OTish: Story Boarding - how you do it?/Do you do it? - what do you use?

FrigidNDEditing wrote on 2/15/2005, 10:16 AM

looking into some different storyboarding software, to help me visualize my projects - I'm a stick figure master, but sometimes I don't have that with me - I always have my laptop with me - and so I'm looking into some different storyboarding softwares nothing like previz or anything. maybe easy boarder, or storyboard quick (it's a little more than I want to spend for it though - 200).

Dave

Comments

Jessariah67 wrote on 2/15/2005, 10:41 AM

I started with Board Master (forget what it cost) which is nice. Frame Forge is GREAT because you set up 3D models & sets and can move the camera around. That one is a bit more expensive, but is a great resource for working out setups - once you get past the "Ken & Barbie" look of the models.

PossibilityX wrote on 2/15/2005, 10:56 AM

I'm Mr. Low Tech.

I write brief thumbnail descriptions on the lined side of 3 X 5 cards, and later sketch stick figures representing what the camera(s) see on half of the unlined side. On the other half, I sketch an overhead view of the set w/camera positions.

JackW wrote on 2/15/2005, 11:24 AM

Take a look at ShotMaster, developed by film director John Badham. It's about $130. I used it briefly when it was in beta and haven't looked at it since, but it had some very nice features -- e.g., set pieces, lots of figures, etc., which I used in one commercial production.

Jack

briggs wrote on 2/15/2005, 11:45 AM

Here's a very basic one I looked at recently.

-Les

musman wrote on 2/15/2005, 3:09 PM

I've just started with frameforge. The 3D views and camera placement are very nice. Still, the program is very new and everyone does look like barbie/ken figures and there are no facial expressions. Also has very limited lighting controls. Still, the ability to select your camera type, frame aspect ratio, and zoom controls do help you get an idea of what you can and can't do on a set, and this is mostly what I need in trying to communicate with my DP.
I haven't explored exporting a shot list yet, but you can apparently export it in a number of ways. One has jpegs you can put together in Vegas (or other nle) so you can make a kind of film strip style version of your movie. Another allows for easy viewing of the appropriate parts of the script for movie magic or final draft, etc. If you have the time to figure all this out, I'm sure they would be very beneficial in visualizing your film.

ArmyVideo wrote on 2/15/2005, 7:39 PM

Being flat broke 90% of the time, I (hold the laughter) use power point. I have a template set up with figures, set pieces, etc. I know it sounds corny, but PP XP has some nice features that let you emulate editing effects and it's motion tracking is nice. There's obviously no 3D or lighting effects, but for a down and dirty solution, it isn't half bad. Notes can be added to each slide, and exported as a shot sheet- you can print each slide individually or 6 per sheet, offering some flexibility for reference during shooting.

musman wrote on 2/15/2005, 9:18 PM

I bought this dvd set and they have some sort of a free template for use with Illustrator. I haven't tried it because I have frameforge, but if you have Illustrator it might be a good option.
There's also something there for Maya, but I doubt too many of us here use Maya, so that probably won't help.

http://www.hollywoodcamerawork.us/downloads.html#template

groovedude wrote on 2/15/2005, 11:09 PM

Or you could just hire me!

www.joelcardinal.com

Orcatek wrote on 2/16/2005, 5:58 AM

I use paper and pencil too. It is just much faster than any software. Sure it doesn't looks as fancy, but it gets the job done.

Cheno wrote on 2/16/2005, 8:24 AM

I start with stick figure drawings and usually end there unless I've got money for an artist. Spielberg does the same before passing on to his storyboard artist and then to previz.

The software is nice, but for me personally, takes too much time when on a tight budget. You can get good storyboard work for around $500 a day, if you know a good artist who's "getting started" you may be able to get it for the cost of lunch :)

Mike