Storyboard sketches

Storyboards are sequential sketches used in film and animation to plan scenes, camera angles, and movements before production.

About this subject

Storyboarding is a fundamental tool in the pre-production of films, animations, video games, and even commercials. It consists of a series of drawings representing the main shots of a scene, arranged in sequence like a comic strip. They allow directors, cinematographers, and screenwriters to visualize the narrative flow before any filming, saving time and resources.

Its origins trace back to the early days of cinema. Director Georges Méliès already sketched scenes in the early 20th century, but it was Walt Disney who systematized the process in the 1930s during the production of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' (1937). The team of artists created detailed drawings to coordinate complex animation. Since then, storyboarding has become an industry standard, used by filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, who meticulously planned each shot.

In an editorial context, magazines and print publications also use storyboards to plan photo shoots and layouts. The technique helps predict the arrangement of visual elements, lighting, and interaction between models and set. Although digital today, the principles remain the same: telling a visual story efficiently.

Fun fact: a storyboard can be so detailed that it includes notes on dialogue, sound effects, and camera movements. Some directors, like Hayao Miyazaki, draw complete storyboards with colors and textures, almost like a miniature film.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a storyboard and an animatic?

A storyboard is a sequence of static drawings, while an animatic is an edited version of the storyboard with audio and simulated camera movements, creating a prototype of the film.

What tools are used to create storyboards today?

Besides pencil and paper, software like Storyboard Pro, Toon Boom Harmony, and even graphic tablets with Photoshop are common. Many use 3D character models to assist.

Are storyboards only used in films?

No. They are also used in advertising, video games, theater, exhibitions, and even in user experience (UX) design to plan interactions.