Introduction
Generating a video can give rise to feelings of overwhelm and trepidation in the uninitiated. Nevertheless, by deconstructing the multifarious components of the process into smaller, more manageable steps, it is possible to mitigate these feelings of apprehension. To initiate this breakdown, the inaugural step is to create a storyboard for the video. The storyboard serves as a blueprint, facilitating the mapping out of the requisite shots, their sequencing, and the transitions between them, ultimately culminating in a seamless and coherent finished product.
The present composition endeavors to provide the reader with an in-depth exposition on various marketing ideas, accompanied by a meticulous and exhaustive tutorial on the process of creating an efficacious video storyboard. To this end, the following topics will be comprehensively addressed:
What Is A Video Storyboard And Why You Need One?
A video storyboard, an invaluable tool in the arsenal of a discerning videographer, constitutes a visual blueprint that adumbrates the exact shots needed for the final product. By providing a comprehensive visual representation of the sequencing of shots and transitions between them, the storyboard serves as a seminal document in ensuring a smooth and seamless final output. Moreover, the creation of a video storyboard obviates the risk of the video production process becoming an unmitigated quagmire of complexity and confusion, and instead facilitates a structured, systematic approach to the task, ultimately resulting in a professional and cohesive end product.
How To Create Video Storyboard
In the pursuit of storyboarding excellence, there are a few salient factors that must be judiciously taken into account. Foremost among these is the need to meticulously deliberate on the precise shots that the video necessitates. This critical decision is largely contingent upon the type of video that is being produced, as well as the underlying message that is being conveyed.
For example, if the video in question is a how-to guide, the requisite shots will likely comprise visual representations of each step in the process. Conversely, if the video is geared towards promoting a product, it may be necessary to incorporate shots of the product in use.
Once the requisite shots have been determined, the videographer is required to thoughtfully consider their order of appearance. It is at this juncture that the process of storyboarding becomes indispensable. By systematically and meticulously mapping out the sequence of shots, the final product is imbued with a coherence and lucidity that is essential for its success. In addition, the judicious implementation of transitions between shots can further enhance the overall fluidity and coherence of the video, elevating it to a level of consummate professionalism.
The Steps To Create Video Storyboard Yourself
There are few steps to follow when producing a video yorself. The basic equipment needed for the video is essential as you may invest in more campaigns for the upcoming marketing ideas. This includes things like cameras, tripods, lights, and microphones. You’ll also need to find a proper location to shoot your video. Location is one of the visualing appealing factors that the viewer may connect with when viewing the video. Once you have all of your equipment and you’ve found a location, you’ll need to start filming. This is where having a video storyboard comes in handy.
By following your video storyboard, you can ensure that you get all of the shots you need:
1. Determine the purpose and tone of your video
There are several brands out there with different purpose and marketing ideas. Whether you are from the fashion industry or the education industry, the tone and purpose of the video is essential to determine before you start planning out your shots. To achieve that you need to ponder on questions such as, What are you trying to achieve? and What mood do you want to create? Once you have a clear idea of what you’re going for, it will be easier to plan out the individual shots that will get you there.
2. Write a script or treatment
Once you know what you want to achieve with your video, it’s time to start writing a script or treatment. Scripts are the most important aspect of a video making as they allow you to make changes and give you the creative freedom without having to discard the videos over and over to start anew whenever you do not feel content with the results. This will serve as a roadmap for your video storyboard. In addition to mapping out the individual shots, you’ll also need to include any dialogue or narration that will be used to stay clear headed when you go on to film the shots.
3. Sketch out your shots
Now it’s time to start sketching out your shots. For each scene, you’ll need to determine what camera angles and transitions you’ll use. This is the direction part of the video, If you’re not sure how to do this, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you. Make sure you did the right research and have made note of the points to include in the video to bring the best out of the campaign.
4. Create a video storyboard template
Once you have a good idea of the shots you need, it’s time to create a video storyboard template. This will make it easier to put your shots in order and keep track of them as you work. As you continue with the project, this step allows you to go back and look the template over and over to get the rough idea of the project you want your campaign to execute.
5. Fill in your video storyboard template
Now it’s time to start filling in your video storyboard template. For each shot, you’ll need to include a description of the action taking place, as well as any dialogue or narration that will be used. Create a mental picture of your video storyboard, run it over in your mind, and when you have the results you want to achieve, make a note of the details you want to include in your video. For example, if you are a food brand, planning to a pizza shot, writing down in your video storyboard how you want to camera transitions to take place. Such as zoom in, zoom out, pan in, pan out, transition, slow motion, etc, along with the narrative.
