For many first-time filmmakers creating a storyboard can be an anxious task. Some filmmakers feel it is a monumental task to draw and note every shot for their video production. The following article breaks down exactly how to create a storyboard and how you can make it a manageable process:
1. Picturing A Storyboard
A storyboard is merely a visual plan of your script or screenplay. First, imagine a box much like a camera frame that you can present a mock image of your shot in. Then secondly place a few lines underneath for you to write a written account of your shot and any extra essential information that might be necessary to that particular scene or shot.
2. What If You Can’t Draw?
You really don’t need to be able to be an artist to create an effective storyboard. As long as you can create a rough visual representation of your shot, with notations you’ll be able to get a good feel for how your video production is going to look. If you’re really adamant about having good drawings there are plenty of storyboard computer software packages you can make use of or you could even employ an artist to help you construct your storyboard.
3. What Is A ‘Shot’?
A shot is simply everything that happens on your camera from the time you press Record to when you press Stop. Most shots in a video production are quite short as camera angles and shots change frequently within the same scene. This means that each storyboarded shot shouldn’t be as long or as complex as you might have first thought.
4. What Goes In A Storyboard?
Everything about your shot goes into your storyboard, which may seem like a lot, but it’s easy to breakdown into sections. You’ll need to note your shots location, the actors on screen, any props needed, the type of shot you want to shoot, the camera angle, camera movement, the lighting and any special effects that need to be present in the shot. If you are storyboarding one particular scene you won’t need to note all of these details in every shot. Remember the camera is always the most fundamental aspect to document.
Summary
There you have it, your essential guide to storyboarding. By following this guide and understanding the nature of storyboards you can help to create a storyboard that is truly reflective of how you want your final video production to look.
