Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 7
Storyboarding
Above drawing and the rest, the greatest single attribute of a successful story artist is
imagination. Applying imagination to storyboarding is easier said than done but ulti-
mately the imaginative storyteller will see more of their work on the screen. Movies,
comics, graphic novels, and Manga are great starting points to see what others are
doing, but the goal is originality.
Barry Cook, Animator, former Disney Story Development artist,
and Director of Disney's
Mulan
Storyboards are a way for the fi lmmaker to pre-visualize the fi lm-story as a series of still
drawings in order to chart visual fl ow and continuity as well as to plan for stylistic integrity
and story clarity. Storyboarding is a blueprint and a way of visualizing the whole of your
fi lm by depicting its individual shots. In larger productions, this blueprint is an essential form
of communication to the many artists and technicians who need to know what is expected
in the fi lm. The storyboards for a fi lm are not usually seen by the public, but their importance
in making a story idea visual for fi lm is vital. Storyboards need to capture the essence of
an image's storytelling power. Learn to recognize powerful storytelling images.
I saw this situation on my way home from work one day. I didn't see the accident but I did not have
to ask, “What happened?” The image tells the whole story.
