How to Storyboard a Screenplay

Creating a storyboard to accompany a screenplay is a time-consuming but crucial step in the film making process. During the creation of the storyboard, important details about the actors, set, props, audio and visual components become realized and are shared with all the parties involved in the film making process. Here are some key elements to make a storyboard for a screenplay.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Select the main shots and pieces of each scene that need to be included in your story board. You will need separate cells for scene changes, drastic camera changes and major actor entrances and exits.

2. Sketch the basic layout, actors and props. These sketches don't need to be complete perfect drawings. They simply need to show major pieces of set, props, and the actors must be identifiable.

3. Describe the shot. Tell what is going on in the shot with your actors and props in words. This will help fill in any holes that your sketch does not convey.

4. Explain the transition into and out of the shot. Think about what technique would be best leading into the shot and exiting the take. Make sure your transitions match up with the scene before and after the take.

5. Include instructions for any additional effects that will need to occur. This includes things like music, special effects and graphics that will be added later or not included in the actual filming.

6. Estimate the take. Tell how long you believe the scene will take in real time. This is important to help you keep the pacing of your film in the correct parameters.

7. Add any additional notes, details or scripting information that would be needed to complete your conveyance of the scene to the film making crew.