Storyboards and Cinematography: Speaking the Same Language

Why Storyboards Matter

Some people think storyboards are just for brainstorming, cute sketches to throw ideas on a page, but they’re actually the blueprint for every shot in your production. For directors and DPs, my boards are a visual shorthand. They show lens choices, blocking, lighting cues, and camera movement without repeating a hundred times why a shot works.

Lens Choices and Their Impact

Lens selection is where storyboards start flexing real power. Each lens changes a scene’s perception. Wide angles exaggerate space, telephotos compress it, shallow depth of field isolates a moment. I don’t dictate the gear, but I map the effect. When a DP sees my board, they immediately know what the story requires, not just what the shot looks like. This saves time, money, and headaches on set.

Blocking and Performance

Actors don’t just stand in the right place. They move, react, hesitate. A glance, a pause, a step forward communicates story. My boards mark those beats. I illustrate gestures, stances, and eye lines so the camera can follow effortlessly. Nothing kills a scene like improvising movements that contradict the visual logic.

Lighting Setup Without Confusion

Lighting setups are embedded in the storyboard language too. I’m not giving technical schematics, but I indicate where shadows, highlights, and contrast should fall to support the mood. A DP sees the board and understands the emotional weight without guessing. It’s not about micromanaging. It’s about giving them the tools to make creative choices faster.

Mapping Camera Movement

Camera movement is where storyboards earn their keep. Pans, dollies, push-ins, handheld sequences, every motion affects rhythm and tension. I map trajectories and timing to guide the viewer’s attention. One misplaced move can flatten a scene or ruin a beat. Storyboards give the DP confidence that the movement supports the story.

Continuity Across Shoots

Multi-day shoots or reshoots demand consistent angles, lens choices, and lighting. My boards act as a visual reference. A week later, the crew doesn’t have to guess what the original intent was. They see it and can replicate it precisely. This saves reshoots, rewrites, and arguments on set.

Streamlining Collaboration

Directors, DPs, gaffers, and production designers all reference the same visual language. Instead of debating whether shadows feel right or if the lens is good enough, everyone looks at the board. Miscommunication drops. Focus shifts to performance and nuance instead of translating intentions.

Anticipating Problems Before They Happen

Tight locations, mixed lighting, or unpredictable actors always cause headaches. With clear boards, the crew anticipates challenges, plans solutions, and keeps the shoot on schedule. Storyboards aren’t just visual tools. They are preventative medicine for filmmaking chaos.

Experimentation Without Disruption

Boards double as negotiation and experimentation tools. Directors and DPs can explore options for framing, blocking, and movement without holding up the shoot. If a camera movement or lens choice isn’t working, we tweak the boards, not the whole production. It is cheaper, faster, and less stressful than adjusting mid-shoot.

Storyboards Speak Cinematography

In essence, my storyboards speak the language of cinematography. They provide clarity without taking creative control. They give directors and DPs the confidence to execute, reduce miscommunication, and protect the integrity of the story. Every sketch, note, and frame communicates a decision, a feeling, or an emotional beat.

When a crew knows exactly what each frame needs to convey, the production becomes a collaborative machine instead of a guessing game. Storyboards aren’t optional. They are the playbook that keeps the storytelling on track, the budget under control, and the shoot sane.

If you want to see how storyboards can align your cinematic vision and get every shot right, shoot me an email!

📩 Reach out: paul@paultemplestudios.com
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Continuity in Streaming: How Storyboards Guide Episodic Shows

Streaming has changed the way we watch stories. Gone are the days when we waited a week between episodes on network television. Now, entire seasons drop in one sitting, and audiences binge them over a weekend. This shift has raised the bar for consistency. If something feels off between episodes, the audience notices. They are sharper than ever, and they are watching with a marathon mindset.

As a storyboard artist, I see this challenge up close. Episodic content has unique demands compared to films or commercials. A movie has two hours to maintain tone and rhythm. A commercial has thirty seconds. But a streaming series has six, eight, sometimes ten hours of story stretched across different directors, crews, and production schedules. Holding that together visually is no small feat. That is where storyboards play a crucial role.

The Continuity Challenge

Episodic productions often rotate directors from episode to episode. This approach brings fresh energy and unique perspectives, but it also opens the door for inconsistencies. One director may favor wide shots and atmospheric lighting, while another leans into handheld intimacy. Both approaches might work in isolation, but in the middle of a season, they can feel like two different shows stitched together.

