Question one.

Explain how storyboards are  used in film and animation, paying particular attention to the differences between different types, purposes and industry work flows.

When creating a film or animation, it is important to start with a storyboard. A storyboard can help plan the narrative of a film or animation, becoming a blue print for the production. It can be produced in rough "thumbnail" [image one], or it can be highly detailed [image two]. Most storyboards can be categorised into three types; passive, active, or interactive. Passive storyboards tell a story to the user. Active storyboards try to make the user see a movie that hasn't been produced yet. Interactive storyboards let the user experience the system in as realistic a manner as is practical. After the storyboard is produced and approved by the client, the filming or modelling of the animation can begin.



Image one

Image two

Robert Finlay (2011) posted about storyboards that "It is both an artistic and logistic process allowing the film crew to have a visual idea of what the director wants in the scene before the actors, actresses, props and set get involved." This is what the basic concept of a storyboard is, and what it aims to achieve. Further it is used by the director to eliminate unwanted scenes and filming requirements from the production. It's a way to keep everyone 'on track' in the production for example the producer, the animator and other departments, it allows the director to prepare the camera rolling in advance and also to see the possible end result. The storyboard should be clear so that everyone can understand it at a glance.
Moreover, storyboards are useful for most productions as they help with the cinematography and editing. However, in some productions shot lists would be used rather than storyboards because they are live action, for example a transmission of a live sporting event.

Robert Finlay (2011) suggests that "Film and animation production takes a great deal of planning; just as any complex project would. This is why the role of storyboarding is so vital." I would agree with this statement. It helps a production to run smoothly as there is a visual aid avilable, guiding the producers towards a successful production.



References

hasustorm.com. Types of storyboards. [online] Available at:<http://hasustorm.com/books/English/Addison.Wesley.Managing.Software.Requirements.2nd.Edition-LiB.chm/032112247X/ch13lev1sec1.html> [Accessed 13 May 2012 ].

Robert Finlay., 2011. The role of storyboarding in film and animation. solutions.co.uk. [blog] 06 April. Available at: <http://www.solutions.co.uk/Blog/2011/The-role-of-storyboarding-in-film-and-animation.aspx> [Accessed 13 May 2012].

Image one - [Shrek 2 storyboard] n.d. [image online] Available at:<http://bradleygale.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/storyboard.html> [Accessed 13 May 2012]

Image two - [The Golden Compass storyboard] n.d. [image online] Available at:<http://jaeeunfilmblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011_05_01_archive.html> [Accessed 13 May 2012]