Storyboard is a presentation using sketch drawings of scenes and the story contained in the script. Strada, as a CRM system for professionals in the creative industries – including film – allows for the development of this necessary outline of the plot in many productions.

In the following video, we can see a comparison of frames from the storyboard with the final shots – in this case for an animated production:

Drawings ordered chronologically by scene resemble comics. Such sketches are helpful in short films, such as advertisements, but also in large cinematic productions or even theatrical plays. It is not mandatory to create them, but they are an invaluable aid in the tangle of the created story.

Storyboard – origin

The beginnings of presenting scenes using sketches can be traced back to Los Angeles in the 1930s. The studio responsible for the creation of this method in film production was Walt Disney's studio. Storyboards were made for animated films – the first being Three Little Pigs:

Later, storyboards began to be used in feature films. The initial realization created with the participation of storyboard artists was the famous Gone with the Wind.

In the 1930s and 1940s, when this method became standard practice in most productions, drawings were made on sheets of paper – one scene per sheet. They were provided to the film crew in a layout consistent with the chronology of the frames in the film.

Currently, there are computer programs for developing storyboards. It is advantageous when a skilled, experienced graphic designer prepares them. This allows for quick changes so as not to lose important ideas related to the modification of the script. In smaller productions, we can sketch ourselves – even without artistic talent. It is important, however, that the storyboard
for the client has a professional form!

Storyboard – advantages

There are many benefits to creating scene sketches:

• They are useful in gathering thoughts and ideas – drawings can help to specify the plot at the stage before and during scriptwriting;

• They facilitate planning for filming – seeing consecutive scenes can efficiently organize recording equipment, lighting, and preparing the crew, which contributes to optimal resource management;

• They help in presenting ideas – a sketch explains many issues much better than spoken words – both to the team and the client;

• They bring savings – seeing the chronology of scenes can eliminate those that do not contribute to the action – we then gain time during post-production by reducing the removal of unnecessary frames.

When we are convinced of the validity of this working method, it is worth analyzing how to execute the sketches properly.

Storyboard – features

Sketches can be prepared in many ways – there are no standard rules. However, it is important to maintain consistency in style and standardization for a given production's details. Usually, it is necessary to limit oneself to the most important elements. A certain rule is to increase the number of details in sketches for minimalist productions. On the other hand, large, complex productions with rich scenery and outdoor locations should be presented schematically – focusing on key information.

It is worth mentioning the division of storyboards into groups depending on their execution. Although there are no strict rules for execution, there are methods that divide sketches into several groups.

Storyboard – categories

The basic sketch is made with a pencil. This facilitates making changes without loss of legibility and saves paper. The second group consists of colored, more detailed drawings. The third method involves digital presentation – there are a number of programs that facilitate the creation of storyboards, even with added sound effects. We then obtain the most realistic scheme of the future film.

Useful tips

Using a computer certainly improves the quality of the schemes we want to present to the client. For the client ordering the production, it is worth expanding the range of storyboards by a few additional elements. Under frames with scene drawings, explanations and even dialogues can be added. It is worth supplementing the presentation with information describing in which scenes music or the narrator's voice will appear.

Significant changes in the plot should be described with separate sketches. A good practice is also numbering scenes and indicating with arrows the direction of movement of characters and objects in the film.

When working on the script, it is advisable to remember that the best ideas appear during the free flow of ideas, thoughts, and comments within the team. Therefore, we recommend looking for the childlike joy in the work being done, even with a tight schedule. Sharing opinions, also with the participation of the client, and balanced striving for the best effect
without pressure for perfection can contribute to the success of the film production.

We provide tools and functions for managing work – creative artists gain efficiency in creating their ideas.