What is a video storyboard?
A video storyboard presents a visual portrayal, in the form of sketches, of each scene featured in a video (with emphasis on the influential ones).
Video makers and movie producers primarily utilize these tools to prepare and put together the storyline of their videos well ahead of filming.
A storyboard can be likened to a script’s illustrated version, much like a comic book. Refer to the samples provided in the later sections of the article for clarification.
Element of a storyboard
Story
A storyboard is an illustration of the script that mainly focuses on the narrative being presented.
Its crucial role lies in assisting the director and production staff in determining whether the storyline is coherent or if significant storylines are absent.
An additional advantage is that it permits the team to arrange sequences and incorporate them at a later time if necessary.
Characters
A storyboard shows the primary figures in a narrative and depicts their important movements.
The appearance of these characters can vary based on the preferences of the production company, with the option to depict them as simple stick figures or with more intricate details.
Dialogue
In storyboards, it is common to include speech from various characters along with their specific emotions or tone of voice being mentioned.
Time frames
To monitor the passage of time, storyboards may incorporate information such as scene duration and frame intervals, facilitating the crew’s time management during the filming process.
Camera details
The placement of the camera, its movement, and the type of shot used are highly important elements in creating an effective storyboard.
Titles and captions
Titles, captions, and numbering assist in keeping record of each individual panel.
Why use a storyboard?
There are several reasons why you should consider using storyboards while filming a video, as they can be incredibly helpful in the process.
It improves production efficiency
Creating a storyboard simplifies the process of preparing and coordinating for filming a video. Knowledge of necessary props, setting, camera positioning and other factors leads to optimized production.
It makes it easy to share your vision
Express your ideas and vision to others with greater ease beforehand, without the need to produce an entire video or movie, only to later realize it is not as great as you thought.
Saves time
Having everything properly arranged can be a time-saving solution. This would eliminate the requirement for expensive reshoots or revisions since essential aspects of the shoot are pre-arranged.
What would you use a storyboard for?
Video production
TV shows and movies utilize storyboards as they simplify and streamline the process of video production if executed correctly.
Theatre
Storyboarding provides significant support to individuals in a theatre group.
Directors and playwrights are aided in comprehending the overall arrangement of various scenes, while actors are provided with insights into the structure of specific scenes.
Additionally, stage managers are offered guidance on the organization of props and background elements for each scene.
Business and advertising video marketing
Businesses can employ storyboards for the purpose of strategizing advertising, promotions, presentations, and various other events due to the steady growth in the realm of video marketing.
The best storyboard ideas and examples
To provide a visual example of what storyboards typically appear as, the following are samples of storyboards used in movies:
There Will Be Blood
The storyboard created for There Will Be Blood contains not only sketches to be used as background during filming, but also information on the placement of the camera and the size of the shots.
Gone with the Wind
The color choices dictate the lighting plan for the movie, and there are even annotations in one of the sketches to indicate specific shots.
This is what the identical view appeared to be in the real film. Observe the matching color palette.
Salt
The storyboard for Salt movie with Angelina Jolie provides a description of the scene and illustrates the camera movements and angles to be utilized.
Ant-Man
Do you ever think about how the Marvel movies you’ve seen begin?
Well, you have your answer now.
The use of a storyboard not only guides the filming process of the video, but it also serves as a guide for the animation team on what they need to animate in each scene.
Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2
The aforementioned storyboard portrays the well-known battle on a train from the initial trilogy of Spiderman. It’s interesting to observe how the creator employs arrows that indicate the movement of various individuals. These arrows are of significant assistance to the filming director.
Here are four simple steps for generating a video storyboard.
First. Determine the topic and message you want to convey in your video, then create a detailed script that will guide you throughout the filming process.
Make sure to include all necessary information and dialogue, as well as any visual or audio cues you want to incorporate. This will ensure that your final product is clear, concise, and effectively communicates your intended message.
In order to prepare the storyboard, determine the type of video you want to produce and identify its purpose.
