How Do I Make A Good Storyboard?

Before you grab your camera and start filming, it’s usually a good idea to have a storyboard built for your video production. This is simply a visual representation of how the video will flow, and the level of detail included can vary depending on the project needs and brainstorm process.

What Is A Stroyboard?

A typical storyboard will include the script (if there is one), notes about music, and rough sketches or placeholder images to convey what is going to be shown visually, and how it will line up with music and dialogue. It’s almost like a comic book version of what your video will be.

A typical digital storyboard will include the script (if there is one), relevant details about music and sound effects, and rough sketches, thumbnails, or placeholder images and transitions to convey what is going to be shown visually, and how it will line up with music, dialogue, and special effects. It’s almost like a comic book version of what your video will be.

*You can download a free storyboard template here!

Building A Storyboard

Building a video storyboard will help tell you a lot about the type of production you’ll need to plan for your video, from locations, gear, and props to crew and talent.

It can also tell you how many shots you’ll need, which will then determine how long you’ll need to be filming for.

Depending on the type of video you’re creating, you can add as much detail as you want in your storyboard.

For example, if you’re creating scripted content where every single shot is going to be mapped out by the production team, you can add notes for lighting, camera angles, props, wardrobe, and more. You can even plan how long each shot will be and the length of the overall edit.

But if you’re making a more organic, interview-driven video with B Roll, you can be a bit more vague and simply section out the main topics, and the types of shots you want to go with them.

This is typically known as a shot list.

Where To Find Placeholder Images

And as far as your images go, you can source these from the internet as inspiration or placeholders, or you can even sketch them yourself (or hire a storyboard artist or graphic design expert), which is the traditional method of storyboarding. From hand-drawn stick figures on a piece of paper, to powerpoints, to advanced images generated with photoshop or storyboarding software, there is no wrong answer here. Each filmmaker will have different needs for their own storyboard.

But most of the time, finding placeholder frames in the correct aspect ratio on a stock media website like Filmpac can actually lead to inspiration and help you form the complete idea in your mind, and see how well it translates on paper..

Using real, cinematic imagery in storyboards and storyboard examples has changed and improved the way I plan my shoots and my storyboard process.

Summary

From small web videos to major feature films, storyboards are an essential part of the filmmaking pre-production process.

Taking the time to map out your video beforehand will make your shoot go smoother, and it will make your end product better.

Kevin Graham is the Music Director at Filmpac.
*Download free storyboard template here