Learn to write and storyboard for animated films!
It's not as hard to begin as you think!!!
STORY ARTIST FOUNDATIONS
DATES:
SEP 1 2025 ー DEC 14 2025
DURATION:
15 weeks
CLASS TIMES (Tier 2 and 3):
Wednesdays, 12p or 8p PST
*times based on enrollment
INSTRUCTOR:
JED DIFFENDERFER

■ THIS COURSE IS FOR...
Visual storytellers of all kinds - this course is for you!
✔️ ASPIRING STORY ARTISTS
- College/Art School Students
- TV Storyboard Artists eyeing feature jobs
- Other depts interested in the Story Dept
- An alternative to story internships
✔️ FILMMAKERS & SCREENWRITERS
- Directors seeking clearer direction tools
- Screenwriters expanding their skillset
- Comedians who write and sketch
- Youtube & indie filmmakers
✔️ NEW MEDIA PIPELINES
- Narrative Designers wanting more clarity
- Webcomic artists
- Visual Authors
- Producers improving their story pipelines
■ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
A balance of foundational skills used by Story Artists (story, screenwriting, filmmaking, acting, and storyboarding) at leading feature animation studios.
Industry-standard workflows and methods (and the unspoken ones as well) so you can think, create, and collaborate like a pro with the best people out there.
The best from 25 years of hard won story insights and experience, proven repeatedly at top feature animation studios on many hit films and franchises.
■ WHAT YOU WILL DO
Learn by creating three portfolio scenes with the range you'll need for a solid foundation as a story artist.
Support exercises and quizzes throughout lessons to ensure you comprehend, and can actually apply the concepts.
Assignments offer experience with a range of actual work expected of Story Artists at major studios.
STAY INFORMED FOR UPDATES!
Stay Informed!
Join the list to get updates on course offerings and free resources.


25+ years experience as a world class storyteller in story departments across the feature film animation industry's top studios (Pixar, Sony, Disney, Illumination, Dreamworks~) in a range of key creative and leadership roles (Director, Writer, Head of Story, Story Lead, Story Artist, Story Development, Story Consultant~), developing stories consistently into the narrative bedrock of successful, globally beloved characters, worlds, and films that become record breaking franchises and pillars of studio identity (KPOP Demon Hunters, Super Mario Bros, Minions, Big Hero 6, Wreck-It Ralph, Kung-Fu Panda, and many more!)

STORY ARTIST: Foundations
A 15-week, hands-on professional course designed to build the foundational skills needed of a new story artist at a major feature animation studio. You’ll gain practical experience with timeless skills while gaining the tools, techniques, and mindset to thrive in a professional, feature film story department.
VIEW SYLLABUS◼︎ Weeks 1-5 | Comedy
1: CHARACTER & PERSONAS
You know it's important, what what actually is it? Furthermore, why do we even care?
2: STRUCTURE & ARCS
Three Acts. Five Acts. No Acts. Why have any of it at all?!
3: CINEMATOGRAPHY
Visual Storytelling is more than lens choices and composition.
4: NARRATIVE & PACING
But, it worked on paper! Why don't they get it?
5: AUDIENCE & PITCHES
This isn't 'Mom's fridge'. Know your audience.
– Scene One Complete –
◼︎ Weeks 6-10 | Drama
6: CONFLICT & CUTS
Obviously you need it, but how to keep it from just being annoying, and stressful?
7: SUBTEXT & DIALOGUE
A picture says 1000 words. So, let it.
8: SHOTS & SETUPS
With near infinite choices of shots, which one is the 'right' one?!
9: TONE & LIGHTING
Comedy. Drama. Everything in between. As essential to story as values to a painting.
10: THEME & WORLD
But why THIS world for THIS story though?
– Scene Two Complete –
◼︎ Weeks 11-15 | Action
11: GENRE & SETS
Of tropes and nopes. Great expectations and greater innovations.
12: CINEMA & SOUND
"Make it more cinematic!" So often said, so rarely understood.
13: CHOREO & BLOCKING
The one-inch punch of storytelling.
14: ACTION & MOVING CAMS
Anyone who says action has no story, has never been in a real fight.
15: CRAFT vs CAREER
Or, how to avoid planting seeds in cement.
– Scene Three Complete –


"Jed is teaching a class? Do yourself a huge favor and take it. Jed is one of the most inventive, adept, and thoughtful animation folks I’ve ever worked with, and elevates or deepens everything he touches. Getting a glimpse into the way he thinks about story is something you shouldn’t miss!“
Peter Ramsey
Writer, Director, Story Artist (Into the Spiderverse; The Mandalorian; Ahsoka)

