Before you dive headfirst into the world of animation, it’s important to consider all the different elements and processes involved. Creating an animated piece involves much preparation and planning to make the process as seamless as possible. If you’re new to animation or want to brush up on your skills, creating a storyboard is one of the essential things you need before starting production. A storyboard depicts what is commonly referred to as “a visual roadmap” for your video. Essentially, it helps give direction and aids in a smooth production process that leads to an excellent final product. An effective storyboard lets the team understand exactly what they’ll be shooting. It also gives animators reference points for what should be animated when those animations should take place, and other details necessary for shooting.
In This Article – How to Create a Storyboard for Animation
- What is a Storyboard?
- Why Create a Storyboard for Animation?
- How to Create a Storyboard for Animation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a storyboard and a script?
- What is the difference between a storyboard and a shot list?
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What is a Storyboard?
A storyboard is a visual representation of a video’s script, usually created in a series of illustrations and drawings. In the world of animation, a storyboard is also referred to as an “animatic.” Essentially, a storyboard is a visual representation of “the flow” of a video — from start to finish — and how all the pieces fit together to make up the whole. This allows for a clear understanding of the video’s direction and execution. Moreover, a storyboard for animation is usually created in sequence, depicting each shot with drawings and sketches that are representative of the final product. It also includes drawings that depict things like camera movement, timing, and sound effects.
Why Create a Storyboard for Animation?
A common misconception is that a storyboard is only necessary if you’re creating an animated video. Although this is true in the sense that animation requires a storyboard, non-animated videos also benefit greatly from a visual roadmap. A storyboard is essentially a visual representation of your video’s script. It helps everyone on the team understand exactly what they’ll be shooting and makes the production process smoother overall. It also allows you to take some creative licenses and make changes if necessary. A well-planned video accompanied by a storyboard has the highest probability of success. This is especially true for videos for large audiences — for example, advertisements.
How to Create a Storyboard for Animation
There’s no one “right” way to create a storyboard for animation — it really depends entirely on what works best for you and your team. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when creating your storyboard to make the process easier and more effective.
First, ensure you’re following your script when creating your storyboard. This helps you avoid taking too many creative liberties and ensures that your storyboard is accurate. It also allows you to see if there are any parts of your script that needs altering.
Second, make sure that your storyboard is visually appealing. This might seem like a silly thing to keep in mind, but it’s actually helpful. A storyboard that is visually appealing makes it easier to understand what is going on and makes it more interesting to look at.
FAQs About Storyboard for Animation
Why do you create a storyboard?
A storyboard is a visual representation of your video’s script. It helps everyone on the team understand exactly what they’ll be filming and makes the production process smoother.
Can you change the storyboard after production?
Yes, you can change a storyboard any time you’d like. However, if you want to keep the integrity of your story, you should try to avoid making changes unless absolutely necessary.
What does a storyboard look like?
You can create a storyboard in a plethora of ways and can include drawings, sketches, and other visuals. It often includes timing, camera movements, and sound effects as well.
What is the difference between a storyboard and a script?
A storyboard is a visual representation of your script. It shows the flow of your video and how the different shots and scenes fit together to make up the whole. A script is written text that describes the story of your video. A script provides information like dialogue, plot points, and scene descriptions. A storyboard shows what the video looks like. The two go hand in hand and are useful together to make your video successful.
What is the difference between a storyboard and a shot list?
A storyboard depicts the visual flow of your video. It shows how the different shots and scenes fit together. A shot list, on the other hand, is a list of all the shots for a certain scene or sequence. A short list might include the camera angle and movement, the actors in each shot, and other specific details. A storyboard may also include these things, but it shows the bigger picture — the visual flow of the video as a whole.
Conclusion
A storyboard is an essential part of the animation process. It’s a visual representation of your script and helps everyone on the team understand exactly what they’ll be filming. A well-planned video that is accompanied by a storyboard has the highest probability of being successful. This is especially true for videos that are created for a large audience — for example, advertisements. If you’re new to animation or want to brush up on your skills, creating a storyboard is one of the essential things you need before production begins.
