how to storyboard (even if you can't draw)

Summary

In this video, the speaker highlights three simple yet effective methods for creating storyboards, even for those without drawing skills. The first method involves pulling frames from other films to match your shot list, focusing on composition. The second method recommends shooting stills of scenes with friends to align with the script. The third method encourages drawing basic storyboards, even if you're not an artist, using tools like an iPad and storyboard templates. The video emphasizes that clarity and communication are key to successful storyboarding, helping to streamline the production process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Storyboarding is a crucial step in communicating your vision to the client and avoiding confusion during production.
• 😀 You don’t need to be an artist to create storyboards – photos, screen grabs, or simple sketches can work just fine.
• 😀 The goal of a storyboard is to communicate the flow and shots of the story clearly, not to create high-art visuals.
• 😀 A good storyboard helps explain the layout of shots, camera movement, and transitions between scenes to the team.
• 😀 Method 1: Using frames from other movies can be an efficient way to create storyboards. Focus on composition, not content.
• 😀 Method 2: Shooting stills that match your storyboard frames can be an easy and effective way to plan your shots.
• 😀 For digital storyboards, you can import your stills into a non-linear editor and test your shot coverage with audio.
• 😀 Method 3: Drawing your own storyboards, even if they're rough, helps you think visually and plan your shots.
• 😀 Using tools like an iPad can speed up the process, allowing for copying, pasting, and layering elements in your drawings.
• 😀 Don't worry about perfection in your storyboards; focus on getting the ideas across clearly and quickly to avoid getting stuck in the details.
• 😀 Storyboarding is part of the process and should not be rushed—it's the practice that leads to mastery in visualizing your project.

Q & A

Why is storyboarding so important in filmmaking?

Storyboarding is essential for clearly communicating a director's vision to the client and the production team. It helps avoid confusion during production and can save time by providing a visual guide for how the story will unfold.

Do you need to be an artist to create a storyboard?

No, you don't need to be an artist to create a storyboard. The key is making sure the storyboard is easy to understand, and you can use photos, screen grabs, or even simple sketches to convey the shots.

What is the main goal when creating a storyboard?

The goal is to clearly explain how the story will unfold visually, focusing on composition, camera movements, and how scenes will transition from one to the next. This ensures that everyone on the team is on the same page.

What is the first method of storyboarding mentioned in the script?

The first method is pulling frames from other movies. You find shots from films that match your shot list, focusing on the composition and camera movements, not necessarily the content.

How can Frame Set help in the storyboarding process?

Frame Set is an AI-powered platform that helps filmmakers find inspiration and reference shots that match the mood of the film. It has a library of high-quality images from movies, music videos, and commercials, making it a useful tool for storyboarding.

What should you consider when breaking down a script into shots for storyboarding?

You should consider where the scene takes place (indoor or outdoor), the setting, the camera movement (e.g., panning, tilting), and the actions of the characters. Optionally, you can also include lighting details.

What is the second method for creating a storyboard?

The second method is shooting stills. This involves gathering friends or actors, going to a location similar to your story setting, and taking photos that match the storyboard frames.

How does shooting stills improve the storyboarding process?

Shooting stills allows you to visualize the actual setting and composition of the shots. It also helps you test your shot plan by editing the stills with audio from the screenplay, making it easier to evaluate the coverage.

What is the third method for creating a storyboard?

The third method is drawing your own storyboards. Even if you're not good at drawing, this method helps you think visually and plan the shots. Using tools like an iPad can simplify the process, making it easier to copy elements from shot to shot.

Why is it important to keep storyboards simple?

Storyboards need to be simple because the goal is to communicate the vision clearly and quickly. Overcomplicating the storyboard can distract from its purpose, which is to convey the essential details of each shot and scene transition.