Digital Storyboarding

[Chris Langer]

Hello everyone,
I have signed on as DP for two features and both Directors have asked me to make a storyboard for the film. I think this will be a great way to convey what type of shot I am going for to everyone on set. I cannot draw by any means so I am hoping to find something that is digital where I can make my characters and develop each shot by moving the figures around and scaling the shot. I would like to write notes for every shot as well. I would like something on my computer but I have access to a iPad as well. Any programs or apps you recommend?

Thanks!
Chris

 

[drapeama]

Any programs or apps you recommend?

I'd be interested to know this as well. Any good ones that would come recommended?

 

[Samuel H]

check this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uhaJhT25hU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUIZVzElDzc

and also this:
http://prolost.com/boards
http://prolost.com/blog/2013/9/2/prolost-boardo.html

I would go with badly-drawn sketches, I haven't tried it but the digital puppet thing sounds really time consuming, only worth the effort if you really want a super-high-quality storyboard (but then, why not hire someone?)

 

[silyn]

I can draw a bit and tried many sketching SW - typical example is Autodesk SketchBook. Until I found Frameforge® Previz Studio http://www.frameforge3d.com/Products/
It's rather expensive (you can find it at around $450 the last time I checked the price), and there is a learning curve involved. But once you know how to use it and how to use it quickly, this tool is extremely helpful since it allows to understand completely everything you may want to know and try before you start shooting (including set dressing, actors (even including facial expression and endless other things - for example, you can literally age actors and try various haircuts, etc.), blocking, props, focal lengths, lenses, lighting, cameras, sensor sizes, camera movements (including dollies, cranes and such), angles, etc.). And all this is exactly as you will see it in the frame. Essentially, it's a 3D modelling tool tuned to cinematographic needs. It comes with large library of things and people - from roads and intersections to cars, phone and chairs. If you need something that is missing, just Google and you can find tons of free 3D models you can easily import in Previz.