On top of that, crews can change between episodes. Shooting schedules often overlap, second units run in parallel, and different cinematographers may rotate in. For a story that relies on gradual development of characters, themes, and tone, even small differences in visual language can pull the audience out of the story.

Viewers of streaming shows are relentless in spotting these differences. A character’s home might suddenly feel brighter than it did two episodes ago, or an emotional beat might be played too fast because the rhythm of the scene shifted. These are not flaws that an audience forgets. They are the moments that make a story feel less cohesive, and in the crowded streaming landscape, cohesion is everything.

Storyboards as Anchors

This is where storyboards prove their worth. Storyboards create a shared visual grammar that every director, cinematographer, and production designer can rely on. They capture not only the sequence of events but the tone of those events.

Think of storyboards as the thread that ties the episodes together. They do not lock directors into rigid choices, but they set a framework. Directors can bring their style to the details, while the boards preserve the continuity of the show’s overall voice. That balance between freedom and consistency is what makes episodic storytelling work.

Visual Tone Across Episodes

One of the most powerful things storyboards do for episodic projects is establish tone. Tone is more than mood lighting or color correction. It is about how every shot communicates intention. If a show starts with a gritty, street-level perspective, the boards will reinforce that by framing characters in compressed urban spaces, holding on their reactions longer, and avoiding overly stylized movement.

By episode six, when a different director steps in, those boards are still the guide. They remind the team that this story is not meant to look glossy or polished. The boards help translate the creative intent of the showrunner into visual beats that everyone can interpret the same way. That prevents an episode from drifting into an entirely different style mid-season.

Character Consistency

Characters are the backbone of any episodic story. Yet when shooting spans months and multiple directors, keeping those characters visually consistent can be tricky. Storyboards preserve details that go beyond the script.

When working on episodic boards, it’s important to pay close attention to character framing. Does the lead always dominate the left side of the screen in tense confrontations? Does the comic relief character often sit lower in the frame, signaling vulnerability? These are not random choices. They are part of the visual language that shapes how the audience perceives the characters over time.

Without storyboards, these details risk getting lost as new directors rotate in. With boards, the framing and blocking of characters stay aligned with the long-term storytelling plan.

Efficiency Under Pressure

Episodic shows run on brutal schedules. Entire episodes might need to be shot in a matter of weeks, with multiple units shooting simultaneously. Without careful planning, production becomes chaotic. Storyboards give clarity to every department.

For directors, boards eliminate guesswork. For cinematographers, they dictate where cameras need to be and what lenses to use. For set designers and costumers, they clarify what will actually make it into frame. By providing that precision up front, boards reduce wasted effort.

Boards can cut down hours of debate on set. Instead of arguing about whether a scene should start in a wide or a close-up, the boards already establish the intention. That efficiency is not just about saving time. It is about preserving creative energy for performances and problem-solving where it really matters.

The Streaming Audience Factor

Streaming audiences consume content differently. When people binge-watch, they hold a season in their heads as a single, extended story. That means continuity issues stand out more starkly than they did when episodes were spaced a week apart.

Storyboards meet this demand by reinforcing consistency at the planning stage. They ensure that even when production pressures push directors to make fast choices, the long-term vision holds steady. In a world where audiences can click away after a single jarring episode, keeping them immersed is essential.

How I Approach Episodic Storyboards

Every episodic project comes with its own DNA. Some are dialogue-driven dramas. Others are fast-paced genre series. My job as a storyboard artist is to decode that DNA and make it visually clear across the entire season.

When working on episodic storyboards, it’s important to identify the recurring visual motifs. Is there a specific camera angle the showrunner wants tied to moments of betrayal? Is there a lighting setup that signals moments of revelation? These decisions are then baked into the boards so they carry across episodes.

It’s also important to collaborate closely with producers to understand the logistical realities. Episodic work often overlaps, so boards that are functional for second units and consistent across directors is a necessity. That way, everyone is pulling in the same direction, even when they are working miles apart.

Why Producers Should Care

For producers, continuity is not just an artistic issue. It is financial. Every reshoot caused by miscommunication costs money. Every scene that gets cut in the edit because it feels out of place reduces the impact of the story. Storyboards are an investment in avoiding those problems.

