Storyboarding

Why is storyboarding important?

• Storyboarding shows a visual representation of the script or narrative of a film and helps all who are working on the film to know exactly what happens where and how is should be represented.

Here is an example of a storyboard:

• A story board also gives instruction to how shots are to be lit and direction to the camera as well as action and direction in the shot as well as sometimes basic dialogue.
• It also helps the director and cast to see if the ideas can work on screen.
• A storyboard illustrates how individual camera shots can be used to create narrative flow.
• In pre-production it helps the director to achieve the desired look he want on the film and individual sequences.
• It is an important means of communication between members of the film crew as it provides a common outline which everyone can work on.
• A storyboard is used as a guideline for filming
• In post production they act as a visual reminder of what has been film and what order it should be in.
• After filming shots can be judged or compared to the storyboard in case they don't meet the desired effect. This can also help when choosing shots for editing.

 Questions on Psycho storyboard

1)Q: What is happening in the opening sequence of the film?

A: From what I can see a man is up to some sort of mischief in some public men's toilets. In the first four shots his face is not seen which gives his build up mystery and suspense especially when there's blood involved. From what I can see the man has cut his hand and is washing the blood down the sink, at which point he bandages his hand. At this point a boy enters the room as the man tucks a gun into his belt. The man looks at his hand and the audience are given a glimps at his personal effects as a teaser for them to guess what sort of a person he is. The man then notices the boys and with aggression turns round and shoots the kid.

2)Q: How is narrative flow established?

A: Narrative is established firstly through various different types of shot of the subject and the action that is taking place. This is done by introducing the scene with a shot of the door of a men's toilets. Then the man (psycho) is introduced through various shots depicting parts of his body and his actions showing what he is like and then his physical appearance. Meanwhile a boy enters which adds to the suspense on the man's actions and puts him under pressure (although he doesn't know it yet). Also the psychos personal effects a shown in a pan shot, helping to give the audience an idea on what this man is like. His suspicious and bloody action also add to the mystery of the narrative as not much is given away to exactly what he's doing let alone to why he's doing it.

3)Q: If I were directing this sequence, what aspects of the storyboard would I change?

A: If I were directing this film I would probably show less of the psychos face to add more mystery and anticipation to a reveal of him. The would be more emphasis on what he is actually doing and his different body parts as well as on the scene (toilets) he's in. I would also man the transition from shot 11 to shot 12 a straight cut as a fade to black doesn't seem to give the desired affect of quick movement and shock that I think needs to be put across here.