Storyboard Imitation

Overhead

In blog #3, I used the gas station scene from Toy Story. Now, I am able to understand more in depth of what some of the inner workings are. For the most part, the animator follows the three rules of 180 degrees, thirds, and the 30 rule.

In the first shot, the animator uses and OTS behind Woody, facing Buzz. Buzz is in the top left 1/3, exactly in an area described by the Rule of Thirds. This puts the focus on Buzz walking away from Woody, more-so than if the scene was designed in any other way.

The second shot transitions to a WS, instantly putting in play the 30 Rule, by changing the shot by at least two levels. The camera was also moved at least 30 degrees as well. Woody enters from the left and keeps talking over to the right side of the frame. Woody stops directly in the top left third, described in the Rule of Thirds. The 180-degree rule is still kept in this shot.

The third shot cuts to the Pizza Planet truck, which since our eyes are already in the top left third of the screen, enters exactly at that place. This provides a smooth cut. A new 180-degree line is established here.

The fourth show follows the new 180-degree line, put into play in the previous shot. The animator here decides to go with a CU of Woody. The animator does not follow the Rule of Thirds in this shot. Rather, Woody is placed near the center of the screen.

The fifth and final shot I analyzed is a XCU of the Pizza Planet truck logo. This signifies Andy for Woody, and how the two can become reunited. The 180-degree line is still the same in this shot. The 30 Rule, however, is followed in this shot. When we previously saw the Pizza Planet truck, a MS was used. Now, an XCU is used, changing the level of shots by two, using the 30 Rule.