In episodic content, the stakes are even higher. A disjointed episode can drag down an entire season’s reputation. Viewers today have endless options. If they feel a show is uneven, they drop it. Producers cannot afford to let continuity slip. Storyboards are one of the most reliable tools to safeguard against that.

The Long Game

Episodic storytelling is about endurance. A feature film is a sprint. A commercial is a quick burst. A series is a marathon. Maintaining energy and cohesion across that marathon is one of the hardest things in filmmaking. Storyboards give you the endurance to make it to the finish line without stumbling along the way.

As streaming continues to dominate, audiences will expect even tighter storytelling. They will notice when an episode feels off. They will praise shows that deliver consistency and depth. Behind that consistency, you will often find storyboards quietly holding the production together.

Final Thoughts

Episodic storyboarding is not glamorous. Audiences will never see the boards. But they will feel the difference they make. When every episode flows into the next without jarring shifts, when characters stay true to themselves across hours of story, when the show feels like one seamless vision, that is the invisible hand of storyboards at work.

For directors and producers in the streaming world, this is not an area to cut corners. Storyboards are the glue that keeps episodic storytelling from unraveling. They are the silent partner in every successful binge-worthy show.

📩 Reach out: paul@paultemplestudios.com
🎨 Explore more: www.paultemplestudios.com

Concept Art and Storyboards for Indie Film Crowdfunding

Independent filmmaking has always required equal parts creativity and resourcefulness. Unlike major studios with vast budgets, indie filmmakers often work with lean teams and even leaner bank accounts. Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Seed&Spark have become a lifeline for bringing bold new stories to the screen.

But crowdfunding is about more than just asking for money. It is about inspiring trust, sparking imagination, and showing potential backers that your vision is worth supporting. This is where concept art and storyboards become powerful tools. A pitch deck filled with words alone can fall flat. A video without visuals often leaves too much to the imagination. Strong illustrations help fill the gap, making your film’s world tangible before the cameras ever roll.

As an illustrator and storyboard artist, I have worked with indie directors who are preparing crowdfunding campaigns, as well as those moving toward production after a successful raise. I have seen firsthand how professional visuals can turn an idea into something people want to invest in.

Why Visuals Matter in Crowdfunding

The crowdfunding space is competitive. Hundreds of new projects launch every month, all competing for the attention and wallets of potential backers. To stand out, filmmakers need to communicate their story quickly and memorably.

That is nearly impossible to do with text alone. Even a well-crafted pitch video can feel vague if it only features a director talking to the camera. Backers want to know what kind of film they are supporting. They want a sense of the tone, scale, and emotional weight of the project.

Concept art and storyboards provide that clarity. They show backers:

• What the characters will look like

• How the story will unfold visually

• The mood and atmosphere of the world

• That the director has a clear vision

In short, visuals move the project from “idea” to “film in the making.”

Concept Art: Setting the Tone

Concept art is often the first layer of visual communication in a crowdfunding campaign. These illustrations establish the mood and design of the film’s world.

For example, if your story takes place in a futuristic city, concept art can help show the skyline, costume design, and overall tone. If it is a historical drama, concept art might capture the lighting, color palette, and period-specific details that ground the story in its era.

Backers respond emotionally to concept art. A single striking illustration can say more about your project than a two-minute video ever could. It conveys not just what your film is, but why it matters.

I am currently working with a filmmaker who graduated from LMU (Loyola Marymount University) on character designs and key illustrations. These visuals will serve as the centerpiece of his crowdfunding campaign, giving potential backers a vivid first look at his characters and the story’s emotional arc. Instead of guessing what his film might feel like, backers will immediately see it.

Storyboards: Showing the Story

While concept art sets the tone, storyboards show the story itself. They break down the film into sequences and demonstrate how the camera will move through the action.

For crowdfunding, storyboards can be incredibly powerful in two ways:

1. Pitch Videos – Many campaigns include a short teaser or proof-of-concept trailer. Storyboards help directors plan these efficiently, maximizing production value even on a small budget.

2. Campaign Materials – Sharing storyboard frames on your campaign page gives backers insight into how the film will flow. It reassures them that you have thought through not just the idea, but the execution.

Recently, I worked with an indie director on storyboards for his short film. He plans to release some of those frames as part of his crowdfunding push, but also use the boards on set during filming. That’s a win-win!