"Jed’s resume is so STACKED, it boggles the mind. Probably makes sense he’s one of the most versatile story artists in the industry. He’s incredibly funny, and the comic tone in his work is a rare skill that you don’t find much- and is in high demand for big animated feature films. He’s a patient and understanding leader, and one of the most generous people I’ve ever known and worked with. If you’re looking for a teacher, you can’t do much better than Jed."
Daniel Chong
Creator, Director, Story Artist (Hoppers, We Bare Bears, Bolt)

"Jed has a wealth of story knowledge and experience from his many years at major studios, as well as an undying creative spirit that is truly infectious. Take his class, learn, and get inspired by one of the bright lights in the animation industry."
Trevor Jimenez
Writer, Director, Story Artist (Win or Lose, Weekends, Soul)

"Jed is a true powerhouse in the animation industry. Drama, comedy, action- whatever genre you can think of, he's a master of it all."
Jessie Wong
Writer, Story Artist (Centaurworld, KPOP Demon Hunters, Minecraft)

“Jed is one of the greatest visionaries in the Animation and Film Industry as a whole. Not only is Jed a master of his craft, his remarkable intuition, sense of humor and deep passion were undeniable factors for the success of many feature animated films he collaborated with. Jed's meticulous approach to camera, choreography, character and tone brings specificity that elevates any story from familiarity to brilliance.“
Leo Matsuda
Writer, Director, Story Artist (Hello Kitty, Inner Workings, Big Hero 6, Wreck-It Ralph)

"It always amazes me how creative and original Jed’s storytelling instincts are. He has a remarkable ability to develop characters and narratives from a solid foundation into something rich in nuance, emotional depth, and, most importantly, entertainment. And yes, he’s also brilliant at visualizing them. Learning from Jed isn't just inspiring, it's an absolute blast!"
Jony Chandra
Head of Story, Story Artist (Nimona, Peanuts Movie)

“Jed is an outstandingly creative thinker with a seemingly endless trove of ideas. His storytelling skills are excellent and he tops those with a fresh approach to comedy. Anyone taking his class will receive a good education indeed.“
Kent Beyda
Editor (KPOP Demon Hunters, Angry Birds, This is Spinal Tap)

"If you are looking to sharpen your storyboarding sword, look no further than Jed. A story telling master with years of experience! It’s never too late to strengthen your storytelling foundation! Learn from the best!"
Michael Yates
Writer, Director, Story Artist (Win or Lose, Soul, Toy Story 4)

"He is someone who truly cares—about his work, the stories he creates, and the growth of his students. Whether he's crafting a narrative or shaping his curriculum, that passion comes through in everything he does. Anyone fortunate enough to receive his feedback will find it invaluable. This class will be an eye-opening experience for anyone aspiring to become a storyteller or director."
Yoriko Ito
Production Designer, Art Director (Super Mario Bros Movie, Baba Yaga, Madagascar Franchise)

“Don’t hesitate to take a class with Jed. His storytelling is truly one of a kind, he effortlessly weaves heart and humor together in every frame. If you’re looking to go beyond surface level story and dive into what a scene really needs, Jed class is a rare chance.“
Scott Watanabe
Character Designer, Art Director, Visual Development (KPOP Demon Hunters, Raya and the Last Dragon, Zootopia)

"Not only does Jed know his stuff but he knows how to teach it. As a bonus, his enthusiasm for the craft is energizing."
Kurt Nellis
Senior Cinematic Designer (Destiny 1-2; Halo 3-Reach)
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SECS

Tier 1 | Story Artist Video Course
15 week course of video lectures, exercises, and assignments designed around creation of 3 main story sequences (Comedy, Drama, Action) to build your foundation. Access to alumni network. AVAILABLE ANYTIME
$1,000 USD

Tier 2 | + LIVE Weekly Story Class
*LIMITED SEATS | All of Tier One PLUS: The full 'story class' experience of weekly, Live zoom classes with your instructor and team for pitches, feedback, and lecture Q&A's. ENROLLMENT ENDS 8/30/25
$2,600 USD

Tier 3 | ++ Premium Personal Direction
*VERY LIMITED SEATS | Premium Tier including all of Tier One and Two PLUS: Weekly personalized feedback and direction on each assignment via video critique & draw overs. ENROLLMENT ENDS 8/30/25
$4,300 USD
STAY INFORMED FOR UPDATES!
Stay Informed!
Join the list to get updates on course offerings and free resources.
"Where Did All the Great
STORY ARTISTS Go?!"