Surrey Border Film & Video Makers
Woolmer's Wisdom - 3
Why a storyboard?
Answer: It helps you visualise and get shots edited into the best sequence for continuity.
The two types of storyboard
1. At the treatment
stage, when preparing a script, it can assist in visualising the
whole script (if not too long) or some parts of the
story or
documentary. Use ready printed layouts or make your own sheets.
2. After you have got it all into the can a storyboard is useful for getting it into the best order for the fmal edit. Using squared A4 sheets divided into 3 by4 proportions to represent frames just big enough to sketch
After shooting
2. After you have got it all into the can a storyboard is useful for getting it into the best order for the final edit. Using squared A4 sheets divided into 3 by4 proportions to represent frames just big enough to sketch the shots whilst in still mode on the camcorder and numbered in the order as shot. You don't have to be good at drawing. Use diagrammatic pictures. Figues can be in stick form. (I like to use coloured pencils.)
It’s a help to have the drawings on thin cards
and juggle them around to get the shot order sorted out, especially
where sequences require to be broken down in order to allow the story to
flow. Especially in action shots:
L/S-M/S-C/U-BCU etc.
A
good example of a storyboard used at the treatment stage was the club
film 'A Canal Reborn'. In this case, I made over 80 drawings,
which were shown at a club meeting. Quite an extreme example!
Juggle The Shots
John and his wife Joan joined Surrey Borders circa 1991, bringing a strong new talent and expertise to the club that resulted in an enthusiasm for making club films and entering competitions as never before. John was a great writer and his stories became great films, winning Gold awards for The Gold Medallion and Paula, and others. John was energetic, painting for art exhibitions, making props for the next project, writing his book and gleaning data to eventually finalise the book of his family tree, and last but not least, operating the “confounded” computer that held it all together. He was a very talented fun loving man, who will always be remembered by the club and his family.
Who are we in this film/movie/video club? We make films, videos and movies and meet on the first Friday of the month to answer members questions and to discuss ongoing club projects. Well known film makers, judges and film professionals are often our speakers for the evening. We welcome visitors and new members interested in film and video, and there is no need to own digital cameras or camcorders and no need for previous experience, as we happily provide mentors for beginners. Surrey Border meetings start at 7:45pm and end just after 10:00pm with a refreshment break at around 9:00pm. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to the monthly meetings which are on the first Friday of each month (and the first visit is free). Our meetings are held in our new contemporary hall in St Joan's Centre which is in the grounds of St Joan's church in Tilford Road, near the station in Farnham. The hall has a large car park and is within easy reach of Guildford, Farnborough, Fleet, Bordon etc. In Surrey and Hampshire. Read more about us here.
Our interests We have a good mix of interests amongst members include script writing, acting, directing, technical and artistic and all agree that ideas and skills are more important than equipment as shown by there being fewer cameras and camcorders than members. Some get more enjoyment in viewing and discussing the films produced by others and just being part of the community. There are those who wouldn't wish to ever hold a camera or camcorder while some like to help in filming but don't own their own camcorder. Of course there are always those with the latest high definition wizz bang up to date cameras, camcorders, microphones and gadgets and the lovely thing is that they are always happy to demonstrate both equipment and techniques to others. For anyone thinking of buying a camera or camcorder advice is always on hand. We have almost equal numbers of members with PC and Mac computers. We regularly put on courses, tutorials and training sessions in the light of the current interests and needs of members. Individuals with particular problems typically have one to one help.
Site updated 07 September 2010 . To comment on this website email: