How to Create a Storyboard From Your Screenplay

Choose a Layout Template

Before you start creating your storyboard, you have to decide which storyboard template you want to use. This is one of those “there’s no wrong answer” choices. It’s a matter of which workflow you feel most comfortable with. Most storyboard templates are a variation of this, which is pretty standard in feature filmmaking:

Some people prefer the “grid” variation:

There are many others to choose from, and you can find more templates to use if you want to change it up.

Choose a Cell Style

Again, this is a question of how you want to work the storyboard out and organize the visual information. Very often, the storyboard artist will include a cell style which provides space for descriptions and titles. Using text to either elaborate upon the visual information, name the scene or include crucial bits of dialogue is a very common practice and can be extremely useful. Here’s three typical cells:

Or, if that’s too much clutter for you and would rather just refer the screenplay, there’s always the “naked” version of a cell:

What’s the best one of these to use? The one you like. Some people like to use word balloons à la comic book style, but I don’t recommend it. Film frames should be unobstructed. This is your first experience seeing the project. Don’t block the view.

Build the Scene Up

Whether you’re doing a montage, a long take, a quick-cut action scene or anything else, take each scene and think about how they will build up visually in the sequence you are materializing. Yes, part of it is moving the action from point A to point B. But perspective, motion, and the juxtaposition of concurrent sequences can transmit as much about the story as what is being said in dialogue. A horror movie might have some weird angles and high contrast lighting to set the mood. That romance scene will probably have a close up of lovers kissing at some point. And an exciting car chase could switch from an exterior look at the car to the diver’s point of view in just one cut. You’re working surgically in each scene now, make each step count, and make sure all the organs are in the right place once the operation is done.

A Diary of Motion

Once you get past scene building, start to look at how the storyboard flows from scene to scene. Is the progression reflecting where your story is moving to? Taking a more global view of the storyboard can provide a visual guide to thematic waxing and waning throughout the progression of the piece. If you can, lay out every single page of the storyboard at the end of the process. Cover the walls. Get that mosaic view going. This will provide a sort of living graph which measures the state of your vision. Clunky movements may be detected, or perhaps an open opportunity for some enhancements. It’s just like The Matrix. Seeing the whole picture at once can give you a whole new insight.

Honing the Tool

How you approach the creation of the storyboard – and how you use it in every stage of production – is something the filmmaker will learn over time, and indeed, will be customized for each individual. Don’t freak out if you’re disappointed with early efforts. As with any skill, it takes time to find one’s groove for the work. And as the filmmaker gains confidence in his craft, the storyboard will be less like words written in stone, and more a handy roadmap to a vision. This is a great place in the filmmaking process to experiment with editing schemes and camera blocking. Take some chances. Wait for a producer or cinematographer to raise objections to your scheme. There’s a lot of ways to use a storyboard. Get comfortable with having one always in your production toolkit and find your own way to make it a worthy instrument to further your vision.

That’s not all there is to storyboarding. There are many other techniques and approaches, traditional and customized, which the filmmaker may apply. But with the fundamentals I’ve described here, you should have more than enough understanding to get started on the process. And when you do, may I please say – welcome to your vision. The storyboard is giving you your first glimpse of it. Savor it and keep pushing forward!

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Frequently Asked Questions about How to Create a Storyboard From Your Screenplay

What is the best storyboard template for making a classroom film project?

The best storyboard template for a classroom film project is one that matches your workflow and comfort level. Standard film templates are widely used, but grid variations or customized layouts can also work well. Choose the template that helps you organize your ideas visually and makes the process easy for your students.

How do I choose the right cell style for my storyboard?

To choose the right cell style, consider how much text and detail you want alongside your visuals. Cells with space for descriptions and titles are helpful for adding dialogue or scene notes, while simpler 'naked' cells keep the focus on images. Select the style that best supports your lesson's needs.

What should be included in each storyboard cell to make scenes clear?

Each storyboard cell should show all key actors, props, expressive faces, and important camera movements. Include only what's necessary to move the story forward and avoid clutter with too many details. Use the script and your own judgment to decide what matters.

How can I help students organize scenes visually in a storyboard?

Help students organize scenes visually by encouraging them to think about sequence, perspective, and motion. Suggest using close-ups for emotional moments and wide shots for action, and remind them to build each scene step-by-step for clarity and flow.

What are common mistakes to avoid when creating a storyboard for film?

Avoid overloading storyboard cells with too many details, unnecessary props, or background clutter. Too much information can confuse readers and slow down production. Focus on what's essential for each scene and leave minor details for later design stages.