How to make a video storyboard: a guide to creating one

Creating quality audiovisual content requires careful planning and a clear vision of what you want to communicate. With this in mind, the video storyboard is a fundamental tool. Used by directors, advertisers and corporate communications managers, it helps structure ideas and visualize the sequences to be filmed, even before shooting begins.

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What is a video storyboard?

A video storyboard is a visual representation of the various scenes that will make up your video. It can be described as a kind of "blueprint" or "visual script", where each thumbnail represents a specific frame of the script. Storyboards usually include illustrations or images, accompanied by notes describing actions, dialogue, camera angles and other technical elements. This tool is essential for preparing the shoot and ensuring clear communication between members of the production team.

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The storyboard clarifies not only the visual aspects, but also the narrative elements of your project. It helps define the transitions between scenes, the rhythm of the video and how each sequence should be shot. For novices and experts alike, creating a storyboard provides an indispensable roadmap, avoiding approximations during the production process.

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Why storyboard?

When it comes to video advertising, the storyboard helps you visualize the message you want to convey before you even start filming. It helps to identify the key points of your communication and determine how to present them visually to capture the attention of the target audience. It also helps optimize production time and identify any narrative inconsistencies before shooting, thus avoiding unnecessary post-production costs.

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When you're making videos for internal corporate communication, storyboarding is also invaluable. Whether you're creating a meeting recap, a tutorial or documenting a communication from manager, storyboarding helps you structure the content in a smooth, professional way. It also ensures that the message is clearly understood and remains true to the sender's original intention.

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Steps for creating a video storyboard

1. Define objective and message

The first step is to clarify the objective of your video and the message you want to convey. What are the points you want to make? What is your call to action? This preparatory phase is crucial to creating captivating storytelling.

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2. Writing a script

Before moving on to the actual storyboarding, write a script detailing the dialogue, action, sound and visual elements of each scene. Visual storytelling is a key concept in video storyboarding. It's essential to provide your target audience with visual elements that will catch their eye and clearly convey your message. This script then serves as a guide for drawing the thumbnails of your storyboard.

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3. Divide the script into scenes

Break down your script into distinct scenes. Each scene should correspond to a thumbnail or series of thumbnails on your storyboard, allowing you to visualize the narrative progression.

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4. Illustrate thumbnails

For each scene, draw or use images to illustrate the main visual elements. Add annotations to describe actions, camera angles and movements.

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5. Add technical details

Add essential technical information : scene length, transitions, sound and visual effects. This allows the entire production team to understand exactly how each scene is to be realized.

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6. Review and refine

Once the storyboard is complete, review it carefully. Make sure that each vignette contributes to the overall story, and that nothing has been omitted.

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How can I make storyboarding easier?

Using tools like Cenareo Video makes storyboard creation easy, thanks to its guided templates and proven narrative structures. The tool offers a wide selection of formats (customer testimonials, job offers, events, etc.). Each template is designed to guide you step by step, shot by shot, with numerous indications: positioning on the video, narrative structure...

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EasyMovie by Cenareo also supports you during filming, with an integrated prompter and the option of recording your screen for demonstrations. The tool also offers video editing and statistics to evaluate the performance of your communication.

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Example of a storyboard

Let's take the example of a meeting recap:

• Scene 1: Introduction

Vignette 1: An image of the presenter standing with a text welcoming the audience to the meeting.

Annotations: "Hello everyone, thank you for joining us for this meeting."

• Scene 2: Important points raised

Vignette 2: A wide shot showing several diagrams or graphs.

Annotations: "During the meeting, we discussed the following points..."

• Scene 3: Action to be taken

Vignette 3: Close-up of presenter reading a list.

Annotations: "Here are the actions we're going to take...".

• Scene 4: Conclusion

Vignette 4: Visual summary of next steps.

Annotations: "Thank you for your attention. The next meeting will be held..."

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When should you use a storyboard?

Storyboarding is an indispensable tool for a wide range of communication media and contexts. Whether for internal or external communication, it effectively structures your video projects. Used for advertising videos, customer testimonials, employee presentations or meeting summaries, storyboarding ensures a coherent, punchy narrative. It is also essential for event teasers and product showcases, ensuring clarity of message and visual appeal. These storyboarded videos can be broadcast on dynamic screens, maximizing their impact through targeted, strategic distribution.