Entertainment Narratives: Taipei | SU24 Faculty-Led
Applications for this program has closed.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Thanks to a generous grant provided by the J. Yang & Family Foundation Grant, there is NO PROGRAM FEE associated with this course.
Entertainment Design is about storytelling. It’s about showing people the possibilities both imagined and real. Often times, the intention is to have a healthy mix so an audience can be entertained and simultaneously be informed. The key to achieving this balance lies in how a project is grounded in reality. This study abroad will have students work collaboratively to develop a story showcasing the city of Taipei with a broader understanding of this modern city within the context of traditional Chinese and contemporary Taiwanese culture. Students will immerse themselves in the life and culture of the city and have a means to critically evaluate what they experience.
During two dynamic weeks over spring breaks in Taipei, multiple groups of 3 or 4 students will explore the city taking note of the things they see, hear, feel, taste, and smell through observational sketches, journaling, and photography. Students will gain a background in traditional Chinese pictorial approaches through workshops in brush painting and pictorial composition coupled with guided tours of the National Palace Museum. Nightlife plays a big role in the culture and vitality of Taipei. In order to make the student’s experience more meaningful, group explorations in the night markets, along with historical tours and even cooking classes will be held.
After the research phase, students will return to ArtCenter for summer term where each student group will develop an assigned ‘coming of age’ story. Our goal is to develop characters within a rich world through environment designs, sequential images, and a short film, all exploring the lives of individuals living and thriving in Taipei. Students will be encouraged to experiment with their story and stress the sensory experience in unique and interesting ways. The term will culminate in group presentations and an exhibition of the work.
The faculty will provide students with training and an experience that enables them to create work that tells a meaningful story, incorporating the spirit of the culture and the soul of the city. This experience will go far beyond mere superficial appropriation and truly honor Taiwan, its culture, and its people.
Check out the recording from our November 27 Info Session on study away opportunities for Entertainment Design Students. As well as the program specific info session recording from January 24.
VISAS
According to the most recent guidance, PRC citizens are now eligible to apply for a 15-day tourist visa to visit Taiwan if they apply at a TECO office in the US (Taipei Economic and Cultural Office). Program participants are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles TECO directly for information and assistance.
As with all international programs, students are responsible for researching entry/exit requirements and obtaining any applicable permit or visa that pertains to their citizenship and passport. Each destination has its own immigration policy, which can change at any time. Students interested in traveling to Taiwan in particular, should check requirements early to best understand their travel eligibility.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We understand there are always additional fees associated with travel and we want all students to know study abroad is accessible to them. Eligible students should apply for the Diversity and Access Travel Stipend Award (DATSA). See our Pay for Study Away page for more details on study away affordability.
SUMMER 2024 COURSE DESCRIPTION
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In this study abroad course students will focus on the blue sky design process, as used during the preproduction phase of an entertainment project, to develop an original story. Working in teams, students will spend two weeks exploring a foreign city and its culture while developing and researching their story. Students will then use their findings to develop the initial ideation material where shape language, visual style, and storytelling will be explored and finalized in a cohesive pitch for an entertainment property.
Learning Outcomes
1. Improved quality of technical ability; At the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate exceptional growth with regard to individual technical ability (i.e. drawing, painting, composition, lighting, and design).
2. Storytelling and presentation; Students will be given the opportunity to practice and hone their presentation, storytelling, and pitching skills. Following the course, students should have a strong grasp of how to organize and deliver information that effectively conveys their ideas and thoughts pertaining to their collaborative project.
3. Professionalism; Students will exercise how to interact with instructors and peers in and outside of the classroom, take and give constructive critique, and learn the basics of interpersonal communication for a productive work environment.
4. Throughout the course, there will be numerous opportunities that allow students to show growth, adaptability, and a deep understanding of relevant information.
5. Students will learn what it means to consistently be an asset to their group and support them beyond their own individual requirements.
6. Students will learn to synthesize their unique cultural experiences while traveling abroad including the discovery, gathering, and organization of relevant research to incorporate their findings in the production of a collaborative assignment.
ABOUT TAIPEI
Taiwan is known for its fascinating blend of traditional and modern culture. Taiwan is also renowned for its expression of modern culture with its bustling nightlife, food, and as the center of the Mandarin pop industry. Taipei is the cultural and economic powerhouse of this unique island and this city offers students the simplest means to quickly immerse themselves in the culture. From the extraordinary collection of Chinese artifacts housed in the National Palace Museum to Buddhist and Taoist temples and shrines, or the non-stop nightlife, Taipei will provide students with unique insight into this wonderful location.
ABOUT THE FACULTY
Richard Houston is a full-time professor specializing in foundational education for Illustration and Entertainment students. In addition to Art Center, Mr. Houston is a regular lecturer and educator for both the J. Paul Getty Museums and the Norton Simon Museum. He has been teaching at ArtCenter College of Design since 2001. Fernando Olmedo is the Associate Chair of Entertainment Design specializing in conceptual design and research in the entertainment field. In addition to education, Mr. Olmedo regularly works for clients in the theme park and game industry as a concept designer. He has been teaching at ArtCenter College of Design since 2015.