6. Review your video storyboard
Once you’ve finished filling in your storyboard template, it’s time to take a step back and review it. Make sure that all of the shots make sense in the context of the story you’re trying to tell. In addition, check to see if any gaps in your story need to be filled. Once you have created a vision in your mind with the written and mental image, now comes the next step.
7. Make changes to your video storyboard
If you find any problems with your video storyboard, now is the time to make changes. You may need to add or remove shots or rearrange the order of your scenes.
8. Export your video storyboard
Once you’re happy with your storyboard, it’s time to export it. This will allow you to share it with others who will be working on your video. You can now show a review of your storyboard to a trusted individual to get a varied viewpoint on the storyboard you have just executed.
9. Use your storyboard to plan your main video
Now that you have a finished storyboard, you can use it to plan your video. This will help you determine the order of your shots, as well as the transitions between them. This just acts like the plan before execution without having to exhaust resources and create confusion with an unplanned marketing idea.
10. Follow your storyboard when shooting your video
When it’s time to shoot your video, make sure you follow the storyboard you have just now created. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your final product is cohesive and polished.
By following these steps, you can create a storyboard for your video that will help you plan and shoot your project with ease. So get started today and see how easy it can be to produce a high-quality video yourself.
Tools To Create A Successful Video Storyboard
To create a successful storyboard there are several tools, however, you need to know the most commonly used tools to get your storyboard done without any efforts.
Pen and paper
Well, that’s as simple as it goes. Pen and paper is the most basic way to storyboard, and it’s still a popular choice among many filmmakers. It’s easy to sketch out your ideas on paper, and you can easily rearrange your shots if you need to. Make boxes of the storyboard and sketch your visuals inside the boxes as shown in the picture above, this way, you can create a video storyboard as you like it, and rearrange when you wish so. However, this can be timeconsuming and even difficult if you are not someone with artistic talent.
Storyboarding software
And if you think pen and paper is time consuming, there are various software programs available that can help you create a storyboard. These programs often come with templates and other features that can make the process easier. This way, you do not need to worry about how your drawing turned out of even if its comprehensible.
Storyboarding is a critical part of the video production process, but with the best software, there is no excuse not to make a great video. Here are our five of the best:
1. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is the popular choice among filmmakers. However, it is not as much as for novice user. Whether you are novice or professional, adobe is widely-used graphics editor that offers a wide range of features for creating storyboards. It’s not specifically designed for video storyboarding, but its powerful tools and wide range of features make it a good choice for the task.
2. CorelDRAW
CorelDRAW is another popular graphics editor that offers several features specifically for creating storyboards. CorelDRAW however may need some of the knowledge to access the software. The tools and features of the software are vast and hence the user needs to make sure they know which tools they use. It’s easy to use when you are known with the tools and provides a wide range of templates and objects that you can use in your storyboard.
3. PowerPoint
It is unequivocally the most user-friendly alternative. PowerPoint, a presentation software commonly utilized for designing slideshows, can also be utilized for storyboarding. It provides numerous templates and objects, enabling one to seamlessly incorporate text, images, and various other elements into their storyboard.
4. Storyboard That
Storyboard That is a highly exceptional and incomparable web-based storyboarding platform that is meticulously crafted to create storyboards. Should an individual be seeking a truly exceptional and distinctive experience, this tool is unequivocally the one for them. It flaunts an expansive collection of templates and objects that can be utilized to create a highly personalized storyboard, while also simplifying the process of sharing it with others online, with relative ease.
5. Visme
Visme is an up-and-coming platform that has garnered the attention of numerous video makers who opt to utilize it to craft their video storyboards. Much like Storyboard That, Visme is also a web-based storyboarding tool that provides an extensive selection of templates and objects that can be utilized to bring one’s creative vision to life. Furthermore, sharing your storyboard with others online is an effortless process, and exporting it to a variety of formats is also readily achievable.
Utilizing these remarkable software tools, creating a storyboard for your video has never been easier. Such tools are a crucial aspect to ensure that your final product is both seamless and coherent. In addition, there are a multitude of specific steps that must be undertaken to guarantee that your storyboard is an effective one.
Online Storyboarding Tools
There are also several online tools that you can use to create a storyboard. These tools can be a good option if you’re working with a team and need to share your storyboard online.
Top 5 online storyboarding tools to help you get started:
1. Google Drawings
Google Drawings is a versatile online tool that allows you to create drawings, diagrams, and flowcharts. It’s easy to use and has a wide range of features, including the ability to add text, shapes, and images.
2. Canva
Canva is a well-known online design platform that can be used for creating a wide range of visuals, including storyboards. It’s easy to use and has a library of templates and tools that you can use to create your storyboard. This is our number #1 choice whether, for a professional or a novice user, as the templates in Canva are high creative and allow users to create their own patterns with several freely available elements.
