Storyboards and storylines

1. Storyboards
A storyboard is a sequence of illusions of what is needed to be required shot by shot. They are used
so producers can easily visualise what the shot will look like. Storyboards are produced by
storyboard artists that work for the producers.
How to make a Storyboard:
Step 1: draw blank squares- by drawing blank squares on paper, producers can see how the
scene will take place and details.
Step 2: Leave enough space- this is to write notes about the scene for example camera angles,
movements and descriptions.
Step 3: Lines from the script- this is when the script is needed beneath each picture. They need
notes on what is happening throughout the scene too.
Step 4: Drawing the storyboard- these are pictures of what the scene should look like. It is needed
so producers gain an understanding of what is happening. It doesn’t have to be incredibly detailed
but needs of what is happening and where the characters are.
Examples of professional storyboards…
Jurassic Park

2. Picture/
Illustration
Camera movement
Prop description
Camera angles
Describing what is
happening
Title of the
scene
Date
Jaws
Sound/ sound
effects
Length of
video

3. Why producers use storyboards…
1. Saves time- it saves time whilst in the process of producing the film; however it does take a
bit of time to create.
2. Makes producing the film easier- a storyboard is setting up a plan for the film, including all
the important information you need. Like script lines, camera movements and angles etc. It
is a starting point and makes filming easier. It makes sure the producers don’t forget to film
any scenes.
3. A good way to share your vision and for it to be clear- it is easier to visualise a scene
through a picture than it is to visualise a text. Through a storyboard producers can see all
aspects of the filming process.
Storyboards are a vital process for audio visual media products and contributing their way to the
success of media products. They help producers not to forget any vital parts of filming. They help
show different aspects of filming and show what is happening throughout the film. They are easier
than using storylines and text because producers don’t have to imagine what everything looks like.
Storyline
A storyline is how the story develops over time with new ideas. Producers use storylines to create
new ideas and to build up on those ideas to make the book or film better.
Examples of professional storylines
Shows
character’s
emotions
What’s happening/ where the
character is
How long the
character is there
for

4. Why do producers use storylines?
 Producers use storylines so they can visually picture what the story/ picture will look
like. There can be more descriptive stories with more action, better settings and
drama for on screen.
 Storylines are used to see the potential reality of what could happen without just
shooting. Producers can see the potential lighting, sound effects, and the events.
 They also provide motivation to create a good movie.
 They use storylines to gauge an understanding of how long the character is in that
particular scene for.
 Storylines are a good idea for producers because they can clearly see when the
characters are most happy and most sad.
 Also it is a summary of what happens, almost like a checklist of what producers
need to film next.
Storylines are a vital process for pre- production, as with storyboards storylines are like a
checklist of what still needs to be filmed and what has been filmed. Producers can clearly see
the emotions of the character and where the character is. Storylines keep everything neat
and in order for pre- production work.