The Storyboard

A storyboard is a sort of comic strip version of a film, which shows the type of camera shot, its duration and what sounds we hear.  Hitchcock is said to have worked almost exclusively from storyboards, not even bothering himself to look through the camera view-finder, but trusting his camera operator to follow the full information given in the storyboard.

But before you start drawing a storyboard you need a story - and before you can plan a story you need to know what kind of story you are telling.  In short, for this piece of coursework you have to demonstrate an understanding of genre and genre conventions.

First you need to write a very brief (about 200 words) summary of your story.  By giving just the bare outline you will convey an impression of its genre.

Next you need to identify a key moment in your imaginary film which you will storyboard (you can't draw the whole thing!).  Once you have identified your 'moment' you can start drawing.  You should aim to cover about 25 shots.  Note that you don't need to be an artist.  What is important is that you sketch in the position of things and people (and explain what they are if necessary!).  You are graded on the details of the information you provide.  'A' grades are possible with only a series of stick people, as long as shot duration, shot types and sound are provided.

Next you add to your summary - by writing a short account (about 200 words) of what cinematic ideas you have tried to use in your storyboard.  These might be to introduce character in a certain way, to highlight a key narrative element etc..  You should discuss this with your tutor and anyone who will listen!

Finally, you may have had your storyboard marked by your teacher, but you should also show you storyboard to a friend and/or relative.  Get some feedback!  This is to help you write an Evaluation (400 - 500 words).  This section might consider how you would have done it differently, what you have learned by doing it, how you imagine the finished product might eventually transfer to the screen etc.

Questions to ask of each shot:

What kind of shot is it?

A close-up [CU] is a head and shoulder shot.  A mid-shot [MS] from the waist up.

A full or long shot [LS] shows head to toe.

Will it be a Point of View [POV] shot?  An over the shoulder [OSS] shot?

How long will the shot last? 

Note that most shots last no more than a few seconds.  If it is longer you should think about why.  What is holding the attention of the spectator?  Is it dialogue?  Music?  a camera movement?

Is there any music or other sound?

Where is the sound coming from?  Is it diegetic (coming from a radio or other source in the 'world' of the scene), or is it non-diegetic to indicate what a character is feeling or what the spectator should be feeling?

How will the shot transition occur?

Will it be a straight cut?  A dissolve?  A wipe?  A fade out?  Will it be obvious that it is a POV shot?  How will the transition work?

How have I used cinematic ideas?

Are there any features of sound or editing that I have consciously copied?  Why have I used these?  What impression(s) have I tried to convey?

Sections and order of your Storyboard Presentation:

1. Synopsis  -

      about 200 words.

2. Cinematic Ideas  -

      about 200 words.

3.  The Storyboard -

        about 25 shots.

4. Evaluation  -

      400 - 500 words.