Storyboard Assignment

In this activity, you will arrange drawings or images conveying the narrative of your final film in a storyboard format.

Whether you are an amateur filmmaker or a world-renowned director, storyboarding your project will be one of the first steps you need to take as you begin a project. A storyboard is a visual representation of the sequence of events that make up your narrative. It usually consists of images and notes. It should also specify what shots and angles you intend to use to convey your story.

Your final product may look much different than your storyboard. New ideas may affect your creative vision as you are developing your story. However, it is important to be as specific as possible in your initial visualization so that your project stays focused and organized.

By the end of this assignment, you will be able to:

Create a storyboard.
Construct and convey a narrative.

Create a storyboard,
Construct and convey a narrative,

Here’s a comprehensive guide and example for completing your storyboard assignment quickly, based on your instructions. You can adapt this for Word, PowerPoint, or any digital storyboard tool.

Storyboard Assignment: Final Film

Objective

The purpose of this storyboard is to visually map out the narrative of your final film. It should include drawings or images of each scene, with notes on camera angles, movements, and relevant dialogue or sound cues. This pre-visualization helps organize the story and guide filming.

Step 1: Break Your Narrative into Scenes

Identify key scenes in your film (opening, conflict, climax, resolution).
For each scene, note the primary action, characters involved, and setting.
Consider the mood and tone for each scene.

Example:

Scene 1: Main character wakes up in a dark room; camera pans across messy room to focus on their anxious expression.
Scene 2: Character leaves house; low-angle shot to emphasize tension.

Step 2: Sketch or Insert Images

Use simple sketches, clipart, or images to represent what will appear on screen.
Draw boxes for each frame of the scene.
Include notes about camera angles, zoom, lighting, and character movements.

Example Layout for a Single Frame:

Frame	Image/Sketch	Notes
1	[sketch of bedroom]	Wide shot; dim lighting; focus on alarm clock ringing.
2	[character looking anxious]	Close-up; camera slowly zooms in; soft, tense music.
3	[door opening]	Over-the-shoulder shot as character leaves; ambient city sounds.

Step 3: Add Sound and Dialogue Cues

Include any dialogue that will occur in the scene.
Note sound effects or music, as these are critical to narrative pacing.

Example:

SFX: Alarm ringing, footsteps on wooden floor.
Music: Slow, suspenseful background during character’s morning routine.
Dialogue: “I can’t believe this is happening…”

Step 4: Specify Camera Techniques

Indicate camera movements like pan, tilt, zoom, dolly, or tracking shots.
Include shot types: close-up, medium, wide, over-the-shoulder, point-of-view, etc.

Step 5: Organize Chronologically

Arrange your frames in sequence of events from beginning to end.
Ensure each frame clearly conveys progression and story flow.
Use numbers or arrows to guide the order.

Step 6: Add Notes for Creative Details

Lighting (day/night, warm/cold tones)
Props and costume details
Emotional expressions of characters

Step 7: Review and Revise

Check that the storyboard conveys the full narrative.
Ensure that each scene logically flows into the next.
Make adjustments to improve clarity or pacing.

Tips for Completing Quickly

Use stick figures or simple shapes if short on time.,
Include all notes in bullet points within each frame.,
Focus on major plot points—you can refine smaller details later.,
PowerPoint or Word is ideal for arranging frames neatly in order.

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