3. Moqups
Moqups is another online tool specifically for creating wireframes and prototypes. However, it can also be used for creating storyboards. It has a range of features and templates like the ones before that you can use to create your storyboard.
4. Balsamiq Mockups
Balsamiq Mockups is another online tool specifically for creating wireframes and prototypes. However, it can also be used for creating storyboards just like moqups.
5. Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark is now Adobe Express. It is a suite of online tools for creating visuals, including storyboards. It’s easy to use and is also widely popular across video marketing industries and has a wide options, including the ability to add text, shapes, and images.
Whiteboard
Blackboard, whiteboard, they all work the same. A whiteboard can be a helpful tool for storyboarding, especially if you’re working with a team. You can use a whiteboard to map out your shots and transitions, and you can easily erase and rearrange things if you need to. However, in here, you cannot review your work once the it is done. If you are someone, who are confident with work, and do not need to save your storyboard, this is the best option out there that gets the message done without wasting resources.
Flipbook
A flipbook is another option for storyboarding, and it can be a fun way to create your storyboard. You can use a flipbook to animate your shots and transitions, and you can even add sound effects and music. There are several online flipbook makers that can be used for free or paid.
Storyboard App
In addition to the methods mentioned before, it’s worth noting that a variety of storyboard apps are available for your use in creating your own storyboard. These apps are particularly useful if you prefer to work on your storyboard via your mobile device. Notably, using a storyboard app can also help you save both time and energy by eliminating the need for meticulously drawing characters.
Top 3 free storyboard apps online
The vast array of storyboard apps accessible to you is indeed noteworthy. These applications can be an excellent choice if you wish to operate on your storyboard from the convenience of your mobile device.
1. Storyboarder
Storyboarder is a free app that allows you to create storyboards on your mobile device. It has a wide range of features, including the ability to add text, images, and videos. You can also add sound effects and music to your storyboard, and you can share it with others online.
2. StoryLines
The storyline is another great app to use if you’re looking for something simple and easy-to-navigate. It has all of the features that most people will need, including adding text or images in addition to videos and sound effects – plus it’s free like the storyboarder!
3. Storyboard Fountain
Storyboard Fountain is the perfect app for storytellers who want to take their creativity on the go. You can use it anywhere, anytime – even if you are not near an open flame! This free mobile storytelling tool has everything you need: text messages; images (both still photos and video clips); videos with sound effects or music tracks built-in… And best yet?
When finished tweaking those boards just hit “export” and send them off into cyberspace where they will live forever as part of someone else’s masterpiece instead of being lost under a pile of paper on your desk.
Camera
Employing a camera to generate a video storyboard can prove to be a favorable alternative for individuals seeking to observe their shots while simultaneously formulating them.
Model
In instances where a video storyboard is being fashioned for a commercial or film, utilizing a model to storyboard one’s shots can be a fruitful method to gain an insight into how said shots will appear in actuality. This technique permits one to visualize their envisaged outcome with greater clarity.
Timeline
If one is operating within a team to create a storyboard, a timeline can be a beneficial resource. This mechanism allows the mapping out of shots and transitions to be performed with ease, in addition to providing an opportunity to estimate the duration of each shot.
Drawing
With respect to the aforementioned concepts, if one is disinclined to utilize any of the aforementioned tools, they may opt to utilize a pencil and paper as an alternative, to storyboard their shots. This particular method presents itself as a viable option for those who wish to execute a visual representation of their concepts.
By employing these aforementioned methodologies, an individual may fashion a storyboard for their video. It is worth bearing in mind that there is no definitive method to storyboard; as such, experimenting with a diverse array of techniques may be beneficial to identify the most effective one.
It is crucial to note that the principal objective of storyboarding is to chart out shots and transitions, with the intention of eliminating any periods of lull or inactivity in between. With proper planning, this can be seamlessly accomplished through the usage of storyboards, which can facilitate the production of an awe-inspiring video.
Tips To Make Your Video Storyboard Look Professional
Creating a storyboard is one of the best ways to ensure that your video looks professional. Look at how we can make your video storyboard effective!
1. Plan out your shots carefully. When it comes to crafting a storyboard, it is imperative to meticulously plan out one’s shots. This involves acquiring a comprehensive understanding of each shot’s appearance, as well as how it will synchronize with the overarching narrative.
2. Use sketches or software to create your storyboard. Employing sketches or specialized software to engender a storyboard can be a valuable method to envisage the final product and assure its coherence. This approach grants one the opportunity to confirm that the video flows seamlessly.
