Why storyboard

ANIMATION

StoryboardingTools

ToolsStoryboarding

Assignment:Design a dynamic, moving image representing the problem inherent in a business whereby a client is allowing money to flow through his fingers without being able to capture it -

Criteria:The client wants it in the morning. He doesnt know what it will look like, but wants to see the idea before you begin. This is an added image falling outside of a fixed budget.

Complications:The client is in Washington, DC You are in Denver with your video people.Your animators are in San Francisco

1Quickly sketch a series of images which capture the essence of cash slipping through your fingersFax to the client.Gain approval

2Show the approved sketch to the videographer. Shoot a hand grabbing in the air against a blue screen. Convert to Digital Video and ftp to San Francisco along with a copy of the storyboard frame.

3Because the drawing indicates bills are in the flow, scan money and email to the animator.

4Using the Storyboard as a guide, the animator captures the hand video, composites a flow, adds the bills and creates a mask for the thumb.

4The animation is conceptualized, communicated to client, approved, parts are built, and created within a few hours. That evening, an .avi file is uploaded, input in the presentation with a day to spare.

Why Storyboard?It is a Key Organizational Tool It is for Planning, Proposing & Presenting ConceptsIt is used by Clients, Investors, Production Team Members ...It realizes the Directors Goal

Why Storyboard?In Film, Predetermines the LookControls the Shots, Camera Moves, Action, Staging, Style, Pace, Framing, Character and Scene Elements . . .

Why Storyboard?In industry, Controls the OutcomeControls the vision of the team, each team member can follow a tangible plan to successful completion

Why Storyboard?Translates the Script (Words are Abstract Concepts) to a Visual Tool (Pictures are Tangible Concepts)

Words v PicturesWords are completely abstract. The word man has nothing to do with how a human being appearsImage of a man, with added dress, expression, features . . . Transcends language - cements the meaning

Words and PicturesA Storyboard uses both - pictures to convey meaning, and words to simplify message . . . In combination, complete control over the productionUses Specific LanguageDetermines Camera View

Why Storyboard?Creates a new, very important character in the production - The Camera Point-of-View

Storyboard - StorytellingStoryboarding reminds you to tell a story - create continuity, define your beginning (establishing shots), middle and an appropriate ending - and make certain that they work together.

Why Storyboard?A special effect can be represented only one line in script;

The car burst into fire when hit by the train

What?

If bidding Special Effects (SF/X), you must have a storyboard to define effects desired for accurate price quote and adherence to budget

Pre-EditingStoryboarding is low-tech prototyping - allows the camera crew to shoot footage which edits more easily, has continuity.

DisciplineWhen reaching for a deadline, staying within the parameters of the agreed-upon vision by the Director or Client requires visual control to remain on-time and on- budget.

Artistic ExpressionBetter (Cheaper) to try the exotic and interesting experimentation in the low-tech analog pencil stage than after hours of 3D modeling and rendering.

Storyboard FormatsPictures pinned to a wallSketches on a scriptPencil Drawings Flow Diagrams for Non-Linear Finished RenderingsPhotomaticsComputer Animatics

Classical Storyboarding

Fred Zinnemann - The Wave - 1935Freds storyboards appeared in his script margins.

Alfred Hitchcock made his own storyboards for all of his films.He decided on and sketched camera angles, action, framing, camera movements, timing and his crew and his actors knew exactly what was expected of them

Artistic Expression or Control?

Alfred Hitchcock - Family PlotDirection for a single take

Alfred Hitchcock - Family Plot

Classical StoryboardingAlfred Hitchcock - Saboteur - 1941

Storyboards determine intricate action for fights, thrilling scenes, and guide the actors


Models and dolls can be used in intermediate steps for working out and demonstrating complicated action


Storyboard for AnimationWithout Live ActorsCamera View wants movement to dramatize static shotsCinematic conceptsWatch out for the wild fly-by

Storyboard for AnimationDrafting sequential versions while editing text and images allows the Director and Client to agree on the message prior to engaging expensive 3D animation

Mixing Live and AnimationStoryboarding is critical when shooting live video upon which animation will be added. The film crew needs to see the animated sequences so they can frame for the invisible components, the animators need to have input into scenery, movement, framing . . .

For Animation

Storyboard by Pen Volkmann

Script to StoryboardThe Written Direction: Opening shot from a high angle, looking down on the crows nest of the drilling rig. Boom down following cables to rig platform and dolly around to the drillers console, ending in another high angle. As the camera descends, pull back a little and tilt down slightly.

Script to Storyboard

Using industry Specific Language and illustrations with standard symbols

A rough storyboard:The finished clip:

MappingA valuable component of storyboarding - not the Camera POV, but the location of props, cameras, characters, and the corresponding interaction during a sceneHelps the artist visualize the Camera View

Alfred Hitchcock - Family PlotActors movements from a high camera angle with a follow pan

Non-Linear StoryboardingBusiness Plans, CD-ROM Production, Web Authoring including animation, video, sound, QTVR, text, buttons . . . Use of Storyboarding (Flow Diagramming) more critical.

Non-Linear StoryboardingTracking the various screens, pathways, links, movies, sound effects, relationships, responses, escapes, clue relationships which affect future actions, detail level . . . Without a flow diagram, important elements can be misdirected, misinterpreted or missed altogether.

Technology

Why storyboard