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Commercial Storyboard Template
Design your commercial storyboard
For commercial production teams, a storyboard serves as a visual script, guiding directors, cinematographers, and editors through each shot. Its value extends to clients as well, translating abstract ideas into concrete visuals for better understanding before investing resources.
In this step-by-step guide, we'll utilize StudioBinder’s storyboard creatorto illustrate each phase. While we're focusing on StudioBinder, this process is applicable universally—whether you're using software for your storyboard or simply a piece of paper and a pen.
Step 1
1. Decide your presentation format
Before getting into the specifics, select a storyboard template that suits your commercial's requirements. Templates come in various formats, featuring anywhere from two to twelve panels per page. Think about using smaller frames for quick sketches or larger ones for more detailed presentations.
Commercials usually have a faster pace than films or TV shows, so you may even opt for templates with more panels per page to capture the action at a quick pace.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Switch between view types and aspect ratios effortlessly.
Step 2
2. Read the script or treatment
Use your commercial script or treatment as a guide to visualize the commercial. Determine the goals of each shot and what the focus may be whether, it is a product, a celebrity endorsement, or a part of the commercial's narrative.
Envision the types of shots, such as close-ups or wide shots, that will best serve the commercial.
For example, a product hero shot may be composed of a low-angle, tight close-up.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Import your script and automatically generate blank storyboards.
- Tag each line and create panels as you visualize the script.
Step 3
3. Create or find images
Next, it's time to populate your storyboard. You can sketch images, hire a storyboard artist, or use still photos and pre-existing commercial imagery. Make sure your images are of high quality, and are aligned with your business or client's brand.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Quickly upload images and sketches.
- Reorder images by simply dragging and dropping.
Step 4
4. Include descriptions and annotations
In the commercial world, you may be presenting or sharing your storyboards with clients. This is where additional context and detail can go a long way.
Shot descriptions, arrows to indicate camera movement, and text to clarify shot details like shot angles and shot sizes will make your storyboards clearer, ensuring that clients and your team are all on the same page.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Add descriptions, dialogue, visual information, and annotations such as arrows and text seamlessly.
Step 5
5. Share and collaborate
Like we just mentioned, you may need to share your storyboards with clients or collaborators. During this step, collaboration is key. Share your storyboard for feedback and input so you can get the green light and support to pursue your commercial production confidently.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Share via view-only links.
- Collaborate with the comments feature directly on the storyboard.
Step 6
6. Print
When ready, print the storyboard as a reference for your shoot. Hard copies are invaluable on set for keeping the production team all on the same page.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Generate PDFs with options for layout, style, and security.
Conclusion
Storyboard Complete
Commercials may be shorter than a television show or film production, but they require the same attention to detail and preparation as any other project. Approach your storyboard with the same level of care you would give to any production, and your final commercial will be on the road to success.
This commercial storyboard template is one of many storyboard templates you can use. Browse other commercial templates on our Templates page.
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