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Difference Between a Storyboard & Storymap

Storyboarding and storymapping are both ways to understand the narrative and flow of a story. These two methods both create a graphic representation of a story, but they have very different uses. Understanding the differences between the two can help a student or filmmaker know which to use.
  1. Format

    • A storyboard is a visual representation of the story, usually of a video project. A storyboard provides each scene in the narrative and lays out the order and organization of scenes, often with accompanying text. A storyboard often appears like a comic-book page, with each page representing a specific scene. Storymapping is also visual, but it is generally on one page and consists only of text. A storymap allows the reader to break down specific points and ideas into categories using visual organization, generally with squares or circles in which the filmmaker can write.

    When it is Used

    • A storyboard is generally used when developing a video project, as it provides a way for the creator to map out the visual elements of their project. The storyboard always happens before the creation of the video. A storymap is often used to analyze a story by breaking down the different parts and explaining them visually. A storymap can be used to analyze any text, not just a visual one.

    Purpose of Use

    • A storyboard helps the director or creator of a video to lay out ideas for the final product. A storymap is used to analyze an existing text. Though an individual could use storymapping to brainstorm, it is usually an analysis and not a way of creating a new story, text or piece of video art.

    Ease of Use

    • While story mapping can be done by anyone, as it is created with just text, story boarding is a bit more complicated, as it involves drawing and the ability to organize the visuals in a way that makes sense and contributes to the narrative.

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