What is a storyboard?

Summary

In this video, Garry from ACMI explains the concept and importance of storyboarding in filmmaking. He discusses how storyboards serve as a visual guide for filmmakers, outlining camera shots and the placement of characters and objects within the scene. Garry emphasizes the role of storyboards in saving time and reducing stress during filming by providing a clear plan for each shot. He also touches on the use of shot types, camera movements, and basic illustrations to convey the desired action and emotion, offering a practical approach to creating effective storyboards for any project.

Takeaways

• 😀 A storyboard is a visual guide that illustrates how a film will look before actual filming begins.
• 😀 Storyboards help filmmakers visualize all the shots and plan the composition of each scene.
• 😀 Storyboards are similar to comic books, with panels representing the camera frame.
• 😀 A storyboard is created using a shot list, which breaks down the script into individual camera shots.
• 😀 Storyboards show the placement of characters, objects, and the setting in relation to each shot.
• 😀 Storyboard artists must decide what shot types (e.g., long shot, close-up, extreme close-up) to use for each scene to convey the right emotion and action.
• 😀 Advanced storyboards include arrows to show character movement and camera movements like panning and tilting.
• 😀 You don't need to be an expert illustrator to create effective storyboards, as the focus is on planning the shot composition.
• 😀 The purpose of storyboarding is to avoid improvisation during filming and save time by having a visual plan in place.
• 😀 A storyboard ensures that the filmmaker remains organized during filming and helps prevent stressful situations on set.

Q & A

What is a storyboard?

A storyboard is a guide that visualizes how a film will look, helping filmmakers plan all the shots before actually capturing footage. It is similar to a comic book, but the panels represent the camera frame.

How are the panels in a storyboard typically arranged?

The panels in a storyboard are usually rectangular because they represent the camera frame, helping filmmakers visualize what will appear in each shot.

What is the role of a shot list in creating a storyboard?

A shot list breaks down the information from the script into a series of camera shots. It serves as a basis for creating the storyboard, illustrating what each shot will look like.

Why is it important to show the positioning of characters and objects in a storyboard?

Showing the positioning of characters, objects, and other elements in a storyboard helps filmmakers understand their relationship to each other and to the setting, ensuring the shot effectively conveys the intended narrative and emotions.

What different shot types might a filmmaker choose for a storyboard, and why?

A filmmaker can choose from various shot types such as long shots, close-ups, or extreme close-ups. Each type helps convey different aspects of the action or emotion. For example, a long shot might establish the setting, while a close-up shows a character's emotional state.

How can arrows be used in advanced storyboarding?

In advanced storyboarding, arrows can indicate the movement of characters or objects within the shot, as well as camera movements such as panning or tilting.

Do you need to be a skilled artist to create effective storyboards?

No, you don't need to be a fantastic illustrator to create storyboards. The key is to convey the necessary information clearly so that the shooting process can follow a visual plan.

Why are storyboards important in the filmmaking process?

Storyboards are crucial because they provide a visual plan for each shot, helping filmmakers avoid confusion and time wasted during the filming process. With a clear plan, the filming process runs more smoothly, and there is less stress on set.

What problem can arise if you don't use a storyboard during filming?

Without a storyboard, filmmakers may end up improvising during filming, which can lead to wasted time, missed shots, and a chaotic production process.

How do storyboards help in a fast-paced filming environment?

Storyboards help filmmakers stay organized and efficient by providing a clear visual plan for each shot, reducing the need to make decisions on the fly and minimizing the risk of missing crucial footage.