WEEK 2 – Establishing the world

Autodesk Maya

Today, we went beyond the basics and dove headfirst into the real stuff that truly brings your world to life. We’re talking about history, ecology, and geography.

History: The Time Machine

George explained that figuring out the time period of your story is crucial. Is it a high-tech future filled with hovercars, a gritty medieval kingdom ruled by a power-hungry king, or maybe a mash-up of the two? The era sets the stage for everything else, from clothing styles to societal norms.
But history isn’t just about knights and laser guns. George emphasised the importance of understanding the events that led up to your story. Did a global catastrophe reshape the world? Or has your world enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity? These historical details add depth and texture to your world, making it feel real and lived-in.

Ecology: Nature’s Balancing Act

Next, we explored the fascinating world of ecology. This is all about the relationship between your world’s inhabitants and their environment. What kind of creatures roam your lands, be it bustling cityscapes or sprawling rural landscapes? Are there fantastical beasts or genetically engineered monstrosities?
Here’s the twist: the environment and the creatures in it have a two-way street. George reminded us that nature can be both shaped by and a shaper of your world. Is it a post-apocalyptic wasteland where nature has reclaimed abandoned cities or a pristine utopia where humans live in harmony with the environment? Understanding this delicate balance helps create a believable and sustainable ecosystem.

Geography: Mapping Your Masterpiece

Finally, we tackled the big one: geography. This is where you map out the physical landscape of your world. Are you setting your story on a sprawling continent filled with diverse regions, a series of floating islands connected by magical airships, or maybe even a hidden city nestled deep within a volcano?
But geography isn’t just about cool mountain ranges and sparkling oceans. George stressed the importance of considering the impact of a nation’s history and religion on its architecture. Did a war-torn past lead to imposing fortresses, or has a peaceful culture fostered beautiful temples and gardens? These details tie your world together, making it feel cohesive and believable.

Creating Sets and Props

George said that we have to think of sets and props as the physical language of our world. They’re the details that scream “Western!” when you see a dusty saloon filled with wooden barrels or shout “sci-fi!” when you spot sleek computer terminals. They’re the visual cues that instantly transport your audience into the heart of your story.

But here’s the key: sets and props aren’t just about aesthetics. They should also enhance the readability of your story. Imagine a character hiding in a cluttered antique shop, surrounded by dusty furniture. This instantly tells us something about the environment and the character’s situation.