Experienced animators, hobbyist filmmakers and cutting-edge Web developers have one common tool in their creative toolboxes: storyboard templates.
The storyboarding process, essentially resulting a series of sketches, makes any type of live action or animated production run more smoothly, since the script is visually interpreted before film begins to roll (literally or figuratively). Besides the creative advantages, this ultimately saves time and money.
Also, with a clear vision down on paper, there are much fewer chances for miscommunication on the set or in the editing room, which means a happier production crew and a near-seamless end product.
The storyboarding process starts with a basic template – often a sheet of letter- or legal-sized paper with a series of boxes or “panels” on it. Each frame is proportionately sized to the production’s needs. For example: widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio), full screen (4:3) or 35mm. Beneath each of these panels is a boxed area for “action notes”: written instructions such as camera angles, perspective, panning, lighting, special shots and so on.
Filmmakers and others can purchase storyboard templates or even download them for free online. These templates are especially popular among student filmmakers, as multiple storyboards are required as part of film school portfolios.
Be sure to consider the aspect ratio when choosing to download a printable template. A 4:3 ratio is appropriate for full-screen projects, including television, but if you’re shooting for widescreen or HDTV, you’ll need 16:9 panel templates.
Even less-serious home videographers or Web site owners can make use of storyboarding when preparing their projects. Once the creative vision is down on paper, new ideas may come to light as the storyboards are viewed and even shuffled around to look at new ways of interpreting the script or goals of the production.
Once the message of a scene is mentally organized with the help of storyboard templates, the storyboard is presented to other members of the production team. Or, aspiring filmmakers may use detailed storyboards in their quest to secure funding for their project. (These are referred to as presentation boards, and prove that “showing” vs. “telling” is often the best way to get one’s story across.) Ad agencies may also use storyboards in pitching commercial concepts to their clients.
Professional storyboard artists may spend untold hours blocking out every scene of a major motion picture, while a hobbyist may get the inspiration he or she needs with just one page full of stick figures and notes.
The storyboarding process is said to date to the Walt Disney Studios of the 1930s and it is still commonplace to sketch out scenes on paper, despite the availability of computer-based storyboards. There’s something special and effective about the tangibility of planning out scenes with paper and pen or pencil, whether it’s 2D or 3D animation, television, the “big screen,” or even stage plays that won’t be filmed at all.
Copyright 2009 by Kevin Savetz
Kevin Savetz is creator of more than 70 web sites, including several that offer printable items such as storyboards to download, customize and print.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Savetz
The vampire warrioress Selene, escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species. List of Blu-ray/DVD Extras: *Filmmakers’ Commentary: Producers Richard Wright and Gary Lucchesi, Directors Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein, and Executive Producer and Visual Effects Supervisor James McQuaide speak on editing the film and the lengthy process of retelling the first films in a few minutes, the film’s “camera language,” working in 3D, visual effects, budget, sets and locales, the specifics of the plot, transitioning storyboards to film, music, the work of the cast, and much more. Though it contains five active participants, the track plays evenly and the conversation flows well. Fans will enjoy this one. Available with optional English and Spanish subtitles. *Selene Rises (1080p, 12:14): Discussions include the return of Kate Beckinsale, her ability to naturally inhabit the character, the remainder of the cast and the characters they play, costumes, plot specifics, Selene’s character development, the picture’s ability to mesh deep themes and lively action, and more. *Casting the Future of Underworld (1080p, 12:33): This supplement examines the two new actors to the series — Theo James and India Eisley — and the film’s set-up for future installments. The piece also focuses on the film’s and the larger series’ plot, the work of additional …
Video Rating: 4 / 5
www.berlinfilmcentral.com Joe Swanberg is one of the most prolific filmmakers in the US He makes more than one film per year and his latest two features, “Silver Bullets” and “Art History” premiered together at the 61st Berlinale in the Forum section. He also premiered “Uncle Kent” at Sundance earlier this year and he is one of the so called “Mumblecore” pioneers. We met with him and his actresses Kate Lyn Scheil from “Silver Bullets” and Josephine Decker from “Art History” at their Hotel in Berlin to chat a little about the filmmaking process and acting in a Joe Swanberg film. The BFC Channel is a small Vidcast intended to feature filmmakers and anyone related to Cinema in Berlin, premiering with this two part interview. PLEASE EXCUSE THE BAD AUDIO, we will work to improve that!