Storyboarding is a key element in any successful video production. Whether you’re making a commercial, animation video or a small presentation for Facebook, a storyboard is your visual plan, your overview of the entire movie, shot by shot.
In this guide, we’ll show you what a storyboard is, why it’s important and how to make one yourself.
Ready? Let’s get rolling!
What is a storyboard?
A storyboard is a kind of visual script. It’s a series of images or illustrations that show what happens in each scene, combined with notes on things like dialog, camera angles and action. Think of it as a comic book version of your script, clear, visual and easy to share with others.
Why is a storyboard important in video production?
Even if you’ve written a razor-sharp script, it’s hard for others to imagine the finished product without visual aids. And since video is a visual medium, it makes sense to visualize the idea with a storyboard.
A good storyboard will help you:
- Bringing the story to life even before the camera rolls.
- Present the idea clearly to customers, colleagues or business partners.
- Ensure an efficient day of shooting because everyone knows exactly what to film and how.
How to make your own storyboard – 3 easy steps
You don’t need to be an artist or a movie geek to create a useful storyboard. Here’s a simple method you can use – whether you draw by hand or use digital tools.
1. Make a template for your storyboard
Start with a template. That is, a page with squares (frames) where you can draw scenes and space for notes under each drawing. You can easily find free storyboard templates online or create your own in Word, PowerPoint or Google Docs.
Tip: Customize the template to suit your project. For example, if you have no dialog, use the field to describe camera movements or scene content.
2. Insert script and plan scenes
Divide the script into individual shots (scenes) and add relevant information under each frame:
- What happens in the scene?
- What do the characters say?
- What camera angle should I use?
- Are there any special transitions, such as fade or zoom?
The more detailed you are here, the easier it will be to record later.
3. Draw the scenes (you don’t have to be Picasso)
Time to draw! And don’t worry, matchstick men work just fine. The goal is not great illustrations, but a simple visualization of the scene:
- Where are the characters?
- What is the composition of the image?
- What is happening in the image?
Think in frames, not details. You don’t need to draw the entire set design, just enough to understand the action and mood.
Ready to get started?
A storyboard is an investment in your movie production. It saves time, money and misunderstandings. With just three steps, you have the foundation for a well-organized production, whether you’re creating social media content, promotional videos or animated explainer videos.
Need help with video production?
At Filmbudget, we’re masters at turning a storyboard into a great video that converts. So if you have a great idea for a video for your business, contact us today for a budget.
