Storyboard sketches

Storyboards are sequential sketches that plan scenes for films, animations and commercials, essential in audiovisual pre-production.

About this subject

Storyboarding is a visual planning tool widely used in the entertainment industry. It consists of a sequence of drawings representing the main shots and camera angles of an audiovisual production, whether a film, series, animation or commercial. The goal is to visualize the narrative before filming, allowing adjustments to pacing, framing and continuity in a cost-effective manner.

The practice of storyboarding was popularized at Disney animation studios in the 1930s, notably for the film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937). The term "storyboard" emerged in this context. Later, directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Akira Kurosawa used detailed storyboards to plan complex sequences. Hitchcock, for instance, created meticulous storyboards that functioned almost as a complete visual script, reducing on-set improvisation.

In modern production, storyboarding is a critical pre-production stage. Specialized artists called storyboard artists translate the script into frames that specify framing, camera movements and character expressions. Digital tools like Toon Boom Storyboard Pro and Adobe Photoshop streamline the process, but many professionals still prefer hand-drawn sketches for speed and creative flow.

Interestingly, storyboards are not limited to film. They are used in video games, architecture (to preview visual paths), and even live events such as concerts and theater performances. The technique is also applied in UX design to map user journeys, demonstrating its versatility as a visual communication tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a storyboard and an animatic?

A storyboard consists of static sequential sketches, while an animatic is the animated version of the storyboard with timed cuts and soundtrack, used to test the scene's pacing.

Do I need to be good at drawing to make a storyboard?

Not necessarily. The key is to clearly communicate framing, action and movement. Many storyboards are done with simple, quick sketches.

Which software is used for digital storyboarding?

Common tools include Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Storyboarder (free) and Celtx. Some professionals also use tablets with drawing apps like Procreate.