VTK Productions :: 'How to draw storyboards' (Tutorial)

TUTORIAL:
HOW TO DRAW STORYBOARDS
Difficulty level: Easy
Kyle van Tonder

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A storyboard is a series of sketches, drawings or photographs used to plan and prepare for filming (one may consider storyboards as virtual shoots in this sense). As your filmmaking skills develop and the scope of your films increase you’ll realize more and more that storyboards are a small but essential component of directing and producing a film.

STORYBOARD ADVANTAGES:

Storyboards…

…generally save time on-set.
…help to avoid rushed decisions on-set.
…helps you improve and get feedback on ideas.
…help to give you an idea of how many cameras and camera angles you’ll need.
…help you prepare for any special and visual effect shots.
…help you to experiment with different angles and techniques.
…help to orientate actors and crew members.
…helps with the overall pre-production of the film.
…can be used as a base for filming.
…can help with continuity.
…bring your ideas to reality!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Drawing apparatus (pencil, eraser, pen, the usual…)
A template (not essential but does speed up the process)
Your script / screenplay.
Some creativity, inspiration, and motivation.

WHAT TO REMEMBER:

Large productions hire storyboarding artists to draw for them so don’t worry about how your storyboards look. Most of the time simple stick figures will do the trick.
Don’t let storyboards constrain you. Your scenes will probably only slightly resemble (sometimes not at all) the storyboards.
Storyboarding the entire movie (or even scene) is not necessary (as long as you can justify it).
Remember; there are no real storyboard standards or rules, only guidelines (just like this). Storyboards come in different styles, find yours and stick to it!

STORYBOARD TERMINOLOGY:

The following terminology is used in most storyboards to describe the frame composition, angle and setting. They usually appear in the heading of the frame.

CLOSE-UP SHOT or CU: Subject does not fill frame but is not in full view. E.g. Waist to head.
BIG CLOSE UP or BCU: Subject fills screen fully. E.g. Actors face.
HIGH CAMERA ANGLE: Camera looks down to subject. E.g. From a crane.
LEVEL CAMERA ANGLE: Camera is at same level as subject.
LOW CAMERA ANGLE: Looking at subject from below. Makes the subject look significant.
LONG SHOT or LS: A shot from maximum distance.
ESTABLISHING or EST: Usually makes use of a Long Shot to set the scene.
POINT OF VIEW or POV / FIRST PERSON: A shot seen through the characters eyes.

USING ARROWS:

Arrows are regularly used in storyboards as they can drastically save time. An arrow can be used to indicate a single movement instead of drawing up multiple frames:

Using arrows in storyboards:

ZOOMING:
By placing a floating box in a frame with arrows you indicate zooming.

MOVEMENT:
Single arrows are usually used to indicate simple movements.

	PANNING: Floating boxes with arrows can be used to show panning.

NOTES:

It’s usually a good idea to write down any thoughts that come up while you draw your storyboards. These can include anything from sound effects, visual and special effects to acting styles and Make-up. Whatever template you use make sure there is space for notes.

GENERAL TIPS:

In the end take a chance to look back through your storyboard. At this stage you should realize what needs to be changed…
Facial details are not important in storyboards, leave this to the actor…
Study the shooting location thoroughly beforehand. You’ll find it easier to compose shoots within your storyboards if you have done this.
Think through your scene/s before storyboarding.
Don’t be afraid to scratch out. Storyboards are there to make the mistakes beforehand.
Drawing storyboards just before you shoot a scene is usually preferred. Drawing your entire film in one sitting never works.
Don’t forget to enjoy it; if it’s a burden then it won’t be great at all.

TEMPLATES:

Provided (downloadable below) are templates which can be used for basic storyboarding. Feel free to print as many copies as you like.


		Storyboard Templates (PDF, 36 KB)


		Storyboard Templates (DOC, 46 KB)

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Revised: 03-01-09

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This document is Copyright. Copyright © 2009 Kyle van Tonder and VTK Productions. You use this tutorial only as a guide and as so at your own risk! VTK Productions, the author or affiliates are not responsible for any damage, costs, etc resulting from this document in any way. You visit any listed third party sites and download any attached files at your own risk.