When creating a video, it is extremely important to have a laid out and organized plan to ensure your video is the best it can be. A popular tool video creators use to map out their next rockstar video is the storyboard. A video storyboard has a layout that resembles a comic strip and is a tool for drawing out (via hand, adobe, web tools, etc) how exactly your video will unfold–shot by shot in order, with any added speech bubbles, overlaying text, etc. It provides readers the ability to clearly picture the video playing in their head. Video storyboards are excellent tools not only because they provide a way to organize your ideas, but they’re also a great visual aid that helps you explain your vision to others. To help you lay out your next hit video, we’ve provided the nuts and bolts to create an effective video storyboard:

How to construct an efficient video storyboard:

    1. Create the Template: video storyboards are organized into a series of rectangles (like a comic strip). You can draw out the template yourself, create it digitally through programs like Adobe or you can utilize different video storyboarding websites. The number of rectangles should correlate to the number of shots you’ll be mapping out.
    2.  Add Script: Be sure to add blank lines underneath each scene that will explain the action taking place and any necessary dialogue. Once you have your template, fill out the script that correlates to each scene.
    3. Sketch out the Story: Once you have your template and script down, you can start sketching out the story. The sketch can be anything from simple stick figure sketches and images cut from the internet to advanced sketches designed via video storyboarding websites. Some user-friendly storyboarding websites are Storyboard That, Canva, and The Plot.
    4. Add Notes: Add any necessary notes about each scene (i.e., camera angles, movement, special effects, audio, etc…

Don’t forget to have fun with your storyboards and let your imagination take the lead. Take these tips into consideration when creating your next storyboard and don’t forget to keep up with Vydia’s weekly blogs for more how-to’s.