Storyboarding
Simply put, a storyboard is the visual translation of your Step Treatment.It is a way to show that you understand the conventions of TV adverts or music videos
It is a way of bringing an advert or music video to life through the use of camera, music and effects. It is a way of completely understanding what an audio visual piece will look sound and feel like, without having to actually make it!
If you are in any doubt as to the importance of the importance of storyboarding then you should watch this comparison of Pre-Production storyboards and finished advert...
Just think about how much time and money was saved producing that advert
Three Golden Rules:
- You must use a variety of camera shots and appropriate editing techniques
- You must fill in everything on the storyboard
- The shot you have described must match the shot you have drawn
FAQ – there is usually only one Frequently Asked Question:
“But what if I’m not very good at drawing?!”
This doesn’t matter at all. My nine month old niece and my ninety year old nan both have more artistic talent than myself and yet I can storyboard because the idea of storyboarding is about getting information across simply.
If you can’t draw people then stick men will do – however you must remember Golden Rule no. 3 – if you’ve described your shot as a Close Up then we shouldn’t be able to see all of the stick man!
If something is not quite clear from your drawing (a specific prop or setting, for example) then it should be described fully in the notes section.
Here are some information that you will almost certainly need...
- How you number your shots is up to you, but you must be consistent and it must be clear which shot follows the last one.
- ‘Shot Length’ should be given in seconds – even if it is less than one.
- ‘Setting’ should always start with ‘INT:’ if the shot is an Interior Shot or, ‘EXT:’ if the shot is an Exterior Shot.
- On ‘Editing Notes’ always describe the transition to the next shot. For example ‘cut to…’ or ‘slowly dissolve to…’, etc.
- ‘Shot Type’ describes the distance of the camera from the subject e.g. CU or Wide. It also describes whether the camera is moving e.g. Panning Shot.
- ‘Camera Angle’ describes the angle of a shot or the direction of a movement.
- When writing in the ‘Dialogue’ box, ensure it is clear who is speaking.
And some terms to help you describe editing and transitions…
Dissolves: To mix from one scene to another, for example to show that time has passed in the same place.
Wipes: To make a narrative transition from one place to another.
Cuts: A direct interruption and switch to another place or time, to keep action moving quickly.
Fades: Emerging or disappearing scenes creates the effect of slowly departing or arriving into the place or mood of the narrative.
Jump Cut: A cut to later action from one filmed scene to the next, creating an effect of discontinuity or acceleration
Establishing Shot
The camera is set far back to show or to emphasise setting or location rather than the subject
Slo-mo
A moment which is played much slower than real time
Pan shot
The camera moves horizontally, taking in all the details along the way.
Tracking shot
The camera moves alongside characters either using a hand-held technique or smooth dolly tracks.
Zoom
The camera focuses in on, or out from, a subject by using a telephoto lens.
Mini cam
A tiny camera focuses in an unusual place for effect
Steadi-cam
A weighted camera is strapped to an opera to allow hand-held but controlled movement
Here is how to do it. Watch the infamous shower scene.
Jump Cut: A cut to later action from one filmed scene to the next, creating an effect of discontinuity or acceleration
Establishing Shot
The camera is set far back to show or to emphasise setting or location rather than the subject
Slo-mo
A moment which is played much slower than real time
Pan shot
The camera moves horizontally, taking in all the details along the way.
Tracking shot
The camera moves alongside characters either using a hand-held technique or smooth dolly tracks.
Zoom
The camera focuses in on, or out from, a subject by using a telephoto lens.
Mini cam
A tiny camera focuses in an unusual place for effect
Steadi-cam
A weighted camera is strapped to an opera to allow hand-held but controlled movement
Here is how to do it. Watch the infamous shower scene.
- How many shots do you think there are?
- What different variety of shots are there?
- What kind of editing is used?
Now go back to 1.01 and pause.
Look at the slides below - the first one just has the image, think about the information that needs to go around it. The slide afterwards reveals the 'answer'.
Look at the slides below - the first one just has the image, think about the information that needs to go around it. The slide afterwards reveals the 'answer'.
