a storyboarda storyboardHow to plan and make

• A storyboard is a creative tool used in the media pre-production of games as well as films.

• Storyboarding is part of the creative visualisation process.

• It enables the filmmaker to plan visual sequences before committing to the expense of production.

• It is used to develop and express visual style and share it with the production team.

• It is a key planning tool in working out the production design, the shooting script, how the film or game is to be constructed and is a vital document in post production.

Many creative professionals prefer to start work with visual Many creative professionals prefer to start work with visual sequences before a written script is produced. sequences before a written script is produced.

• For a film a storyboard provides information on:– props, costume and performance– location requirements and mise-en-scène generally– framing, camera angles, camera movement– lighting.

• A storyboard is used to:– develop the shooting script – work out the most efficient use of time, location and resources during the

acquisition phase– plan sound recording– plan CGI requirements– provide a reference for maintaining continuity.

• The storyboard, shooting script, field footage notes, log sheets and the editor’s notes all link up using:– scene numbers– shot numbers– take numbers.

• In post production, the storyboard provides the editor with a visual reference to the original production idea.

Can’t draw?• Even stick drawings

can be useful.• Mobile phone camera

pictures are great!• Use jointed toy figures

or models.• Try using screen grabs

from the Sims.• Cut out images from

magazines if you can get the framing right.

• Plan to give your shots depth – think about what is in the foreground and the background.

• Think about light and shade and colour.

Sketch images in the frames on the left.

Provide more information about camera movement and the action in each frame here.

And do not forget to describe the sound too!

• BIG CLOSE UP (BCU): The audience only sees details of the subject. The subject more than fills the screen

• CLOSE UP (CU): A short range of distance between the camera and the subject. The subject fills the screen

• MEDIUM CLOSE UP (MCU): Slightly wider than CU

• MID SHOT (MS): A wider shot that shows the subject in some context

• LONG SHOT (LS) OR WIDE: The widest shot of all using a long range of distance between the camera and the subject. Shows the entire setting.

Describe the framing

Use the right language, Use the right language, then everyone understands!then everyone understands!

Some additional shot descriptions

POINT OF VIEW (POV): • A shot which is understood to

be seen from the point of view of a character within the scene

REACTION SHOT:• A shot of someone looking off

screen, possibly linking to a POV

• A reaction shot can also be a shot of someone in a conversation where they are not given a line of dialogue

Use the right language, then everyone understands!

Describe the camera angles.

LOW ANGLE:A camera angle which looks up at its subject.

HIGH ANGLE:A camera angle which looks down on its subject.

Describe camera movements.Use arrows to show this as well.

PAN:A steady, sweeping right to left or left to right movement from one point in a scene to another.

TILT:Using a camera on a tripod, the camera moves up or down to follow the action.

ZOOM:Use of the camera lens to move closely towards or away from the subject.

Use arrows to show action on screen!

Other essential information:• Describe the time of day, interior/exterior and location.• Summarise action.• Describe sound, for example, music, effects, atmosphere.• Give key dialogue lines.

Use the right language, then everyone understands!

DISSOLVE: A transition between two shots where one shot fades away and simultaneously another shot fades in. Often indicates passing of time

• FADE: A transition from a shot to black where the image gradually becomes darker is a fade out. This often indicates the end of an action. Fade in is where the image gradually becomes brighter and clearer. This often indicates a new action starting

• WIPE: A transition from one shot to the next using a line or shape, for example, a part of a building or a body or vehicle.

Describe transitions between shots.

Here is an example from a short student film exercise: The Message.

Notice that it is missing the shot numbers and there is little visual information or notes about background/mise-en-scène. Thus, it is not very helpful to the editor or camera!

However, it did help the director visualise the sequence and the key visual elements!

Lots of professional examples and more Lots of professional examples and more tips on the web:tips on the web:

Acting with a Pencil - Storyboarding your Movie

•Tutorial, tips and links

Lesson:Thumbnail StoryboardLesson:Thumbnail Storyboard•Tutorial and examples

The Storyboard Artist The Storyboard Artist •Josh Sheppard – professional storyboard artist

Twister storyboardsTwister storyboards•Feature film promotional site with storyboard samples

Border Post - A film by Rajko Grlic - Border Post - A film by Rajko Grlic - storyboardstoryboard

•Feature film promotional site with storyboard samples