Planning shots visually.
WHAT A STORYBOARD IS
A drawn sequence showing each shot before it is made.
WHY DRAWING ABILITY DOES NOT MATTER
Stick figures and boxes communicate framing perfectly well.
WHAT EACH FRAME SHOULD SHOW
The shot size What is in frame Any camera movement Roughly what is said
WHAT IT ACHIEVES
Agreement before expense Identification of shots that are difficult or impossible A shooting order
WHY AGREEMENT MATTERS MOST
Changing a concept on paper costs minutes; changing it after shooting costs the shoot.
WHAT TO STORYBOARD ALWAYS
Animation Anything with a client approving concept Anything complex or expensive
WHAT NEEDS ONLY A SHOT LIST
Interviews Event coverage Straightforward documentary
WHAT AN ANIMATIC IS
A storyboard timed to the narration.
WHAT IT REVEALS
Whether the pacing works, before any production.
WHY THAT IS VALUABLE
Pacing problems are otherwise found at the edit, when it is too late.
WHAT TO SHARE WITH THE CLIENT
The animatic, and get approval on it.
WHAT TO TREAT AS LOCKED AFTERWARDS
The structure.
