storyboarding
Visual narrative drafting
Storyboarding is the process of creating a sequence of drawings or images that map out a visual narrative—typically for films, animations, commercials, or video games.
Each panel represents a shot or scene, showing composition, camera angles, and action.
The technique helps creators plan pacing and visualize the flow before production begins: We spent two weeks storyboarding the chase sequence.
Dramatic unit or locale
- shotQuick liquor serving
- frameSupporting outer structure
- sequenceOrdered succession of elements
- animaticTimed storyboard sequence
thumbnail · panel · cinematography · composition · blocking · panning · tracking · transition
Filmmaking preparation phase
- outlineSummary of key elements
- sequenceOrdered succession of elements
- workflowSequential task progression
- revisionAltering to improve
iteration · collaboration · pitch · presentation · client · feedback · approval · deadline
Timed storyboard sequence
- keyframeFixed animation reference point
- in-betweenOccupying middle position
- timingArt of choosing moments
- motionChange in position
movement · expression · pose · action · Disney · Pixar · anime · cel
Hasty informal drawing
- thumbnailReduced preview image
- panelDistinct flat section
- drawingMarks forming a picture
- illustrationPicture explaining something
rendering · diagram · frame · layout · composition · annotation · arrow · caption
Storyline or land parcel
- arcCurved line segment
- characterNature, symbol, or role
- conflictOpposition between parties
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
resolution · protagonist · antagonist · setting · theme · dialogue · backstory · foreshadowing
scene
Dramatic unit or locale
animatic · thumbnail · panel · cinematography · composition · blocking · panning · tracking · transition · cut
pre-production
Filmmaking preparation phase
- outlineSummary of key elements
- sequenceOrdered succession of elements
- workflowSequential task progression
revision · iteration · collaboration · pitch · presentation · client · feedback · approval · deadline · project
animatic
Timed storyboard sequence
- keyframeFixed animation reference point
- in-betweenOccupying middle position
- timingArt of choosing moments
motion · movement · expression · pose · action · Disney · Pixar · anime · cel · digital
sketch
Hasty informal drawing
illustration · rendering · diagram · frame · layout · composition · annotation · arrow · caption · rough
plot
Storyline or land parcel
climax · resolution · protagonist · antagonist · setting · theme · dialogue · backstory · foreshadowing · pacing
- filmmovies, film, filmmaking, cinematography, film editing
- writingwriting, drafting, authors, author, books
- animationanimation, animator, animators, cartoon, cartoons
- creative fieldsgraphic design, illustration, animation, photography, video production
- designdesign principles, functionality, emphasis, unity, graphic design
- Filmmakingcamera, film director, camcorder, directing, script
storyboardingfinal cut
Approved version for release
post-production · editing · final edit · color grading · mastering
storyboardingimprovisation
Spontaneous, unplanned creation
winging it · improvising · ad-libbing · shooting from the hip · guerrilla filmmaking
story, board, storyboard, storyboards, storyboarded, storyboarders, storyboarder