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How to Write a Storyboard for a Film

Storyboards help a filmmaker visualize a film before it is shot. While technically optional in the filmmaking project, it saves time and money when deciding how to shoot your movie, filming and editing. There are several ways to put together a storyboard, and this particular method can be used on your own or collaboratively.

Things You'll Need

  • Illustration or photo-editing software
  • Printer
  • Yellow sticky notes
  • Tape
  • White board
  • Scanner
  • Slideshow or presentation software
  • Digital microphone or computer with sound recording capability (it does not have to be professional sound quality)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a template on your illustration or editing software. Decide on the size of your panels. Some prefer panels with the same aspect ratio of a TV set, a movie theater or a shape halfway between the two. Of course, yellow sticky notes work just as well. It's all a question of how you want to do it.

    • 2

      Illustrate your panels. The artwork doesn't have to be perfect.

    • 3

      Put your panels up on a whiteboard, and write the dialogue that happens in that shot and any action that happens. If you are working in a group, this is a good way to get everyone's input. Move the panels around, adding to them until you get the sequence you want.

    • 4

      Scan the pictures into your computer and put them together as a slide show. Record a rough dialogue track yourself. You can make this as "professional" or as rough as you want. You can add sound effects or make the sounds yourself, even add a soundtrack if you're so inclined.

    • 5

      Once the storyboard and rough track is approved, make a shot list from it. List shots you will need from every location and sequence. This will save time when you film. Use the rough track and storyboard as a blueprint when editing.

Film Production

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