Helpful Tips for Creating a Storyboard for Your Short Film

When making a short film, a storyboard is your blueprint and the creative map that

guides you through the maze of visual storytelling. However, making a great one

requires more than just sketching some pictures and calling it a day. It’s an art form in

itself, born out of the initial script and ready to enhance the filmmaking process in ways

you never imagined. Bring your big ideas to the silver screen with our helpful tips for

creating a storyboard for your short film.

Start With a Strong Script

Your storyboard’s backbone is a script that’s as good as gold. Before you start doodling

away, ensure you have a script with solid character development, a clear plot, and an

emotional arc. Every scene needs to serve a purpose—from transitioning your story to

building tension. Always remember that the script will dictate your visuals.

Use Stick Figures and Simple Shapes

You don’t need to be the next Picasso to storyboard, but you do need to be able to

convey action and emotion in the simplest of drawings. Stick figures can express

movement, while simple shapes can indicate the environment and the mood. Don’t

sweat over every detail; just ensure that your drawings can communicate the essence

of the scene. We recommend creatively using a magnetic whiteboard for storyboarding

because you can swiftly change or manipulate parts of your story without wasting paper.

Indicate Camera Movements and Angles

Your storyboard should also outline the cinematography. Is your camera close to the

protagonist, angling up to make them seem larger than life? Or is it a deep focus shot

that captures both the character’s despair and the bustling city behind them? Use

arrows to show movement and circles to indicate a POV shot. By doing so, you direct

the imaginary camera and set the tone for your director of photography, ensuring

everyone visualizes the same film.

Consider Composition and Framing

Every frame is like a painting. Think about your character’s position in the frame and

how it tells your story. Are they centered, implying balance and control, or are they off to

the side, suggesting vulnerability or insignificance? You need to reflect these

compositional choices in your storyboard. Set the scene for your future self in the

editing room by giving each frame the thought and care that it deserves.

Include Notes and Annotations

This is your opportunity to clarify and add depth to your visual narrative. Write down any

special effects, lighting conditions, or even changes in the environment or time that

might affect the visuals. Annotations can call out specific emotions you want to capture

or the exact lines of dialogue you want to have featured. The more details you add, the

easier it will be to transfer your vision to the rest of your team.

You don’t just stumble upon a masterpiece—you craft it meticulously. These tips for

creating a storyboard for your short film are just a starting point. The process isn’t

just about the end result but about fine-tuning your creativity to ensure that, when the

time comes, your vision leaps off the page and onto the screen.