Professional Storyboarding: Rules of Thumb A professional storyboard is more than just a set of drawings; it is a for the entire production. Whether you are working on a high-budget feature film or a quick social media ad, following established "rules of thumb" ensures your vision is clear, actionable, and cinematic. 1. Master Composition and Depth
: Use arrows to indicate camera movements (pans, tilts, zooms) or character trajectories. 3. Maintain Cinematic Flow and Continuity
: Use foreground, middle-ground, and background layers to create a three-dimensional feel. Avoid shooting characters perfectly straight-on or in strict profile, as these angles often lack visual interest. Professional Storyboarding: Rules of Thumb
: Instead of centering every subject, place key elements along the vertical or horizontal "third" lines to create a more dynamic and balanced composition.
: Use environmental lines (like a table edge or a tree branch) to point toward your primary focal point. 2. Prioritize Clarity Over Artistry Master Composition and Depth : Use arrows to
Good storyboarding guides the viewer’s eye exactly where it needs to go.
: Keep critical action within a "safe frame" toward the center to ensure it isn't cut off by different screen aspect ratios. Avoid shooting characters perfectly straight-on or in strict
Your storyboard must function as a sequence, not just a collection of individual images. Storyboarding Tutorial - "The Do's and Don'ts" - Skwigly