Disney Storyboard Checklist
At this year's Annecy Animation Festival there was a great presentation by Hillary Bradfield about how she became a story artist at Disney. As if that wasn't enough the attendees all got a gift back that included a sticker, a Disney branded Blackwing pencil and a very cool little (post-it size) storyboard sketchpad.
On the back of the sketchpad is this great storyboard checklist that you might want to print out and put over your desk [transcript below]:
Storyboarding at Disney Animation
Story Artists are not only thinking of the narrative, character, and world but also about emotion, timing, staging, and framing with the overall direction of the film.
- In a portfolio showcase your voice!
- What is the big moment in the scene?
- Draw inspiration from people you know.
- Give emotional moments room to breathe.
- There are no bad ideas in brainstorming!
- Only draw what’s needed to communicate an idea.
- Take breaks, stretch your hands out!
- Clarity: One idea per sketch.
- Think of each scene in relation to the whole story.
- The camera is the audience’s point of view.
- Conflict = Entertainment!
- Characters are defined by the choices they make.
- Eye direction is the first thing you notice in a shot.
- Clear drawings are better than beautiful drawings.
- Show, don’t tell.
