Storyboarding is one of the first steps in creating a video. Whether you’re making a short film, a marketing video, or even a YouTube tutorial, storyboarding helps you map out your shots and visualize your story before you start filming. It’s like creating a visual blueprint that guides you through the production process.
But if you’ve never storyboarded before, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, though—we’ll walk you through the process step by step in this simple guide. By the end, you’ll understand the importance of storyboarding and how to create one that works for you.
What is a Storyboard and Why Do You Need One?
At its core, a storyboard is a series of drawings (or sketches) that represent the scenes in your video. Think of it like a comic strip for your film—each panel shows a shot or action that will happen in the video. This helps you organize your ideas and plan the visual flow of your video before you start filming.
Why is it so important? Here’s why:
Clarifies the Vision: A storyboard helps everyone involved understand what the video will look like. From the director to the actors, everyone knows what to expect.
Saves Time: When you know exactly what you need to film, it cuts down on confusion and reshoots. You’ll be more efficient on set.
Improves Creativity: Storyboarding helps you visualize different angles, camera movements, and transitions. It can spark new creative ideas that you may not have thought of otherwise.
Smoothens Editing: When you’ve planned out your shots in advance, editing becomes much easier. You’ll already know how everything will fit together.
Step-by-Step Guide to Storyboarding a Video
Step-by-Step Guide to Storyboarding a Video
Let’s break down the storyboarding process into simple steps. Whether you're creating a 30-second ad or a short film, these steps will help you get started.
1. Write a Script or Outline
Before you start drawing, you need to know what your video is about. You can’t storyboard without a solid plan. This typically starts with a script or outline. A script describes what’s happening in each scene, including any dialogue. An outline can be a simple list of key actions.
For example, let’s say you’re storyboarding a commercial about a new phone. The script might look like this:
Scene 1: Close-up of the phone’s sleek design.
Scene 2: Person uses the phone to make a call.
Scene 3: Phone’s camera in action, snapping a picture.
Having this basic script or outline helps you decide which scenes to storyboard.
2. Choose the Shots You Need
Think about the type of shots that will best communicate the action in your video. These shots will guide your storyboard illustrations. Some common types of shots include:
Wide Shots: Show the entire scene or location.
Medium Shots: Focus on people or objects from the waist up.
Close-ups: Zoom in on a particular detail, like someone’s face or an object.
Over-the-Shoulder Shots: Common in conversations, showing the perspective of one character.
Let’s take our phone commercial example. You might need a wide shot for the scene where the person is using the phone in a café, followed by a close-up to show the camera in action.
3. Start Sketching the Scenes
Now that you know which shots you need, it’s time to start sketching them out. Don’t worry if you’re not an artist—storyboards don’t have to be perfect. Stick figures or simple shapes will do just fine, as long as they show the key action in each scene.
For example:
In Scene 1 (the phone’s design), you can draw a simple outline of the phone in the middle of the frame.
In Scene 2 (making a call), you could sketch a character holding the phone to their ear with a speech bubble indicating they’re talking.
Make sure to include the most important details: What’s the action? How is the camera positioned? Is it moving or still?
4. Add Descriptions for Each Shot
Next, add short descriptions under each sketch. These notes will explain the action, camera movement, and anything else that’s important. For example:
Scene 1: Close-up of the phone on a table.
Description: Camera zooms in to show the phone’s screen, highlighting its sleek design.
Scene 2: Medium shot of the person using the phone.
Description: Character smiles while holding the phone to their ear, background slightly blurred.
These descriptions add context and make it easier for everyone on set to understand what needs to be done.
5. Think About Transitions
You’ll also want to consider how one scene transitions into another. Does the next scene start right after the last one (a cut), or is there a fade or dissolve? Make a note of how you want the scenes to flow together. This helps with the pacing and rhythm of your video.
For example:
Scene 1 transitions with a smooth fade to Scene 2 (as the character picks up the phone).
Scene 2 could cut directly to Scene 3, where the camera zooms in on the phone’s camera feature.
6. Review and Revise
Once your storyboard is complete, take a step back and review it. Does it flow logically? Are all the shots necessary? You might find that some scenes need adjusting or removing. This is normal—storyboarding is an evolving process.
For example, you might realize that the phone’s design looks better in a wide shot rather than a close-up, so you can swap them. Don’t be afraid to revise!
Tips for Making Your Storyboard Work Even Better
Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind while you’re creating your storyboard:
Keep it simple: You don’t need detailed artwork—focus on the key shots and actions.
Use color: If you have time, use color to highlight important details, like lighting or mood.
Think about timing: Note how long each shot will last. This will help with pacing later on.
Be flexible: Sometimes, what you plan in the storyboard might not work on set. Be ready to adjust when needed.
Tools to Make Storyboarding Easier
While traditional storyboarding can be done with pencil and paper, there are several tools that can help make the process faster and more efficient. Here are some options:
Boords: A simple tool for creating digital storyboards that’s perfect for teams. It allows you to add images, descriptions, and even animations.
StudioBinder: A professional tool used by filmmakers to organize storyboards, call sheets, and shooting schedules.
Canva: A user-friendly design tool that offers templates for storyboarding.
Storyboard That: An online tool that provides pre-made characters and scenes, allowing you to create storyboards quickly.
Conclusion: Start Storyboarding Today
Storyboarding is a powerful tool that can make the process of creating a video much easier and more organized. By following these simple steps, you can plan your shots, communicate your vision, and set yourself up for a smoother filming and editing process.
Remember, your first storyboard doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s about communicating your ideas clearly and making sure everyone on your team knows what’s expected. So grab a pen, start sketching, and let your ideas come to life on the page before you hit record!
