How can you make your storyboard accessible to everyone on the production team?

1 Choose a format

There are different ways to create a storyboard, depending on your preference, budget, and time. You can draw it by hand, use a software program, or combine both methods. The format you choose should be easy to share, update, and print. You should also consider the level of detail and realism you need for your storyboard. Some formats allow you to add annotations, colors, sounds, and movements, while others are more simple and sketchy. Choose a format that suits your project and your team.

2 Follow a standard layout

A storyboard usually consists of a series of panels, each representing a shot or a scene. Each panel should have a number, a description, and optionally, some technical information. The number indicates the order of the shots, the description summarizes the action and dialogue, and the technical information specifies the camera angle, movement, lighting, and sound. You can use a template or create your own layout, but make sure to follow a standard format that everyone can understand and follow.

3 Use symbols and arrows

One of the challenges of creating a storyboard is to convey the movement and direction of the characters, objects, and camera. To make your storyboard more clear and dynamic, you can use symbols and arrows to indicate these elements. For example, you can use a circle to mark the position of the camera, a line to show the direction of the camera movement, and an arrow to show the direction of the character or object movement. You can also use different colors or shapes to differentiate between different types of movements.

4 Label your transitions

Another important aspect of your storyboard is to show how you want to transition from one shot or scene to another. Transitions can affect the pace, mood, and continuity of your film, so you need to make them clear and consistent. You can label your transitions with words or symbols, such as cut, dissolve, fade, wipe, or match cut. You can also use arrows or lines to show how the shots or scenes are connected or related.

5 Share and revise

Once you have created your storyboard, you need to share it with your team and get their feedback. You can use online tools, cloud storage, or email to send your storyboard to your team members. You can also print it and display it on a wall or a board. You should encourage your team to ask questions, make suggestions, and point out any errors or inconsistencies. You should also be open to revise your storyboard based on their input and the changes that may occur during the production.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?