Commercial Storyboard Examples and Techniques

Commercial storyboards defined

What a commercial storyboard is

We often associate storyboards with films, but they can be used for a variety of purposes. A well-planned commercial usually has a board.

When all is said and done, your commercial storyboard should look something like this:

Creating a commercial storyboard

Building a commercial storyboard in 5 steps

We’re going to outline how to create a storyboard using StudioBinder’s software, but this process is universal. Let’s get started.

1. Decide on structure

Even if you are working with a pre-written script for your video advertisement, it’s important to understand the general structure of your ad. Most ad’s follow the following structure: hook, problem, solution, combat rebuttals, and a call to action. 

These five components of an advertisement are meant to engage and entice a consumer into purchasing a service or product. Keep this structure in mind as you storyboard your advertisement. 

Which shots fall into each segment of this structure? How does this affect the ad? Which part of the structure has more shots? These are questions to ask when creating and troubleshooting your ad’s storyboard. 

2. Read carefully

Before you get drawing, make sure you know the script like the back of your hand. Some things to keep in mind while reading: What is the focus of this ad? Is there a main character? How is the product being highlighted?

Knowing the answer to these questions will allow you to create a more purposeful storyboard.

3. Add your images

To add the visual depth to your commercial storyboard, upload images for each shot. These shots can be images you’ve sketched, photographs you’ve taken, or similar stills that you will base your shot off of. 

Commercial storyboards are meant to help you refine your ideas as well as prepare for the production of your advertisement. Utilize the spec fields in a way that best benefits your advertisement. 

4. Fill out the details

Next, add your shots into your storyboard. Once you add a shot, you’ll have various fields to customize your shot. These fields vary from shot description, subject, shot size, shot type, types of camera movement movement, types of lenses, and more. 

Shots in an advertisement vary greatly. Utilize these fields to be extra specific. For example, in the subject line you can specify whether it is a product shot , b-roll, model shot, etc. 

A common tool for advertisements is the macro lens. Macro lenses are perfect for shooting close up product shots. If you do utilize a macro lens, be sure to specify it in the “Lens” field. 

Another field to utilize when storyboarding your advertisement is the “Equipment” field. This can be important for specific ads like car advertisements that require aerial shots from a drone. 

5. Start sharing

Once your commercial storyboard is complete with details and visuals you can print and share it with other members of the production. Simply add collaborators on the StudioBinder interface to share the storyboard digitally. You can also print the storyboard to physically share copies of it with your director, cinematographer, client, etc.