Why Professional Illustrations Matter

Some filmmakers might ask, “Why not just use AI or quick sketches?” While technology can generate images, it cannot capture intention.

A professional illustrator tailors visuals to the story, the tone, and the audience. For indie crowdfunding, this is critical. Backers are not just buying into a story; they are buying into a filmmaker’s vision. The illustrations need to reflect care, purpose, and clarity.

A machine can produce an image, but it cannot collaborate with a director on how best to present a scene. It cannot understand the thematic weight of a moment or adjust visuals to highlight a character’s inner conflict. Professional illustrators bring discernment that builds trust—something algorithms cannot offer.

For filmmakers asking people to invest in their story, that trust can make the difference between a campaign that reaches its goal and one that falls short.

Building a Crowdfunding Campaign with Visuals

So how can indie filmmakers integrate concept art and storyboards into their crowdfunding campaigns? Here are some key strategies:

1. Create a Visual Pitch Deck

A pitch deck with illustrations makes your campaign instantly more professional. Include concept art of key characters, environments, or pivotal moments in the story. Backers should be able to flip through and immediately understand the scope of your project.

2. Use Storyboards to Plan a Teaser

A short teaser trailer can boost your campaign’s credibility. Even if you cannot shoot final footage yet, storyboard sequences can guide a proof-of-concept video that excites backers.

3. Share Artwork on Social Media

Crowdfunding campaigns rely heavily on social promotion. Having a bank of professional illustrations allows you to drip-feed visuals leading up to launch. Each post becomes a chance to capture interest.

4. Show the Process

Backers love to feel part of the creative journey. Sharing early sketches, character design drafts, or snippets of storyboard panels helps them feel invested in the project’s progress.

5. Keep the Story First

While visuals are powerful, they should always serve the story. Avoid overwhelming your campaign with polished frames that distract from the narrative. The goal is to communicate vision, not create a finished film before you have even raised the budget.

The Backer’s Perspective

It is worth remembering what backers want when they browse a campaign. Most are not film professionals. They might not understand technical jargon or detailed production schedules. What they do respond to are clear visuals that connect emotionally.

An illustration of a heroic moment, a storyboard of a suspenseful sequence, or a character design that feels authentic—all of these help potential backers see what they are funding. That emotional connection is what inspires people to click “Back this Project.”

Indie Films That Prove the Power of Visuals

Many successful indie campaigns have used visuals as a cornerstone of their fundraising. While I cannot share private case studies, I have observed projects where professional concept art and storyboards made the difference between obscurity and recognition.

One example is The Chosen, the crowdfunded series created by Dallas Jenkins. While not every filmmaker has access to the same resources, The Chosen proved how important it is to give potential backers a clear visual window into the story. From promotional art to behind-the-scenes illustrations, visuals helped the project connect deeply with its audience.

Other smaller projects have similarly relied on concept art to demonstrate vision long before a single frame of footage was shot. These campaigns remind us that in crowdfunding, imagination and clarity often matter more than production value.

Practical Tips for Filmmakers

If you are preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign, here are some practical steps you can take with visuals:

• Budget for Illustration – Set aside part of your pre-launch budget to commission concept art or storyboards. Think of it as an investment in the campaign’s success.

• Focus on Key Moments – You do not need dozens of illustrations. A handful of strong pieces that capture your film’s tone and story beats can go a long way.

• Collaborate Closely – Work with your illustrator as part of the creative team. Share your script, mood boards, and inspirations. The stronger the collaboration, the stronger the visuals.

• Use Illustrations Beyond Crowdfunding – The artwork you commission can also be used later in press kits, festival submissions, and even production design discussions. Think of it as a long-term asset.

Why Storyboards and Concept Art Are Worth It

At the heart of indie filmmaking is a leap of faith. You are asking people to believe in your story before it exists on screen. That requires courage, clarity, and vision.

Concept art and storyboards are not just marketing tools—they are bridges of trust. They reassure backers that the filmmaker has a plan. They help collaborators understand what the final film should look like. And most importantly, they ignite imagination.

For filmmakers navigating the world of crowdfunding, visuals are not optional. They are essential. Whether you are raising $5,000 for a short or $500,000 for a feature, illustrations give your campaign the spark it needs to stand out.

