As a video production companycompany we not only film and edit productions, we also script, produce and storyboard them. We are currently storyboarding a potential music video production project as we speak!
So what is a storyboard?
A storyboard is a form of graphic organiser in the shape of illustrations, images or text, displaying the sequence of scenes which will appear in a video production.
Created from the script, it acts as a large comic, allowing a visualisation of events to be seen on the screen for directors and cinematographers to follow. Storyboards often include arrows or further camera instructions to indicate movement and help aid the camera operators.
Some video productions have no storyboards drafted while others will go into painstaking detail. For example, Akira Kurosawa’s storyboarding for the movie, Ran (1985), is now regarded as a work of fine art due to the amount of detail he included in every storyboard scene. Images below taken from original storyboards
Storyboards are sometimes used as a proposal or other business presentation to convince or compel action. For example, Joel and Ethan Coen, use storyboard extensively before taking a pitch to their funders, stating that it helps them to get the support they require, since they can show exactly where the money will be used.
Ultimately, Storyboards visually show all activities and relationships within a script to aid crew, measure cost resources, identify and eliminate potential risks, and identity and evaluate any need of improvement before production begins.
Why are storyboards important?
As briefly mentioned above, the most significant advantage of creating and using a storyboard is that it allows the video production crew to visualise the intended outcome and experiment with ways of improving the storyline and evoking stronger reactions/interest in key scenes. This keeps all members of the video production crew in check and up to speed, allowing team-building and brainstorming to produce the most positive professional outcome of a production. It also keeps key funders/producers/clients aware of their video production movement.
What happens after the storyboard is made?
Once your storyboard receives the ok from your client you can start putting the visuals on paper into action. It is important to remember that Storyboards are only a guideline and it is possible to differ away from them when filming if something changes on the day.
NoStairway Media love video production and hope you have found this blog on Storyboarding interesting. We are always keen to hear new ideas – so keep watching this space to hear more on our video production ventures… Let’s get Creative!
