Storyboarding is one of the most important steps in video production. Before the cameras start rolling or the editors work their magic, storyboarding allows creators to map out their plan for a video and create a visual representation of what the final product will aim to look like.
When done right, storyboarding lays the groundwork for everything that comes after and can save time and money by providing a blueprint that outlines key scenes and the other visual elements that will elevate your corporate video.
What Is Storyboarding?
In film, storyboarding dates back to the 1930s when the process that’s still used today was first developed at Walt Disney Studios. It’s an important part of producing corporate videos, as it provides a first glimpse at what the final product will look like when the video production is complete.
If you’re looking for video production in Calgary, at Studio Spero storyboarding takes place during the pre-production phase. That’s when script-writing, location scouting and scheduling all take place, as well, and storyboarding lays the groundwork for the production phase when actors and professional film crews get to work.
- During storyboarding, illustrated frames are created in a chronological sequence. Doing so provides a roadmap for what shots will be required during video production.
- Shots are represented in a way that can inform everything from what cameras will be needed to what location scouts should be looking for.
- Everything from camera angles, transitions and character movements are planned out. If something doesn’t make sense on the storyboarding, it probably won’t work in the final product. It’s better to figure that out during the storyboarding phase of video production than after shooting has wrapped, as re-shoots can be time-consuming and expensive.
Why Is Storyboarding So Important?
A video production can often involve a complicated process with a lot of moving pieces, so it’s vital that there be a roadmap to guide it along and make sure all the right footage is captured during production days.
- Storyboarding saves time and resources: Storyboarding ensures efficiency. The process ensures the video production team knows what shots it needs and doesn’t waste valuable time shooting things that aren’t necessary. It also prevents anything from being missed. Especially if out of town actors are brought in for your video production in Calgary, getting them back to town for re-shoots can be expensive.
- Storyboarding provides clarity: When you can see how your corporate video will look because it is represented visually on storyboards, you’re getting a sneak preview of how the final product might come out. If it doesn’t align with your vision, it’s a lot easier and less expensive to make changes to the storyboard than it is to go back and shoot new footage.
- Storyboarding streamlines the video production process: Storyboarding lets the video production team know what is going to be needed for their shoot and in post-production. That ensures the right team can be put in place to handle everything from videography to lighting to casting the right actors and securing special cameras for things like drone footage. Storyboarding takes the guesswork out of much of the video production and post-production process.
How To Create a Storyboard
A well-planned storyboard can make all the difference for your video production in Calgary, and at Studio Spero we will meticulously create a storyboard that gives everyone involved a great idea of the corporate video we’re producing.
- Start with a script: The script for your corporate video will often inform the storyboarding process, as it dictates the flow of the whole project from scene-to-scene and will include dialogue that needs to be featured.
- Break down each scene: What are the most important scenes in your corporate video? What will they look like? How will they appear in sequence?
- Create the storyboards themselves: Today, there are digital tools used in video productions by companies like Studio Spero that mean you don’t need to sketch out individual shots by-hand. Those digital tools make it possible to include details like camera angles, movements, visual effects and graphics.
The information that storyboards provide will help guide the video production process, both through the days where actors and the production team work on-set and on-location to get the shots that are needed, and also throughout post-production.
In that final phase, editors and visual effects artists will refer to the storyboards to ensure the final cut of your corporate video looks just how you want it to.
What to Know About Shot Lists
While storyboards are great for mapping out a visual narrative, not every video production requires one. In fact, for many projects—especially those that are more straightforward or interview-driven—a shot list is often the more practical and efficient tool.
What Is a Shot List?
A shot list is a detailed breakdown of every shot that needs to be captured during production. It outlines things like camera angles, movements, framing, and any specific notes for the crew. At Studio Spero, we use shot lists to help define what footage is required and to keep everything running smoothly on shoot days.
Shot lists act as a checklist and guide for our team. They make sure we stay organized, on time, and don’t miss any crucial content, whether we’re filming in a single location or moving between multiple setups throughout the day.
When Are Shot Lists More Appropriate?
Simple Projects: Shot lists are especially valuable when the video is relatively simple in structure—think corporate interviews, event coverage, or product demos. In these cases, creating an elaborate storyboard may not be necessary. Instead, a well-structured shot list can streamline the process and keep the production focused and efficient.
Tight Turn-Arounds: They’re also great for projects where timing is tight. When we’re filming in a short window or coordinating multiple scenes in one day, a shot list ensures the entire crew is aligned on what needs to be captured and in what order.
Ultimately, whether we use a storyboard, a shot list, or a combination of both depends on the unique needs of your project. At Studio Spero, we tailor the pre-production process to fit your goals—always with an eye toward creating a polished, engaging final product.
Bring Your Video Vision to Life with Studio Spero
When choosing a video production company in Calgary, you want a team that’s professional, organized, and has a portfolio full of dynamic and engaging videos. That’s Studio Spero.
Our incredible team will take you through every step of the video production process, from discovery right through to post-production, and create a final product that sets you apart from the crowd.
We specialize in creative video productions that meet our clients’ needs. To get started or find out more about our video production services, use our contact form or call us at (403)837-9588.
FAQs About Corporate Video Production
What are the steps in creating a corporate video?
There are five main phases we use in production for video at Studio Spero. We start with the discovery phase, where we learn about your vision. Then, it’s on to the creative phase, where we find the story and create the concept.
Third is the pre-production phase, where storyboarding, scripting and location scouting takes place. Next is the production phase, where professional film crews get the footage your video needs before we finish off with post-production, where editing is done and visual and audio effects are added, as well as graphics and special effects.
We’re a full-service video production family, and can take you through every step of a great video production in Calgary.
How long does it take to complete a video production in Calgary?
Generally speaking, most of our video productions in Calgary take between three to four weeks from start to finish. If a shorter timeline is required, we can work to produce your video under tighter time constraints.