Final Thoughts

Independent filmmakers are storytellers at heart. Crowdfunding is simply another stage of storytelling—inviting others to believe in your vision and take part in making it real.

Concept art and storyboards give that invitation form. They turn ideas into images. They help strangers on the internet feel like partners in your creative journey.

So before you launch your next campaign, ask yourself: how clearly can people see your film? If the answer is not clear enough, concept art and storyboards may be the missing piece that moves your project from dream to funded reality.

📩 paul@paultemplestudios.com
🎨 paultemplestudios.com

Carrying the Legacy of Film Illustrators Forward

When I sit down to create a frame for a film project, I never feel like I am working in isolation. I am always aware that I am stepping into a long tradition of artists who shaped cinema. Storyboard and concept artists have always been the bridge between an idea and its realization on screen. That is true today, and it was just as true when the early visionaries of visual storytelling set the standards that still guide us.

Film illustration has always thrived in the space between vision and execution. Long before cameras rolled, illustrators helped directors see what their films might become. They tested compositions, designed characters, and created worlds where none yet existed. Their drawings were not decoration. They were blueprints for production, emotional roadmaps for actors, and a director’s first opportunity to “see” a film before it was made.

Some names stand out in this tradition. Iain McCaig, James Gurney, and Syd Mead each brought something distinctive to the craft. They represent different branches of the same tree, but the roots are shared. When I study their work, I find lessons that I carry directly into my own practice as a storyboard and concept artist.

Iain McCaig: Storytelling Through Character

Star Wars character designs by Iain McCaig.

McCaig is best known to a broad audience for designing characters like Darth Maul and Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequels, but his influence extends far beyond those iconic designs. What has always struck me is how his drawings capture the human core of a story. His characters never feel like static designs. They live. They think. They hold secrets. His ability to suggest narrative in a single pose or gesture is something I aspire to in my own frames.

When I am drawing a storyboard sequence or piece of concept art, I try to carry forward that emphasis on character-driven storytelling. It is not enough for a shot to be technically clear. It has to breathe with the inner life of the characters. A figure leaning against a doorframe can tell us volumes about hesitation, defiance, or sorrow. McCaig’s example reminds me that every storyboard is not just about framing a camera move, but about revealing humanity in action.

James Gurney: Worldbuilding With Believability

Dinotopia concept art by James Gurney.

James Gurney might be most famous for Dinotopia, but to me he represents a masterclass in worldbuilding. He took the impossible idea of humans coexisting with dinosaurs and made it believable through a painter’s eye for light, atmosphere, and detail. His technique grounded fantasy in reality. Viewers could imagine walking into his painted worlds because they were rendered with the discipline of an observational artist.

That commitment to believability resonates with the work I do in film. Whether I am sketching a cramped apartment interior or a sweeping alien landscape, the goal is the same: to make the world feel lived-in. I focus on small details that anchor a scene, like the clutter of objects on a desk or the way a horizon softens in haze. These are not just aesthetic flourishes. They are cues that allow a viewer to suspend disbelief. Gurney’s legacy is a reminder that even the most fantastic storyboards need a scaffolding of reality.

Syd Mead: Designing the Future

Blade Runner concept art by Syd Mead.

Syd Mead’s work redefined how we imagine technology and the future. His designs for Blade Runner, Tron, and countless other projects gave us a vision of worlds shaped by machines, neon, and concrete. What made his work so powerful was not just technical precision, but a sense of plausibility. He imagined futures that felt both alien and inevitable.

I often think about Mead’s approach when I am tasked with visualizing environments that have not yet been built. Whether it is an experimental set design or a digital world that will only exist in post-production, I approach it with the same question Mead asked: what would it feel like to live here? That question shifts a drawing from abstraction into experience. His legacy pushes me to think not only about form, but about atmosphere, weight, and the rhythm of daily life in these imagined spaces.

Technique as Inheritance

Each of these artists worked in different corners of the industry, but their techniques are part of the inheritance of anyone working in film illustration today. McCaig taught us the importance of character and gesture. Gurney demonstrated how to make the extraordinary believable. Mead showed us how design could shape culture’s vision of the future.