Next, generate the written content for the video and additionally pinpoint:
- Key sequences
- Key characters and props
- Theme of the video
- Sequence of scenes
Secondly, generate a video template for the storyboard.
To generate a consistent storyboard design, sketch a sequence of rectangular shapes on a sheet of paper, similar to that seen in a comic strip.
Provide room underneath each rectangle to write down any notes, or alternatively, insert lines where dialogue, camera details, general notes, and comments can be added.
Step 3: Add the script
Insert relevant script elements such as dialogue, action, or effects beneath the rectangle.
Step 4: Sketch the story
Sketch the key scene.
Note that you do not require elaborate diagrams; simple illustrations suffice to convey the events taking place. It is advisable to incorporate the following elements:
- Camera angle, shot type, movement
- Background
- Props
- are all important elements in conveying emotion and enhancing communication in both spoken and non-verbal communication.
- The way a person moves their body and facial muscles can reveal their true intentions, whether they are nervous, angry, happy or sad. It is important for individuals to be aware of their own expressions and body language when communicating with others, as it can greatly affect how their messages are received.
- By paying attention to the subtle cues of body language, individuals can become more effective communicators and build stronger relationships with those around them.
- Character clothing
You are allowed to write down the dialogue, action sequence, and other key details either in the blank space provided below the illustration, or on the lines next to it.
It should be effortless for a reader to comprehend the unfolding events of a scene by referring to both the sketch and the accompanying notes or dialogue.
Tips for an effective video storyboard
The following are some extra suggestions on how to make an exceptional storyboard:
Slowly progress towards creating a successful preliminary drawing.
To begin, create a simple outline using elementary shapes to concentrate your attention on the continuity of the entire story.
After completing that task, you can incorporate more complex movements, facial expressions, character stances and background elements.
This brings us to the next tip…
Add all the necessary details
A story board aims to facilitate a smooth and productive video shooting process, hence don’t hesitate to incorporate vital visual elements such as lighting and camera movements in each shot.
Think spatially
It is essential to have a spatial mindset while creating storyboards for the ultimate video, which occurs in a 3D setting.
It is important to take into account the spatial connection between each shot and the ones that come before and after it.
One helpful suggestion for your workout routine is to visit the location where the filming will occur and take some pictures to better understand it.
Number every shot
Assigning a number to every shot can simplify the process of locating it for your team members. Instead of relying on a verbal description of the panel, the assigned number can be used as a reference point.
Use the storyboard as a master shot list
In an ideal situation, the storyboard should act as a comprehensive list of shots that will serve as the primary guide during the process of creating the video.
Include any necessary specifics such as sound or visual effects that will be utilized. It is important to ensure that all crucial aspects are captured during filming in order to avoid any oversights during post-production.
Keep your storyboard simple
Our earlier advice might give the impression that a storyboard needs to have a high level of detail.
It is important to strike a balance between giving adequate information and giving too much of it. Therefore, focus on the crucial technical and storytelling elements. Keep in mind that storyboarding is merely a basic outline and not a comprehensive presentation.
The Best Video Storyboard Template Websites And Software
There is no need to use the old-fashioned pen and paper approach for storyboarding anymore. Nowadays, many digital apps exist that enable you to create a storyboard electronically, which is much quicker and more effective than the traditional way.
There are websites that provide excellent storyboard templates which can be utilized.
Now, we will examine some of the finest software available for creating storyboards on the market.
Plot
PriceYou can use our service for free for two weeks. After that, it’s $10 per month if you only want one user account or $15 per month if you want the professional package.
Plot is a platform for storyboarding that was created by a previous animator of videos. It has a simple interface that allows you to concentrate on the storyboard without having to navigate through elaborate choices and functions.
Key features
- Add images from anywhere on the web
- industry in order to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of clients. Working together with others in the industry can lead to more creative ideas and effective problem-solving.
- The goal is to create software that is user-friendly, efficient, and meets the specific desires and requirements of customers.
- By pooling resources and expertise, companies can produce better results than when working in isolation. Collaboration also fosters a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and refinement throughout the development process.
- Utilize drawing tools that can be tailored to your preferences, including Text, Pencil, Eraser, and Shape/Line tools.
- Enhance your project by downloading visuals to decorate it.
Canva
Price: The cost for using this service is either nothing or $10 per month for added premium features.
Canva is a great website where you can discover storyboard templates that are suitable for any type of theme. There are some templates available for free whereas others may require a pro-version payment to access.
FrameForge Storyboard Studio
Price: You can try FrameForge 4 for free. After that, you can choose to pay $12.99 per month for the Core plan or $24.99 per month for the Pro plan.
Major companies such as Netflix, HBO, and BBC utilize FrameForge.
Furthermore, it was the recipient of a Technical Achievement Emmy award.
Key features
- Design visual narratives in 3D that factor in variables such as camera elevation and perspective.
- Control actor and object positions
- Change character facial expressions
- Alter the perspective of the camera by switching angles and varying the shot type, such as utilizing a crane, zoom, or dolly.
- Include contextual information such as the presence of roads, walkways, and climatic conditions.
makeStoryboard
Price: The starter plan is available for free, while the professional plan costs $10 per month, and the team plan costs $30 per month.
MakeStoryboard is a software that is perfect for beginners or people interested in a hobby. Similar to Plot, it has a user-friendly interface that enables you to draw or insert images with ease.
Key features
- Creator-friendly drawing tools
- The interface is user-friendly and allows for the creation of stick figures, the uploading of images, the alteration of aspect ratios, and other functions.
- Keeps several copies of the storyboard for backup purposes, in case there is a need to go back and make alterations.
- Export storyboard to PDF format
Boords
Price: You can try this service for free, but after that, it will cost $29 per month for one to three users.
Boords is a simple-to-use storyboard that is accessible through the internet, and does not require advanced technical understanding. It has remarkable cooperation features that simplify working with colleagues.
The program includes pre-made templates and features that allow you to customize various elements according to your preferences.
Key features
- The characteristics of animation drawing and modifying written material.
- Huge storyboard template collection
- An animatic tool is a software that helps you transform your storyboard into animated sequences.
- Automatic frame numbering
Studiobinder
Price: Subscription A subscription for a solo user costs $29 per month, while a professional plan subscription costs $49 per month. A studio subscription costs $99 per month.
The interface of Studiobinder is user-friendly and not complicated, with essential features for storyboarding such as importing images, dynamic frame numbering, and the option to rearrange panels. Additionally, there is a diverse selection of templates available.
Key features
- Collaborative functionalities that facilitate the sharing of production papers, scripts, and lists of shots.
- Screenwriting feature
- Premium templates
- A production calendar for video production can be managed using a Gantt-style chart.
FAQs on Video Storyboards
What are the main styles of storyboards?
There are 3 main types of storyboards:
Traditional storyboard
The original method for creating storyboards involves using pen and paper. The level of detail in traditional storyboards varies greatly, with some being highly intricate and others containing only simple stick figures and basic annotations identifying different aspects of each scene.
Thumbnail storyboards
Thumbnails are rudimentary sketches without any accompanying text. The drawings do not require intricate details and are often used as a basis for a more comprehensive storyboard in the future.
Digital storyboards
Digital storyboards are created using a computer as opposed to utilizing pen and paper. They prove to be particularly useful for individuals in the field of video creation who may not possess strong drawing abilities.
Comparable to conventional storyboards, these digital versions may contain various levels of detail or a limited amount of information.
What is the process for creating an effective storyboard for a video?
Although it is not necessary for storyboards to be works of art, it is vital that each sketch accurately communicates the required details.
If you need to depict a scene with two people and you want to show different perspectives, simply drawing two stick figures together will not be sufficient.
Devote some time to draw all the significant visual characteristics, such as camera perspectives, setting elements, or facial emotions that your team might require.
To produce an excellent storyboard, one can also refer to storyboards from past prosperous endeavors. We have provided some exceptional instances earlier.