Abstract

This article defines storyboarding and explains its function in the animation pre-production process. A storyboard is a sequence of drawings that visually translates a script into a series of key moments. These drawings are typically displayed in chronological order. Each storyboard panel functions as a blueprint, outlining a specific shot and including notes on action, dialogue, and camera mechanics. The article details how storyboards serve as a critical planning tool. They help directors and artists make key decisions about narrative pacing, shot composition, camera angles, and character staging before the time-intensive work of animation begins. Storyboards act as a common visual language for all departments, including directors, animators, and layout artists. This ensures the entire team shares a unified vision. The process allows for early problem-solving, as visual inconsistencies or pacing issues can be identified and corrected efficiently, saving time and resources during production.

Keywords

Storyboarding, Pre-production, Animation, Storyboard Artist, Shot Composition

An animated film begins as words on a page. A script contains dialogue, setting descriptions, and character actions, but it does not explain how these elements should look or feel on screen. The process of translating that written script into a visual plan is called storyboarding.

A storyboard is a sequence of drawings, similar to a comic book, that maps out the narrative of an animation. It is the first visual representation of the final product. This sequence of images is a critical step in the pre-production phase.

The anatomy of a storyboard

A storyboard is made up of individual squares called panels. Each panel represents a specific “shot” or camera view. A single scene from a script, like a character walking into a room, might be broken down into multiple panels:

  • Panel 1: A wide shot showing the door.
  • Panel 2: A medium shot of the character’s hand on the doorknob.
  • Panel 3: A close-up shot of the character’s face as they enter.

Beneath each panel, the storyboard artist includes important information. This often includes the specific action (“She turns the knob”), the dialogue spoken during the shot, and technical notes on camera movement (like “Zoom in” or “Pan left”).

A blueprint for production

The primary function of a storyboard is to serve as a blueprint for the entire animation team. It is a cost-effective way to make creative decisions and solve problems before the expensive and time-consuming process of animation begins.

Storyboards are essential for planning. They force the director and artists to answer key questions:

  • Pacing: Does the story feel too fast or too slow? By laying out the panels, the team can see the rhythm of the film and add or remove shots to adjust the timing.
  • Composition: Where are the characters placed in the frame? What is in the background? The storyboard establishes the visual composition of every shot.
  • Clarity: Is the story clear? Storyboarding reveals if the audience will understand the action and emotion of a scene purely from its visuals.

A common visual language

In a large animation production, hundreds of artists may be involved. The storyboard acts as a common language to ensure everyone is working toward the same goal.

A layout artist uses the storyboard to design the background and position the “camera” for a 3D scene. An animator uses the storyboard panels as the key poses they must create. The director uses the storyboard to communicate their vision to all departments. This shared reference point prevents misunderstandings and keeps the final product consistent.

After the storyboard is complete, it is often edited into an animatic. This is a simple, timed-out version of the storyboard panels set to temporary dialogue and music. This moving version is the first time the team can see and feel what the final animation will be like, allowing for one last round of revisions before production starts.