Filmmaking Techniques - Storyboards

Storyboards must also contain a wide variety of key conventions to ensure they allow for as quick a filming session as possible. This ensures the director knows exactly where the camera needs to be located before filming each scene, the character's movements, props, mis-en-scene etc. While this may take up production time, it ensures for a seamless and easier time when actually filming.

The setting location is a key element to a storyboard. It details where the scene is taking place and at what time of day etc. While this may be included in the script, it is now aided by a visual representation to give even more of a clue as to the intricate details of the set.

The actors needed are also a vital part of the storyboard, with each scene needing to detail how many actors will be present within the scene. This ensures that setting up scenes when filming occurs is as quick and efficient as it can possibly be.

These storyboards must also give a detailed overview as to the important props and vehicles within a scene. These, detailed here, will ensure that the set designers are fully aware of which props need to be ready before the shooting of a scene.

The type of shot must also be detailed here. This planning will let the cameraman know where the camera must be positioned within a scene. For example, this can be a close-up, wide-shot, establishing shot etc. They can be any of the shots listed here (link to shot types)

As well as the type of shot, the shot angle must also be noted. For example, whether the shot will be a high angle or low angle shot. This will assist with the type of shot and pinpoint the exact location and position of the camera when filming.

In the scenes, it also must be noted as to whether or not there will be any movement from either the characters or objects on screen such as vehicles etc. This helps ensure the director and cast are fully aware of the exact movements taking place within a scene.

There may also be camera movement which must also be documented. This is to ensure the cameraperson is fully aware of any movements they must make to ensure the key action within a scene is focused upon during filming, and the movements are planned carefully beforehand to maximise effectiveness of the shot as well as saving time during filming.

Any special lighting must also be taken into consideration when storyboarding, identifying when a scene is likely to need artificial lighting if it appears that it would be too dark otherwise.

Sound effects should also be prominent throughout the storyboards, detailing exactly which sound effects need to be used at specific points within the film. These will mainly be used so the actors can react to sound effects, despite the actual sound effects not becoming present in the film until editing.

The final main feature of storyboards are the audio, detailing any background music which will be used. While these may not be necessary for shooting the film, they are useful for planning purposes and will be vital for editing the film. If the sound is present during the shot, however, such as music playing in a shop or bar etc.