I carry those lessons into every storyboard and concept painting. I pay attention to line weight because a heavier contour can ground a figure, while a lighter one can suggest fragility. I use compositional diagonals to pull a viewer’s eye into a frame. I think carefully about where to leave a drawing unfinished, because suggestion can be more powerful than explicit detail. These are not just technical decisions. They are echoes of a long conversation that illustrators have been having for decades about how best to translate thought into image.

Why the Legacy Matters

Some might ask why this lineage is important in an age when digital tools can create entire worlds at the push of a button. My answer is simple: tools are only as good as the hands that guide them. The illustrators I admire did not rely on shortcuts. They relied on observation, discipline, and an ability to communicate. Those qualities remain the foundation of the work today.

When I draw, I am not competing with history. I am in dialogue with it. The sketch that goes down on my paper is informed by Mead’s futuristic discipline, Gurney’s painterly realism, and McCaig’s gift for character. But it is also shaped by my own sensibilities, my own way of seeing. That is how traditions evolve. We do not preserve them by imitation, but by extending them into the present.

Looking Ahead

The role of the illustrator in film is changing, but it is not disappearing. In fact, the demand for clarity of vision has only grown. Directors and production designers still need someone to translate a script into a visual roadmap. They still need someone who can suggest emotion, atmosphere, and pacing in a way that a line of text never could.

When I look at the frames on my desk, I see them as part of this larger continuum. Each drawing is a conversation across time. McCaig, Gurney, and Mead left us examples of how to capture character, build worlds, and envision the future. I try to honor those lessons by applying them to the stories of today.

In the end, illustration for film is about trust. A director trusts me to show them what their film might look like before it exists. An audience trusts the images to carry them into a story. And I trust the tradition of artists who came before me, knowing that their techniques, honed across decades, still guide the pencil in my hand.

📩paul@paultemplestudios.com
🎨paultemplestudios.com

Why Animatics Aren't Just for Animation

When most people hear the word “animatic,” they immediately think of cartoons. Makes sense. Animation studios use animatics as part of their pre-production process. But animatics are so much more than a step in making cartoons. They’re a powerful tool in live-action filmmaking, advertising, and just about any project that needs a clear visual game plan before cameras roll.

If you’ve ever tried to get a team aligned on timing, tone, or camera movement using only a script or static storyboard frames, you know how easily things get lost in translation. That’s where animatics come in. They give you timing, pacing, and even sound design in a way that brings the whole vision together.

Let’s dig into why animatics deserve a spot in your toolkit, even if you’ve never touched a cartoon in your life.

What is an Animatic?

An animatic is basically a storyboard that’s been edited into a rough video sequence. It’s made from storyboard frames timed out to match the script, with sound effects, music, or voiceover added. The result is a simplified version of your project that plays like a film—no guesswork required.

For example, say you’ve got a 30-second commercial. You can sketch out all the key shots and assemble them in a timeline that shows how long each one lasts, where transitions happen, and how dialogue fits. Suddenly, everyone from your producer to your editor knows exactly what’s going on.

Who Uses Animatics (and Why)?

Filmmakers: For directors, animatics help clarify camera angles, blocking, and pacing before anyone steps on set. They’re especially useful for action scenes, VFX shots, or anything with complex movement.

Agencies: In advertising, animatics are used to pitch and pre-test commercial ideas before production. Clients can visualize the ad without having to imagine what a static frame means. That means fewer revisions and more confidence on all sides.

Production Teams: Editors, cinematographers, and even composers benefit from a well-structured animatic. It sets the rhythm of the piece, showing where to hit emotional beats or transition between ideas.

Animatics vs. Storyboards: What’s the Difference?

Storyboards are the backbone. Animatics are the muscle. Both are vital, but they do different jobs.

A storyboard helps visualize the plan. But an animatic brings the plan to life. Once the storyboard frames are timed out and sequenced, you can start to feel the momentum of the piece. Even a few seconds of music or a subtle pause in dialogue can change how a scene feels—and an animatic is where you spot that.

When to Use an Animatic

You don’t need an animatic for every project. But here are some moments when it can save you time, money, and headaches:

1. Complex Sequences: If your project includes stunts, effects, or tightly choreographed scenes, an animatic can help prevent expensive mistakes on set.

2. Client Approvals: Some clients have a hard time visualizing from boards alone. An animatic gives them something closer to the final product, which can speed up approvals.

3. Pitching a Concept: Whether it’s a commercial, short film, or brand video, showing a moving animatic adds a professional polish that makes your pitch more convincing.