3. Make sure your transitions are smooth. It is essential that the transitions in the video are sleek, as abrupt changes may prove jarring to viewers. To prevent this, it is recommended to smooth out these transitions with careful consideration.
4. Add sound effects and music to your storyboard. Adding sound to the video creates an immersive experience and enhance the ambiance of the video and on the other hand, the audio elements can also provide a better comprehension of how they influence the final product.
5. Test your storyboard before you shoot the final video. Lastly, it is highly recommended to examine the storyboard to identify any flaws or omissions that could hinder the success of the final product. By conducting a test beforehand, you can ensure that everything is well-prepared and ready to go, saving you from potential blunders.
By following these tips, you can create a professional-looking storyboard that will help ensure your video is successful.
Benefits Of Creating Your Own Video Storyboard
Creating your video is a great way to connect with your audience and promote your business. By producing your video, you can control the message and ensure that it is delivered in the most effective way possible.
1. You can control the message
Lights, camera, action! When you embark on the journey of producing your own video, you hold the power to craft the perfect message. You are the master of your own narrative, with complete control over every aspect of the production process. You can painstakingly strategize every aspect of your video – the camera angles, the script, the visual details – to ensure that your message is conveyed with utmost precision and transparency.
2. You can target your audience
Envision the opportunity to establish a profound emotional connection with your target audience by delivering a message that speaks directly to their hearts and minds. Crafting a compelling video allows for the strategic design of content that resonates with the intended viewers. From an informative tutorial to a riveting narrative or even an impressive exhibition of products, the possibilities are infinite. By executing a tailored approach, you have the ability to communicate your brand’s exclusive identity and value proposition in a manner that resonates deeply with your audience.
Picture this: a video that captures your imagination and holds you spellbound with its spellbinding visuals, immersive sound effects, and a compelling story that grabs your attention from the get-go. It’s not just about what you say in your video, but how you say it. The way you present your message can make all the difference in captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impact. A meticulously crafted video can ignite conversations, galvanize people to take action, and foster a deep connection with your brand that can endure for years to come.
3. You can save money
By creating your own video content, you can avoid the hefty expenses that come with hiring a professional. With some ingenuity and effort, you can produce a top-tier video that rivals the quality of those produced by industry experts – all while keeping your budget intact.
4. You can reach a larger audience
Sharing your video through online distribution channels provides a gateway to a vast, global audience. The far-reaching power of the internet allows you to connect with people from all corners of the world, amplifying the impact of your message and expanding your reach beyond what you ever thought possible.
5. You can get feedback from your audience
Receiving constructive feedback from your audience can be a valuable tool in enhancing the quality of your videos. By inviting their opinions, you can refine your marketing ideas and ensure that each new release surpasses the last.
6. You can build credibility
Creating your own video content and marketing ideas allows you to showcase your knowledge and experience, positioning yourself and your business as a trusted authority in your industry. This elevates your credibility and fosters a loyal following among your viewers.
7. You can generate leads
With a well-placed call to action, your video has the power to attract potential customers and generate leads for your business. Through effective lead generation strategies, you can expand your customer base and grow your enterprise.
8. You can create brand awareness
Crafting your own video storyboard is a powerful tool for raising brand awareness and putting your business in the spotlight. With a strategic marketing approach, your video can drive traffic to your website, enhance brand recognition, and ignite sales growth.
9. You can establish thought leadership
Creating video content that showcases your expertise and knowledge establishes you as a thought leader in your field. As a recognized authority, you’ll attract new clients and customers who trust and value your insights. By leveraging the power of video, you can amplify your voice and position yourself at the forefront of your industry.
10. You can differentiate yourself from your competitors
By producing your video, you can set yourself apart from your competitors. This can help you to attract more attention and business.
Creating your video is a great way to connect with your audience and promote your business. By taking the time to produce your video, you can ensure that it is of the highest quality and that it reaches the people who are most likely to be interested in it.
So why settle for a one-size-fits-all approach to marketing when you can use the power of video production to craft a bespoke message? With video, you can reach the people who matter most, and make an impact that lasts long after the final credits roll. So grab your camera, and let’s bring your marketing ideas to life!
Conclusion
Now that you have learned everything from creating a perfect storyboard to the benefits of producing your video, it’s time to get started. Remember to take the time to storyboard your video and make sure that everything flows smoothly. In addition, be sure to add sound effects and music to set the tone and mood of the video. By following these tips, you can produce a high-quality video that will help to promote your business.
If you need help getting started with your marketing ideas, our subject experts at 12 Channels can assist you with the entire process, from storyboarding to distribution. Contact us today to learn more about leading generation activities and their benefits to your business.
