You’ve got the script. You’ve got the vision. But can your crew see it?
Whether you're shooting a short film, a feature, or a music video, clarity in pre-production can make or break your project. One of the most powerful tools in a director's toolkit is also one of the most overlooked: shooting boards.
Unlike generic storyboards, shooting boards are tailored specifically for production, focusing on camera angles, transitions, timing, and shot composition. When used correctly, they streamline communication, save time on set, and keep your entire crew aligned with the cinematic vision.
If you’ve ever asked:
“How do I plan my shots efficiently before filming?”
“What’s the difference between storyboards and shooting boards?”
“How can I communicate my vision to my Director of Photography and production designer?”
This post is for you.
1. What Are Shooting Boards?
Shooting boards are sequential illustrations that break down each shot of a scene. They go beyond narrative ideas and focus on technical execution. They include:
Camera angles and movement
Shot type (wide, medium, close-up, over the shoulder, etc.)
Blocking and staging
Lighting suggestions
Frame transitions and timing cues
While traditional storyboards often focus on conveying general visual ideas, shooting boards dig deeper. They’re designed for logistics, planning, and shot execution. They're used heavily in feature films, TV, music videos, and even high-end branded content.
Think of them as the visual blueprint of your shoot.
2. Why Shooting Boards Matter in Film Production
Film is a collaborative medium. Even if the vision starts with the director, it has to be communicated clearly to:
The director of photography
Production designers
Editors
Visual effects teams
Line producers and ADs
A well-drawn shooting board aligns all departments before anyone hits record. Here’s why that matters:
a. Better Shot Planning
Directors and DPs use shooting boards to walk through the visual rhythm of a scene. You can pre-visualize how shots will cut together, which helps with:
Deciding when to move the camera
Planning transitions (match cuts, wipes, etc.)
Figuring out shot durations
Testing visual pacing in action or dialogue-heavy scenes
b. Improved Communication with Crew
Shooting boards help prevent miscommunication on set. Everyone, from the grip to the production designer, sees the same visual target. That means fewer surprises and faster setups.
c. Efficiency on Set
Time is money, especially with tight schedules. When the shot list is visually prepped, the 1st AD can build a shooting schedule that matches your priorities. And when the crew sees the plan ahead of time, things move faster and smoother.
d. Solving Problems Before They Happen
Logistical problems are easier to catch in the pre-production phase. Does a planned camera move require a dolly track or Steadicam? Will you need additional coverage for a dialogue exchange? Shooting boards let you catch that early before you're burning through hours on set.
3. Case Study: Turning a Complex Sequence Into a Shootable Plan
Let’s say you're directing a fight scene in a warehouse. The script reads fast and punchy, but without visual planning, the stunt coordinator, DP, and editor might each imagine the rhythm differently.
By breaking down the sequence into frame-by-frame shooting boards, you can:
Define the beginning, middle, and end of the action
Plan dynamic camera movements (for example, a whip pan from a punch to a fall)
Pre-vis VFX beats like broken glass or sparks
Ensure continuity of direction and eye-lines
This helps the entire team lock in the flow before rehearsal and saves you from reshooting pickups later.
4. How Directors Use Shooting Boards on Set
Shooting boards aren’t just for prep. They become the creative compass on set.
You can use them:
During camera setup to confirm framing
To communicate shot goals to operators or Steadicam
As a checklist during coverage
To troubleshoot when time runs short (What shots can we drop and still tell the story?)
Many directors keep them close, sometimes even on their phone or tablet, to reference during fast-moving setups. DPs and script supervisors also rely on them to stay synced.
5. The Human Touch Still Matters
While some filmmakers use AI or 3D previs tools, hand-drawn boards still hold value, especially when created by someone with experience in cinematography and storytelling.
An experienced shooting board artist:
Understands lens language and camera blocking
Draws with the director’s intent in mind (not just cool images)
Adds mood, lighting cues, and emotional beats
Collaborates to adjust as ideas evolve
That’s the difference between filler frames and a working document that supports the entire production.
6. What to Look for in a Shooting Board Artist
If you're a director, producer, or 1st AD looking for a board artist, consider:
Do they have experience with camera planning and production?
Can they match the tone of your project (comedy, horror, drama, etc.)?
Are they flexible with changes as the vision develops?
Can they deliver under tight deadlines?
The best artists bring cinematic thinking into the frame, not just illustration skill.
7. Final Thoughts: Shooting Boards Are an Investment in the Film
Some filmmakers skip shooting boards to save time or budget. But the cost of miscommunication, slow setups, or extra takes often outweighs the small investment upfront.
Shooting boards aren't just drawings. They’re a creative strategy tool. They align the vision, speed up production, and elevate the final cut.
Need Shooting Boards for Your Next Film?
If you're prepping a narrative film, short, or music video and need professional shooting boards, consider working with a storyboard artist who understands the entire production pipeline.
Look for someone who’s fluent in visual storytelling and camera language. Someone who can take your vision and make it frame-ready.
📩 For inquiries: paul@paultemplestudios.com
🎨 Portfolio: paultemplestudios.com