What is a Storyboard?

Key Elements of a Storyboard

There are a few components that make up an effective storyboard:

Frames and Composition

Each frame shows a moment in the video, which the audience will see. It doesn’t have to be a work of art. Simple sketches, even basic shapes, are enough to communicate layout and action.

Composition helps determine what viewers focus on and how information is conveyed visually. A consistent style across all frames supports narrative flow and keeps production on track.

Camera Angles and Movement

Annotations can indicate whether the camera is static or moving, and if so, how. This helps with shot planning and supports the technical team in preparing gear and movement rigs.

Planning angles in advance can also guide location scouting, lighting setup, gear selection, and drone filming preparation, if applicable. Storyboards that include clear motion indicators help cinematographers capture footage more efficiently.

Character and Scene Layout

Positioning matters. Where people or objects appear in a frame impacts the visual balance and messaging. These cues help plan blocking and shot consistency across scenes.

When the storyboard includes a spatial layout, it reduces the need for on-set guesswork. This is particularly helpful when multiple takes are needed or when using a green screen or animation overlays.

Types of Storyboards

Different productions call for different approaches. Whether digital or analogue, the format should suit the needs of the project and the team.

Traditional Hand-Drawn Storyboards

Quick, rough sketches done by hand. They’re ideal in the early stages where ideas are still forming. Directors or producers often use them during concept meetings.

For smaller teams or short-form content, these can be produced quickly and offer flexibility to experiment with ideas before refining the visuals. This approach keeps the creative process fluid before decisions are locked in.

Digital Storyboards

Using tools like Storyboarder or Photoshop, teams can produce cleaner, editable boards that integrate into larger production workflows. This is especially useful when working with remote teams or clients.

Digital boards allow for better version control, easy sharing, and direct linking with scripts or shot lists. They also make client revisions easier to action and track. As video projects become more collaborative and data-driven, digital boards offer a scalable solution.

Animatics: The Next Step

Animatics combines storyboard images with audio, motion, and timing. This gives a more dynamic preview of the final product. It’s a helpful step before filming or animating, especially for high-investment content where pacing and tone need approval early on.

An animatic can help stakeholders sign off on edits before production, limiting the need for time-consuming and costly revisions later. It’s particularly useful in animation, where changing assets after the final render can be expensive.

How to Create a Storyboard

Creating a storyboard doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple five-step approach:

Step 1: Understand the Script

After writing an effective video script, carefully craft its message, tone, and structure. Highlight visual moments or key information that must appear on the screen.

If a script doesn’t yet exist, start by outlining the key messages or scenes to be included. Collaborating with the client or content team early ensures that the visual direction matches the business objectives.

Step 2: Break Down the Scenes

Split the content into scenes or logical sections. This helps define the pacing and allows for easier planning of visuals that align with the script.

This breakdown also makes it easier to schedule shoot days, prepare props, and estimate crew needs. In corporate or commercial settings, it helps map out different deliverables for various platforms.

Step 3: Sketch the Frames

Create basic drawings that show what happens in each scene. Keep it simple, boxes, arrows, and stick figures are perfectly acceptable if they convey the action.

The aim is clarity, not perfection. If using software, explore template tools that speed up the process. Consider using consistent frame ratios that match the intended output format (e.g., 16:9 or vertical).

Step 4: Add Notes and Annotations

Add text to support each frame. This could include direction on camera angles, movements, audio cues, or dialogue. The more context, the better.

Use annotations to include brand-specific requirements, such as logo placements, colour palettes, or font usage. These visual guidelines are helpful for post-production and design alignment.

Step 5: Refine and Finalise

Once all frames are drafted, review them with the wider team or client. Use feedback to tighten the sequence and confirm production requirements.

Finalising a storyboard includes checking for narrative flow, verifying practical feasibility, and ensuring that every planned shot has a clear purpose. A polished storyboard helps set accurate expectations.

Storyboarding in Different Industries

Storyboards aren’t just for film or TV. They’re used across different industries to bring structure and clarity to visual storytelling.

Film and Television

From action sequences to dialogue-heavy scenes, storyboards are essential in planning how a narrative unfolds visually. For these productions, they help coordinate departments like costume, props, and visual effects.

In productions with complex set pieces or visual effects, a storyboard allows different teams to collaborate with a unified understanding of the visual plan.

Advertising and Commercials

Storyboards help pitch, plan, and produce ads efficiently. When time is short and expectations are high, having a clear roadmap allows creative and marketing teams to work together more effectively.

They also ensure consistency across multiple assets, such as cutdowns for different platforms, by keeping visual branding aligned from the outset.

Corporate and Educational Videos

Storyboards keep business content on brand and on brief. They help manage internal approvals and ensure training content is accurate, engaging, and easy to follow.

In educational settings, they help align visuals with learning objectives, ensuring that visual aids support the message.

Common Mistakes and Best Practices

A few simple strategies can keep your storyboard useful and relevant throughout production.

Overcomplicating the Frames

Stick to what matters. If the message is clear, there’s no need to add excessive detail. Simple sketches often work best.

Overcomplicating the visual plan can slow down approvals and confuse production crews. Focus on intent, not artistry.

Ignoring Camera Movements

If a scene involves panning, zooming, or any kind of motion, include it. Otherwise, the production team might not shoot what was intended.

Noting movement helps with equipment decisions—whether a handheld look is preferred or if stabilisation is needed.

Not Considering the Audience

Think about who the video is for. Storyboards should reflect the style, tone, and pacing appropriate for that audience. A technical training video will look different from a product promo.

When the visual style doesn’t match the viewer’s expectations, engagement drops. Tailoring visuals to audience needs ensures the message lands as intended.

Collaboration and Feedback

Storyboards should be reviewed, shared, and adjusted. They’re working documents. Getting input early helps avoid miscommunication and ensures the final product reflects everyone’s expectations.

Inviting feedback early also improves client satisfaction. It’s easier to change a sketch than to re-shoot a scene.

Why Every Filmmaker Needs a Storyboard

Whether you’re producing internal content, client-facing videos, or animated explainers, a storyboard helps clarify the creative vision from the outset. It’s not just a planning tool, it’s a way to save time, manage budgets, and keep everyone aligned.

In teams managing multiple shoots or working across regions, storyboards reduce the risk of inconsistency and increase production efficiency. They offer a practical framework that guides the team from idea to final edit.

For businesses aiming to streamline their content production process, storyboards provide a reliable way to improve accuracy, reduce revision cycles, and deliver high-quality content at scale.