Storyboarding Multimedia Broadcast

What is a storyboard? A storyboard is a drawing that represents the idea of what you think you would like your scripted shots to look like. Generally they are put together on a paper that has several small squares for you to draw your shots in. Often, there are lines below each box to allow the artist or director to write out dialogue or screen directions.

Reasons to storyboard Visualize your shots. After writing the script, you can see what it might look like. Your crew will understand what you want. Depict any planned camera movements. Draw arrows to show movement or zoom.

But I can’t draw! Obviously, most examples you will find from a simple Internet search will leave you questioning your artistic ability. Some artists make a living storyboarding; you do not need to be quite as “thorough.” Start with basic principles.

Just Do Your Best Courtesy: Matthew Johnson

Just Do Your Best Courtesy: Darian Hughes

Storyboarding and camera placement Basic Ideas Use the 180 Rule

The 180 rule An artificial line that you should use to make sure the camera stays within 180 degrees or one side of the line.

Camera placement Basic ideas Use the 180 rule Follow the rule of thirds

Rule of thirds The screen is divided into nine sections The easiest way to visualize the screen is to imagine there is a tic-tac-toe board The person’s eyes or point of interest should be on the top left or right intersecting lines Be sure to leave lead room or nose room as to not cut-off the subject’s point of view Gabriella Doran, 2013

Camera placement Basic ideas Use the 180 rule Follow the rule of thirds Plan camera movements

Camera movements Pan Tilt Pedestal Dolly Trucking Turning left or right. Tilt Raising the lens (up) or lowering the lens (down) Pedestal Rather than tilting the camera up or down, you physically move the camera up and down Dolly Often, your camera is on a tripod with wheels and the camera physically moves closer to or farther away Trucking Similar to a dolly, the camera is usually on a trip with wheels and the camera physically moves left or right

Camera placement Basic ideas Use the 180 rule Follow the rule of thirds Plan camera movements Know and secure your location

Location scouting When you get ready to storyboard, don’t draw a scene on the moon if you can’t get your crew to the moon. What realistic interview locations do you have around your school? The area should have relatively good light. The area should be reasonably quiet. The surroundings should be someone neutral and not to scattered. It should be a place you can easily gain access to. Don’t expect to be able to use your principal’s office anytime you need it.

Location scouting practice Split into small teams Using a digital camera, cell phone or tablet, begin scouting possible filming locations. Create a digital presentation that shows the images you took of each location. Along with each image, write a short description that covers the strengths and weaknesses of each location.

Concept review Basic ideas Use the 180 rule. Follow the rule of thirds. Plan camera movements. Know and secure your location. Have an idea of the type of people you would like as your cast.

Choosing your talent or cast In high school, you don’t have the luxury of having a number of people auditioning for one spot. Here are just some of the questions you should ask before you rely on anyone to be talent or a cast member of your production: Is the person right for your show goals? Does the person’s physical stature fit the scripted role? Can the person speak well? Does the person have the availability that you need to accomplish your goals? Does the person have the proper attire for your production needs?

Shot type review & visualization Wide shot (WS) Medium shot (MS) Close-up (CU) Extreme close-up (ECU) Long shot (LS) Over the shoulder (OTS) Point of view (POV) Either print the JEA Storyboard Template or take out a piece of paper and draw two students sitting in your cafeteria for each of the shots listed on this page.

Storyboarding research In small groups of 2-3, you will create a presentation of your five favorite storyboards. Using a search engine, search for storyboarding examples. Create a short presentation that depicts your five favorite. Be sure to point out camera movements, zooms and instructions you see on the storyboard.

Storyboard practice: film Using the provided storyboard template, try storyboarding a one-minute scene from one of your favorite movies. Be sure to play and pause as often as you need to make sure you don’t miss any camera angles or movements. Also, list any dialogue that goes along with each frame.

Storyboard practice: interview Choose one of the locations you scouted from around the school. Using the provided storyboard template, draw a storyboard to show how you would place your talent, where you would place your cameras (and the type of shot they would be getting). Show a potential director how you envision that interview would take place when the two people on camera begin talking.