Unquestionably, creating storyboards can help you to visualize a project or story before it’s put into action. From films and music videos, to TVCs and product launches, having a great storyboard in place can be the key to creating a strong final product.
Check out these 10 amazing storyboard examples of storyboards that are sure to give you some interesting and useful ideas:
- 1. Taxi Driver: Storyboard Examples
- 2. Kong: Skull Island: VFX vs Storyboards
- 3. No Country for Old Men: Filmmaker's Storyboards
- 4. Grand Budapest Hotel: Iconic Storyboards
- 5. Chicken Run: Side-by-Side Storyboards
- 6. Parasite: An Example of Minimalism
- 7. Dexter Storyboard Examples
- 8. 3D Examples Using Blender
- 9. Easy 3D iPad storyboards
- 10. Watercolor storyboard examples
1. Taxi Driver: Storyboard Examples
Storyboards don’t need to be fancy to be effective. This side-by-side comparison is one of the best examples of this less-is-more ethos in full effect. Specifically drawn by Scorsese himself, these boards are beautiful and minimal in nature.
Drawn in pencil, with RED for emphasis, they capture the intensity of the story accurately. So, the next time you beat yourself up about your drawing skills, take a good look at these boards and remind yourself that storyboards are first and foremost a tool to express your vision.
Lastly, here’s a little video explaining more:
2. Kong: Skull Island: VFX vs Storyboards
These monochrome storyboard samples have a gorgeous comic book-like quality, clearly illustrating the look and feel of the final sequence. Also, notice how closely the frames match the end result, meaning the storyboards really were a solid roadmap on the filmmaking journey. Specifically, with so many studio films, these types of boards would then be translated into 3D pre-visualization for any particularly complicated or VFX intensive fight scene.
Generally speaking, this is why storyboards are so important as a visualization tool. Obviously, most of today’s franchises heavily lean on VFX, hence storyboards are a pivotal part of Hollywood’s creative workflow.
3. No Country for Old Men: Filmmaker's Storyboards
J. Todd Anderson has been collaborating with the Coen Brothers since Raising Arizona, even releasing a book of his storyboards for their cult film The Big Lebowski. Furthermore, Anderson is a master of capturing the filmmakers’ unique storytelling style on paper.
Have a look at this particular animated storyboard example, complete with a side-by-side comparison. Specifically, it’s interesting to see how simplified the drawing style is at times. However, when cut together in a sequence, it effectively tells the story by ONLY showing what is needed. Moreover, Anderson’s storyboarding style isn’t overly complex and that makes it all the more engaging.
4. Grand Budapest Hotel: Iconic Storyboards
There is indeed only one Wes Anderson, and he has an unmistakable visual style. Chiefly, he is known for creating fantastically campy story worlds with elaborate production design and a unique attention to detail. Hence, his storyboards are equally as charming and unique as his iconic films themselves.
Likewise, in this animated storyboard example, there’s a fun use of ink-like lines and monochromatic shading. Overall, the images almost feel like they are New Yorker cartoons brought to life. Also, the ways elements have been separated and animated brings the animatic to life and helps pre-visualize the action and camera movements in a particularly gorgeous manner.
5. Chicken Run: Side-by-Side Storyboards
Firstly, stop motion animation is an incredibly tedious endeavor, since the filmmaking process takes so much time. Thus, it pays to fine tune every detail before the animators get to work.
Undeniably, these examples show even relatively simplified drawings can help express a lot of emotion. Particularly notice how multiple frames of the same shot are used to show a change in expression or body language also. This obviously demonstrates how storyboards don’t necessarily need to be as complex as the finished product.
6. Parasite: An Example of Effective Minimalism
Without doubt, these examples are a masterclass using storyboards to precisely communicate a filmmaker’s vision. However, at first glance, the drawings look simple and uncomplicated. But, when combined with meticulous attention to detail and camera info, they begin to offer a strong and easy-to-follow vision of the story.
Overall, the storyboarding process can help the director create a film language and overall tone while also informing the technical approach. Hence, why we explicitly chose this example.
7. Dexter: Storyboard Examples
Here is a video with side-by-side storyboards versus actual shots that show how a great artist, using Storyboard Pro, can capture a director’s vision of both the look and the pacing of a story. Since he mixes 2D and 3D elements so seamlessly, Mark Simon’s work is certainly in hot demand. Also, check out his youtube page for more especially amazing storyboards.
8. 3D Examples Using Blender
Blender is a sophisticated 3D software that can render a variety of looks and animation styles. These CG examples show how a combination of CG and hand drawn styles can create a stunning mixed media look. Thus, this software is particularly useful for filmmakers on a budget who are seeking to complete an animated story.
9. Easy 3D iPad storyboards
Looking for pro-level storyboard sample you can achieve on your iPad? Check out this video using Graphite App, Procreate, and free 3D models. Undoubtedly, technology has allowed filmmakers an uncomplicated DIY solution, right there at their fingertips. The results in this example have a seemingly hand drawn look despite never using a pencil. Consequently, an iPad may be the perfect DIY approach for up-and-coming filmmakers.
10. Watercolor storyboard examples
Lastly, while not as common in terms of technique, these storyboards show how watercolor can bring a rather striking edge to your storyboards. Without question, this is a time consuming way to go. But, the results can be highly emotionally stimulating.
More About Storyboard Examples
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Since you’re looking for storyboards, perhaps you’re also in need of a director’s treatment. What is a director’s treatment? Also known as a pitch deck, a director’s treatment helps a director explain their vision for a project. Feel free to read more about it here.
Specifically, The Collective Pitch specializes in crafting stunning treatments for filmmakers from all over the globe. We represent ghostwriters, designers, researchers, and mood reel editors.
Also need concept art? We can also help with that side of the process. Moreover, many of our designers are also highly skilled at Photoshop, meaning they can also help create style frames and movie posters to help sell in your idea.
Not surprisingly, directors frequently compile look books and even mood reels to help explain to crew, cast, and financiers what the project will look and feel like. It can also be an incredibly worthwhile investment. Likewise, it can be a smart move to enlist the help of a ghostwriter to help encapsulate your creative vision with punchy and persuasive writing. Since that’s our bread and butter here at The Collective Pitch, we can help out.