2. • 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 visualMany creative professionals prefer to start work with visual
sequences before a written script is produced.sequences before a written script is produced.
3. • 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.
4. 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!
5. • 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
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. Lots of professional examples and more tips onLots of professional examples and more tips on
the web:the web:
Acting with a Pencil - Storyboarding yourActing with a Pencil - Storyboarding your
MovieMovie
•Tutorial, tips and links
Lesson:Thumbnail StoryboardLesson:Thumbnail Storyboard
•Tutorial and examples
The Storyboard ArtistThe Storyboard Artist
•Josh Sheppard – professional storyboard
artist
Twister storyboardsTwister storyboards
•Feature film promotional site with
storyboard samples
Border Post - A film by Rajko Grlic - storyboardBorder Post - A film by Rajko Grlic - storyboard
•Feature film promotional site with
storyboard samples
10. Lots of professional examples and more tips onLots of professional examples and more tips on
the web:the web:
Acting with a Pencil - Storyboarding yourActing with a Pencil - Storyboarding your
MovieMovie
•Tutorial, tips and links
Lesson:Thumbnail StoryboardLesson:Thumbnail Storyboard
•Tutorial and examples
The Storyboard ArtistThe Storyboard Artist
•Josh Sheppard – professional storyboard
artist
Twister storyboardsTwister storyboards
•Feature film promotional site with
storyboard samples
Border Post - A film by Rajko Grlic - storyboardBorder Post - A film by Rajko Grlic - storyboard
•Feature film promotional site with
storyboard samples
