A lot of preparation goes into every film - even a short one for social media or the front page of a website. One of the most important tools in that preparation is the storyboard. This is where your idea turns into concrete images, long before the camera rolls.
In this guide we look at what a storyboard is, why it is so useful, and how to make your own in three steps. At the bottom you can download our storyboard template for free.
A storyboard is a visual plan for your film - shot by shot. It consists of a series of simple drawings or images, where each frame shows one shot, with short notes on what happens and what is said. Think of it as a comic-strip version of your script.
The drawings do not have to be pretty - stick figures are perfectly fine. The goal is not art but clarity: that everyone can picture the film before it is shot.
A storyboard saves you time, money and misunderstandings. Once the story is drawn out, you spot gaps and unnecessary shots before they become expensive to fix on the shoot day.
It also makes collaboration easier. Client, director, cinematographer and editor can all picture the same film and agree on the direction from the start - instead of discovering disagreements once the footage is already in the can.
You need neither expensive software nor drawing talent. Follow the three steps below and you are well on your way.
1. Start with a template
You do not have to start with a blank sheet of paper. A template with empty frames for each shot makes it quick to get going and keeps your storyboard clear. Download our free template at the bottom of the page, print it out, or draw straight into it.
2. Add your script
Go through your script and break it into individual shots. Write the matching text or voice-over under each frame, so image and sound stay in sync. Now you have the backbone of your storyboard before you even start drawing.
3. Draw your story
Draw each shot in its own frame - simple and clear. Feel free to mark camera movements with arrows for zoom, pan and cut. When you are done, you have a visual script that guides the whole production from idea to finished film.
Ready to get started? Download our simple storyboard template, print it out, and fill in the frames shot by shot.
Should your story be filmed?
A good storyboard is the first step. We turn it into finished film that works - from idea to delivered video. Let's have a chat about your next project.
