How to Use Storyboarding to Improve Your Video Production Process

Introduction: Donʼt Shoot Blind

Have you ever:

• Spent hours editing a video only to realize it missed the mark?

• Shown a client a draft they didnʼt expect?

• Had to reshoot because the pacing felt wrong?

Thatʼs what happens when you skip the storyboard.

At Visual Matters, storyboarding is where every great video begins — whether itʼs an animated explainer, a brand film, or a 15-second social teaser. In this post, weʼll show you:

• What a storyboard is

• Why it matters for video production

• How we create them

• Real-world examples that saved time and money

What Is a Storyboard?

A storyboard is a visual plan for a video, made up of sketches or frames that represent each shot or scene. Itʼs like a comic strip that shows:

• What the viewer will see

• Whatʼs happening in each scene

• Timing and transitions

• Voiceover or dialogue

• Camera movement or animation cues

Itʼs your video, on paper — before you hit record or animate a single frame.

Why Storyboarding Matters

Our Storyboarding Process at Visual Matters

Step 1: Script First

We start with a fully approved script — this defines the narrative, tone, and pacing.

Step 2: Sketch the Key Frames

We sketch or digitally mock up each key visual moment, such as:

• Scene transitions

• Visual metaphors

• Key product features

• Text overlays

• Character movements

Tip: We often use tools like Figma, Storyboarder, or Adobe Illustrator for this.

Step 3: Add Notes and Direction

Each frame includes details like:

• Camera angles (e.g., zoom, pan, static)

• Voiceover/dialogue

• Animation ideas or motion cues

• Music or sound effect suggestions

Real-World Example: Storyboarding Saved the Day

Client: Finovate B2B SaaS Platform

Project: 90-second animated explainer

What Happened:

• Initial script was abstract and jargon-heavy

• Our storyboard revealed it lacked visual clarity

• We restructured scenes to show data flow with animated charts and UI interactions

• Clients approved visuals before animation began

Outcome:

• Animation timeline cut by 30%

• Saved $4,000 on potential rework

• End result was clearer, more engaging, and on-brand

Storyboarding Tips for Better Videos

1. Think in Scenes, Not Just Shots

Each scene should have a purpose. Ask:

“What should the viewer know or feel after this?ˮ

2. Use Simple Sketches

Stick figures are fine! Storyboarding is about communication, not illustration.

3. Include Transitions

Show how youʼll move between sections — wipes, fades, zooms, or cuts.

4. Color Code for Clarity

Use colors to differentiate voiceover, text, actions, and visual elements.

5. Review with Your Team or Client

Get sign-off before moving to production. It prevents “I didnʼt expect thisˮ moments later.

Storyboarding for Different Video Types

Bonus: Storyboarding Templates You Can Use

Want to try it yourself? Here are three easy formats:

1. 6-Frame Grid

Perfect for social videos or short ads

• Frame

• VO/dialogue

• Visual description

• Notes

2. Full-Screen Slide Deck

Great for client-facing presentations

• One frame per slide with annotations

• Easy to share and edit collaboratively

3. Storyboard + Script Combo PDF

Side-by-side layout of frame sketches and full script

• Ideal for animation studios or freelancers

Pro Tip: We often build interactive Notion-based storyboards for collaborative review.

Final Thought: Plan the Story Before You Hit Record

Storyboarding isnʼt just for animators or Hollywood directors — itʼs for any brand that wants to tell a clear, compelling story through video.

It helps you:

• Stay aligned

• Save time

• Save money

• Create content that connects

At Visual Matters, we storyboard every project — because great videos start with great planning.

Want to See Your Next Video Before Itʼs Made?

Letʼs storyboard your next idea and bring it to life — the smart way.

Contact Visual Matters to get started with a custom storyboard + script package.

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