicable, all ideas, text, images, and sound from other sources must be cited. If copyrighted material is used, proper written permission must be included. Failure to follow this procedure results in disqualification.  Absolutely no purchased content may be used in any part of the visualization. (Purchased content includes, but is not limited to, texture, models, and royalty free music.)

 

EXPECTATIONS

• A script written in standard notation. 
• A storyboard aligned with the script.
• A two – three minute animatic (slideshow) fully narrated.

 

PDB must include:

• Title of SciVis Animatic 
• Write a purpose / overview for this visualization (2-5 paragraphs)
• Hand-Sketched storyboard that documents the flow and progression of the visualization with written notes; special
  effects, audio cues, dialogue, transitions, and scene duration should be incorporated into the storyboard; pages
  as needed.
• Written description of what the visualization illustrates or demonstrates; one (1) page
• List of references that includes sources for materials, copyrighted and otherwise; pages as needed. The term “Fair Use” and similar terms are not acceptable citations when creating the list of references.
• Permission letters for copyrighted material; pages as needed
• List of software and hardware used in the development of the visualization; one (1) page

 

PROCESS

WRITE: Before you do anything, you must fully understand what the task, the objective, and the rules are, so that you are heading in the right direction.  You don’t want to start creating a project and realize that it is not answering the task objectives.

BRAINSTORM: After reading the problem / prompt, take out a clean piece of paper and sketch and/or write-up your initial thoughts and ideas. This is an important step that is generally overlooked but is essential nurturing original ideas and concepts. Make sure look for topics and explore ideas that you are actually interested.

RESEARCH: Collect /research reference & inspirational images, designs, blueprints etc. Basically find as many as you need, which is at least 20+. I call this phase, the “Virtual Cork Board”. I have found that the best way to do this is to create a Pinterest page with all your resources.  This is not only a dynamic collection of resources, but it also retains the source information for later documentation. If you do not have access to Pinterest, a collection of images works. My father was a designer and kept a cork-board next to his desk and added new designs and inspirations as he found them.

Make sure there enough information on this topic and it can be represented in a visual way.

ORGANIZE: Narrow down an area of interest to at least three directions and then create a mind map that will help guide you for the prompt / problem. Create a mind map that explores 3+ design options for the project. Each design branch should fully explore design characteristics and specifications.

WRITE: Create three detailed 'one paragraph proposal' for each of your possible SciVIZ films. The 'one paragraph proposal' is the essence of the story. Desribe in the space of two to four sentences, the topic, the audience, and the goal or intended purpose; basically briefly and simply answer, WHO, WHAT, WHERE, HOW and WHY. Explain what part about this topic do you hope to cover the question that you want to answer. *A proposal is kind of like a synopsis or a thesis statement.

RESEARCH: There is so much information out there from so many different sources—magazines, newspapers, news shows, podcasts, books, etc.  However, researching for a documentary includes something more — interviews.  Try to talk to people who know, first hand, about your topic.  Interviews that you shoot make your topic come alive and live in the present, rather than just in the past…which is where a lot of documentary content resides. Ask permission to video or record the interview and use the information you find.

Create a folder with all your resources, photographs, interviews, papers, videos, websites. Then organize it.

WRITE: Choose the strongest proposal and then create a more detailed film treatment.

WRITE: Write the script. Now that you have ordered all of your images to convey the story that you want to tell, it’s time to write a script. The script needs to be written to the time that you have allotted for each image. For example, if there is a five second panning shot of a statue, then the voice-over describing that statue needs to last five seconds.

CREATE: create a storyboard.

CREATE: Record the script and then a secondary music (optional).

The key to an effective entry is a good combination of visual images and recorded narrative. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Make a storyboard of the types of images that explain the theme.

• Photograph pictures from books to build a slide collection and avoid too much repetition.

• Music is an important addition to the recorded narrative.

• Make sure the narrative fits with the image on the screen.

 

Resources:

 

Photo Animatic Example

 

Drawn Slide Example.

 

Watch:
Storyboarding (AFI's Lights, Camera, Education!)