Storyboard Tutorialby: Mrs. Wilson/Digital Studio

Hi DS6ers: this is Mrs. Wilson and I’m going to do a tutorial for you about how to storyboard in DS!

Remember: go to the DS Weebly for all of our resources.

From the “More…” tab, hover onto Student Resources and down to Storyboards.

On the Storyboards page, read the top about the Three Parts of a Storyboard in DS. Notice that there are links below with storyboard formats. For this tutorial, we’ll be using the 6-box format.

I’m going to use the 6th Grade Transitions PSA as an example. Make sure to put the name of your project at the top like I did.

Then, put your name and the name of your partner or partners. You might have to write a bit above the line, then put the rest of the names on the actual line.

A good strategy is to begin with the first box; then, go to the last box. This will make sense in a minute:) Number your boxes and begin with the 1st box. Create a simple sketch that BEST exemplifies that first scene. Stick people are OK…you can see from MY sketch that it’s a good thing stick people are allowed LOL ;)

Now, it’s time for the “hint of dialogue” step. You can use speech bubbles: I decided to put mine below the sketch; you can put yours above or within the scene box. If there is no dialogue in your scene, put some kind of thought bubble and write the MOOD you want the audience to feel as they watch this scene. Maybe they are wondering; or, maybe they feel humor.

I decided to label my stick people with initials. If you do this, or if you use symbols, begin making a key. For example, you might want to put a * in places where background music will play. Make sure to put all your symbols in the key. The key is optional.

Now for the third step: add a synopsis of the scene. This is like a brief overview; it reads like a caption. Keep it one sentence, or two very short sentences, in length.

I suggest going to the LAST box and completing that next. Then, you can fill in the boxes in between and it’s much easier - just a suggestion:) Something to keep in mind: NEVER put a title in the first box; and, NEVER put “The End” in the last box. These are not scenes, but rather iMovie elements you’ll add later.

And that’s storyboarding…

Remember:1) sketch of the scene (stick people are ok!!!)

2) hint of dialogue or mood (for mood: What do you want the audience to feel?)

3) synopsis of the scene (short statement/overview; like a caption)

So: let’s review. Every storyboard box should contain the parts listed above. A hint: think about going from these directions to the innovative/creative level. What spin can you put on your storyboard? OK: now it’s time for you to storyboard for your current film. You can use paper/pencil; or, you can create this digitally. I can’t wait to see what you create!