Try a random story generator
If you have no ideas whatsoever that come to mind (we've all been there!) try a random story generator. The ideas you'll get from these range from brilliant to absurd, which are both desirable qualities in animation, so they're definitely worth checking out!
Many successful stories can be broken down into three acts.
- Act 1 - introduce character(s), setting and situation. The story does not have to start at the beginning of the situation; many times it is better to begin in the middle, to thrust the audience into the midst of the situation (hooking then) while it is happening is usually better than spending Act 1 over-describing it (boring). Act 1 is also a great place to introduce the goal or desire of the character, which will keep your audience watching your film.
- Act 2 - disturb the equilibrium and introduce the problem/conflict. This is where things get interesting - you take what you established in Act 1 and disturb it by adding a problem and/or conflict, ideally one that prevents your character from getting what they want. After introducing the problem, make it worse - keep the audience hooked by upping the ante and building the tension. The rest of Act 2 is time to show your character reacting to the conflict, planning a solution to it, and going forward with it.
- Act 3 - resolution. Does the character succeed or fail? Why?
Other ideas:
Retell a myth or classic tale
Document something historic
Tell a story that is personal and meaningful
Make a really fun, weird, silly cartoon!
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