PR.qxd

spec animation script A script written on speculation in hopes of getting it sold afterward.

spine The spine is the driving force. Each character has a driving force, an unchanging

essence of that person that drives his entire life (to be secure). This is different from the

character’s arc, which changes during the course of the story. Actors often work from the

spine of a character. A story also has a spine, an all-encompassing driving force that drives

everyone in the story.

springboards Short, one-paragraph premises. They tell the basics of each story with a begin-

ning, middle, and end. They include the main characters in the story, what the protagonist

wants and the theme, if there is one.

staging A scene is staged so that the design is pleasing. The characters are posed in a way

that the action is clear to the audience even in silhouette.

stinger The sharp point or climax of a joke. The laugh line that ends a typical cartoon scene.

story arcs The paths and changes that take place from the beginning of the story until the

end.

storyboard The script in visual form with the dialogue underneath the artwork. This is the

first visualization of the story showing all camera shots, and it’s what the production crew

will use to complete the project.

story dynamics The different patterns of change present in a story at any one time.

story editor The person who is responsible for obtaining the scripts for the series. Story

editors often help develop the series, hire freelance writers, and help the writers complete

a workable script for each episode of the series. Sometimes story editors will write some

episodes themselves.

storylines The plot of a particular story or episode. The premise.

story summary In multimedia the narrative treatment for the story. This is sometimes

called a walkthrough.

table polish In prime-time animation the final polishing of the script by the writing staff.

Producers are in attendance.

table read In prime-time animation the actors sit around a table prior to the recording

session to read through the script. Based on notes from the table read, another rewrite is

done afterward. The table read is especially important for feedback on the jokes.

tag (A) A short ending to a story. In a comedy this is often an ending gag. (B) The descrip-

tion given to each character when they first appear in the script. This tag itself is not written

in caps, but the character name is listed in caps at this first appearance only.

Glossary 333

GL.qxd 12/8/04 5:13 PM Page 333