Shotlist

After finishing a script you need to consider how it will be broken down into individual shots.

The simplest way to do this is to write up a shotlist - a document which lists all of the shots needed for a production.

Storyboarding

A storyboard is a drawing designed to explain how a shot in a movie will look.

^{Storyboards are used by film-makers to map their films out shot by shot.}

Making storyboards can help directors solve problems involving framing and shot selection before filming begins.

Storyboards can also be a useful tool for explaining visual ideas and action to performers and crew members.

Storyboards should:

• Follow a consistent panel shape. Comic-strips can change the size and shape of their pictures from panel to panel. Film storyboards, however, have to be the same shape as your filming format.
• Be labelled correctly. There should be text by each panel describing the type of shot and including any additional information.
• Be thorough. Every shot on your shotlist needs to be addressed in the storyboard.

Remember, you don’t need not be particularly gifted at drawing to create workable storyboards.

A storyboard is just a tool to help you make better films. A poorly planned but beautifully drawn set of storyboards is less useful than a set of less pretty but well thought out boards.