Overview

A storyboard is often used in the graphic planning of a film as it helps us visualise the intended motion picture through sequences of illustrations or images. In this process of visualising and planning, students develop the skills involved in selecting and sequencing as they prepare the film they want to make.

Description

Students are asked to visually define the main scenes of an animated film according to a literary text they have read. The first step is to discuss with the students the animating technique they are going to use to make the film.

Organise the students into groups and give them sequences of the story that they have read previously (make sure that the task assignment covers the whole story so that you’ll have a complete storyboard at the end). Ask them to work on each scene, identifying the details of the characters’ appearance, actions, movements and expressions, the text, soundtrack, etc. They should also define the camera shots required and the duration of each scene.

To complete the storyboard, students can use illustrations and drawings that they’ve created.

Celtex allows the import of images previously saved on a computer. Students are much more enthusiastic when working with their own material or illustrations, ensure they have these ready to use and saved on their computers. Use your computer and a projector to show students how to use the software effectively and how to explore a storyboard example. It’s not complicated, but explaining to them the basics will help them use the functions they are looking for much more fluently.

At the end, ask each group save their storyboard and present it to the class. Comments and suggestions should result in improvements being made. It also helps the students apply what they have learnt about the rhythm and sequence of a film.

Time needed 3+ hours.

Resources

• Internet access.

• Previously created illustrations (by the students or others).

• Software to create storyboards e.g. Celtex – https://www.celtx.com/index.html.

Hints and tips

• When choosing an animation technique, several are possible e.g. drawing, painting etc. so it’s important to remember that the technique should be related to the genre of film, to the time you have to do the task and the students’ skill levels in using the resources.

• If you are planning to develop the entire filmmaking project then the production groups should be organised at this stage.

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