The Ultimate Guide to Creating Storyboards

Across every branch of the film and video industry, from blockbuster motion pictures to video marketing, creating storyboards is an important step that leads to better final products.

Why Storyboarding Is a Game-Changer

Storyboards are visual representations of everything that you see on the screen in a finished video. They use a combination of images and words to describe the events of a video in sequential order. A successful storyboard brings everyone involved in a video production onto the same page and gives them a comprehensive understanding of everything they'll need to bring the video to life. More than that, storyboards can help you flag any production challenges you might face long before they become an issue.

If you've never done it before, creating storyboards can seem like a tremendous challenge. But with an understanding of the various elements of a storyboard and each step that goes into creating one, you can craft a video storyboard that helps you flawlessly execute your project.

What Makes a Great Storyboard?

An outstanding storyboard is a valuable tool for creating brand videos that connect with your audience. However, a storyboard is only as effective as its individual parts. Before we dive into our step-by-step guide to storyboarding, let's discuss the various parts that make up the whole.

There are several elements that all successful storyboards have in common:

• Panels: The visual depictions of what happens in your videos. Usually, they're illustrations that offer an at-a-glance understanding for each shot.
• Sequence: Refers to the shots that make up each scene in your video. Generally, the scenes in a sequence share a time or location.
• Titles: Accompany each storyboard panel. For example, the panel representing the second shot of the third scene is labeled S3.2 for "Scene 3, Shot 2."
• Descriptions: Text that describes what each panel visually conveys—settings, dialogue, sound cues, camera movements, and physical actions.
• Transitions: How the video will transition between specific scenes—fade out, cut to, dissolve, etc.
• Other visual elements: Extra visuals like camera angle diagrams, shot types, or reference images.
• Timing and duration: If known, this information conveys the pacing of the video.

Keep in mind that storyboards are not one-size-fits-all. Some elements are essential, like panels and titles, but additional details such as props, costumes, sound effects, and special effects can improve team understanding.

Essential Tools and Software for Storyboarding

There are several computer programs and other storyboard applications that can simplify the design process. Gone are the days of drawing storyboards by hand. Nowadays, people create storyboards using design tools like:

• Professional Design: Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint
• Storyboard-Specific: Storyboard Pro, Storyboarder, Shot Pro, Storyboard That
• User-Friendly Online Options: Canva, Celtx, FrameForge

Steps to Creating Your Own Storyboard

Now that you understand the various elements of a storyboard and have an idea of the resources available, it's time to go over the steps for creating compelling, creative, and effective storyboards.

1. Define Your Goals and Project

Before you begin, clearly define the purpose and objectives of your project. This is a crucial step of pre-production and the creative process. Get the team together and ask questions like:

• What are we storyboarding? Are we making a television commercial or an online marketing video?
• What is the story we want to tell?
• What is the main message we want the final product to send?
• What are our goals for the project?

2. Develop Your Script or Narrative

Once you've defined your goals, start developing the narrative or video script. You can’t create a storyboard without a script. The more detail in your script, the easier storyboarding becomes. Your script should outline:

• Action
• Dialogue
• Sequence of events

Divide the script into individual scenes arranged by narrative flow. Include time, location, and transitions.

3. Choose a Storyboard Structure and Format

Before storyboarding, decide on structure and format. Depending on the project, you might choose:

• Traditional: Sketched in pencil with details like dialogue, transitions, and camera movements.
• Digital: Uses digital images to convey the narrative.
• Thumbnail: Small images that allow the full storyboard to fit on one page.
• Animatic: Illustrated frames that show timing and motion, similar to animation frames.

Keep your intended aspect ratio in mind. Common ones include 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1, 2:1, and 2.39:1.

4. Sketch the Frames

Now it's time to start sketching your frames or panels. Each drawing should show characters, props, and settings. Represent the composition of each scene—framing, angles, and tone.

• Composition and framing
• Character positioning and movement
• Camera angles (wide shots, close-ups, OTS)
• Environment and props

5. Annotate Clearly

Each panel should include written descriptions of the action, dialogue, camera movements, transitions, and other relevant details. Be concise and clear so the team knows what’s expected.

• Note the action and dialogue
• Describe camera movement
• Indicate scene transitions
• Keep descriptions concise yet detailed

6. Review and Revise

Once your first draft is complete, gather feedback from collaborators or stakeholders. Implement suggestions to improve clarity and accuracy.

• Are the visuals clear and easy to interpret?
• Does the narrative flow logically?
• Have any key scenes or transitions been overlooked?

7. Finalize and Distribute

After revisions, finalize your storyboard. Ensure images, descriptions, and notes are clear and accurate. Once approved, share with your team.

Pro Tips from Charter & Co

• Think ahead: Identifying shot challenges early avoids costly reshoots.
• Simplify when needed: Thumbnail or animatic style works well before committing to polish.
• Collaborate visually: Use digital tools that allow sharing and commenting in real time.
• Tailor to team needs: Add or remove detail depending on who’s reading—producers, editors, clients.
• Stay consistent: Labeling and structure save time later during production.

Ready to Bring Your Brand Story to Life?

At Charter & Co. we believe in making video production enjoyable, approachable, and accessible to growing businesses. We can help you marshal the power of video marketing to tell an extraordinary brand story and connect with your customers.

Our video production services guide you through the entire process, from crafting your initial concept to shooting and editing. Our network of top industry talent works with you to bring your brand story to life with branded video content, company culture videos, animations, and more.

Are you ready to get started? Find your video strategy today.