Storyboards

When I think of a storyboard, I picture a wall with drawings placed in the order of the script and each picture conceptualizes what the director wants each camera shot to look like. The drawings are very basic and are not meant for set, prop, or costuming designs. That will happen later on in the pre-production process. The storyboards are also used for the script read through to help the cast and crew get a better feel for the mood of the storyline. I know, as an actor, I would better understand why I would need to say a line a certain way if I could have some visuals to go along with the script.

With today's technology, storyboards can have a new meaning to the cast and crew. With the use of slide show presentation software, such as, Microsoft Office Powerpoint, the storyboard can now be computer generated pictures with narration projected on to the wall the drawing once occupied. The slide show can even be printed out with any notes the director and camera operator has added. Most computers now come with some form of software that will allow you to create a slide show. The storyboard is one of the most important parts of the movie making process because the director has a way of communicating his/her vision in an easy to understand way to the cast and crew.