Art & Production Design
Storyboard Artist
Draws the film before it exists. Turns the director's intent into frames the crew can plan from.
The Storyboard Artist Role
The Storyboard Artist visualises sequences as drawn frames before anything is shot, working from the script and the director's description. Boards are most valuable on complex action, VFX-heavy sequences and anything where blocking is difficult to describe in words. A good storyboard artist is not just a draughtsman — they understand coverage, screen direction and how shots cut together, and will often solve a sequence's problems on paper before the production discovers them on the day.
Key Responsibilities
- Draw storyboard frames from script and director briefs
- Visualise action, stunt and VFX sequences shot by shot
- Maintain screen direction and spatial continuity across frames
- Revise boards as coverage plans change
- Work with the director and DP on shot design
- Produce boards suitable for use by crew on set
When to Hire a Storyboard Artist
In prep, once the script is stable and before the shooting schedule locks — boards influence how long sequences take to shoot. Most valuable on action, stunts, VFX sequences and anything with complex blocking. Routine dialogue coverage rarely justifies the cost.
What to Look For
- Understanding of coverage and screen direction, not just drawing ability
- Speed — boards are needed while decisions are still open
- Experience with action or VFX if that is what you need
- Willingness to revise as the plan changes
- Clarity over artistry: crew need to read them at a glance
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Storyboard Artist — Common Questions
- What does a storyboard artist do?
- They visualise sequences as drawn frames before shooting, working from the script and director's description — showing composition, camera position and action so the crew can plan from something concrete.
- Do I need storyboards for my whole film?
- Rarely. Boards earn their cost on action, stunts, VFX and unusual blocking. Boarding routine dialogue coverage produces work nobody consults on the day.
- What is the difference between storyboards and previz?
- Storyboards are drawn frames. Previz is animated 3D, more expensive and more precise, used where timing and camera movement need working out exactly — typically complex VFX or action.
Related Crew Roles
Art & Production Design
Production Designer
The world builder. Designs and creates the physical environments where the story unfolds.
Direction
Director
The creative lead. Responsible for what the film is — performance, tone, and every choice that reaches the screen.
Camera
Cinematographer / DP
The visual storyteller. Shapes every frame through lighting, lens choice, and camera movement.