Storyboarding for Business Video Production
Storyboarding is a key step in business video production, helping you plan videos that deliver your message clearly. A well-crafted storyboard saves time and ensures your video aligns with your goals. In this guide, we share practical tips to storyboard effectively, based on our experience creating corporate videos and branded content in London since 2011. Whether you’re a startup or a large firm, these steps will improve your video’s impact.
Why Storyboarding Matters
A storyboard maps out your video’s visuals and flow, saving time and budget during filming. Research shows that pre-planned videos reduce production costs by up to 30% (Source: HubSpot, 2023). For businesses, this means efficient shoots and professional results. Storyboarding helps you visualize the final product, making it easier to communicate your vision to your team or production partner.
5 Steps to Storyboard Your Business Video
Follow these steps to create a storyboard that works:
1. Define Your Video’s Purpose
Clarify the video’s goal. Is it to promote a product, explain a service, or train staff? A clear purpose guides every frame. For example, a business might focus on “showcasing customer success” for a promotional video.
2. Outline the Script
Write a simple script with key messages and dialogue. Break it into scenes to visualize the flow. For instance, a product video might start with a customer’s problem, show the product in use, and end with their satisfaction.
3. Sketch Visuals for Each Scene
Draw or describe shots for each script section. You don’t need to be an artist, simple stick figures or notes work. Include camera angles, like close-ups for emotion or wide shots for context. For a corporate video, you might sketch an office setting with employees collaborating.
4. Add Timing and Transitions
Note how long each scene lasts and how it connects to the next. Use transitions like cuts or fades to keep the pace smooth. A 2-minute video might have 6-8 scenes, each 10-20 seconds long.
5. Review and Refine
Share the storyboard with your team or production partner to confirm it aligns with your vision. Gather feedback to adjust pacing, visuals, or messaging before filming. This step ensures everyone agrees on the plan, avoiding costly changes later.
Tips to Get Started
Keep It Simple: Focus on clarity over complex designs.
Know Your Audience: Tailor visuals to their preferences (e.g., professional for B2B, relatable for consumers).
Use Tools: Try free storyboarding apps like Canva or paper sketches.
Test Early: Show a draft to colleagues for feedback
Alternative Pre-Production Tools
If a full storyboard isn’t needed, these tools can streamline your video production pre-planning:
Detailed Shot List: A document listing every shot by scene, ensuring the team knows what to capture. For example, a product demo might list “close-up of product in use” and “wide shot of office.”
Mood Board: A collage of images and colors to set the video’s tone, helpful for aligning on style. For instance, a corporate video might use sleek, professional imagery.
Script with Annotations: Add notes to your script for camera angles or mood, like “use warm lighting for welcoming feel,” to guide production without a storyboard.
Example of a Mood Board
Tips to Get Started
Keep It Simple: Focus on clarity over complex designs.
Know Your Audience: Tailor visuals to their preferences (e.g., professional for B2B, relatable for consumers).
Use Tools: Try free storyboarding apps like Canva or paper sketches.
Test Early: Show a draft to colleagues for feedback.
Why Choose DevilBoy Productions?
Based in London, DevilBoy Productions has created business videos since 2011. As a boutique film company, we offer tailored storyboarding and production with clear communication, treating each project as a partnership. Explore our business video production services or contact us to discuss your project.