4. Editing Prep: Animatics give editors a sense of timing before footage even exists. That means fewer reshoots and more efficient post-production.

Real-World Example: Commercial Work

Let’s say you’re creating a 60-second spot for a beverage company. There are multiple characters, two locations, and a lot of quick edits to hit. You’ve got great boards, but the pacing is tricky. Should the hero moment last 4 seconds or 6? Should the cut between scenes be hard or dissolve?

With an animatic, you can test all of this before anyone calls “Action.” You drop the boards into a timeline, add temporary voiceover and a music bed, and now the entire flow is visible. You might even discover a scene that feels unnecessary, saving your client time and budget.

The Benefits Go Beyond Clarity

Here’s what animatics bring to the table beyond just visuals:

• Timing and Rhythm: This is huge. Animatics let you fine-tune the flow of your piece. You’ll catch moments that drag or transitions that feel abrupt.

• Mood Setting: Adding sound design or music, even temporarily, completely changes how a scene feels. It sets the emotional tone long before final production.

• Cross-Team Communication: Whether you’re working with agency creatives or a film crew, animatics speak a universal language. Everyone sees the same thing, which cuts down on miscommunication.

• Creative Discovery: Sometimes, once you see things in motion, new ideas emerge. You realize a scene works better in a different order, or that a moment should linger just a beat longer. That kind of insight is priceless.

Don’t Overthink It

You don’t need Pixar-level animation skills to make an animatic. Simple drawings, even rough sketches, can be enough. What matters is how the scenes are cut together and how the pacing supports the story.

In my own work, I’ve used everything from pencil sketches to full grayscale illustrations depending on the project’s needs. The key is making sure the visual intent comes through clearly.

Tips for Making a Strong Animatic

Start with solid boards: The clearer your key frames are, the better your animatic will work.

Keep it moving: Animatics don’t have to include every single frame. Focus on moments that convey action, change, or emotional shifts.

Use scratch audio: A temporary voiceover track or music bed can do wonders. It doesn’t have to be final, but it should represent the tone you’re aiming for.

Test and tweak: Once assembled, watch it with fresh eyes—or better yet, show it to someone who hasn’t seen the boards. What do they pick up on? Where do they get confused?

Animatics as a Confidence Booster

There’s nothing quite like heading into a production day knowing exactly what you’re shooting and why. An animatic gives you that confidence. It helps your team stay aligned, minimizes surprises, and sets the creative tone early in the process.

It’s a tool, yes. But it’s also a mindset. Using animatics shows that you value preparation and storytelling, not just execution.

Final Thoughts

So the next time you’re planning a shoot, whether it’s a brand campaign, a short film, or anything in between, consider adding an animatic to the mix. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just functional enough to let the story breathe and the visuals land.

If you’re looking for help with storyboards or an animatic that fits your project, I’d love to hear from you.

📩 paul@paultemplestudios.com
🎨 paultemplestudios.com

The Art of the Pitch Starts with the Right Visuals

You’ve got 90 seconds to make a client say yes. Now what?

A pitch is more than just a script and some clever copy. It’s your shot to make the client see the vision…clearly, emotionally, and fast. And there’s no tool more effective (or more overlooked) than storyboards.

As a storyboard artist with over a decade of experience in commercial advertising and film, I’ve worked with agencies on campaigns for Amazon, Google, Pepsi, and dozens more. One thing is always true: nothing clicks a client’s confidence into place faster than seeing a clear, compelling storyboard.

In this post, I’ll show you why storyboards are essential, not just for winning pitches, but for aligning teams, selling ideas, and keeping productions on track. Whether you’re a creative director, agency producer, or filmmaker, storyboards are one of the smartest investments you can make.

1. Clients Buy What They Can See

Words and decks are abstract. Most clients aren’t trained to visualize what a 30-second spot will look or feel like from reading a script. That’s where storyboards come in. They close the imagination gap.

When a client sees the visual sequence (the timing, composition, movement, and emotion), they stop guessing and start believing. They see how the concept unfolds. They understand where the camera will be, what the mood is, how talent will move through space. That visual clarity builds trust, and that trust leads to green lights.

If you’re selling a high-concept idea or a complex visual effect, storyboards help reduce perceived risk. Clients want to know what they’re buying before they buy it. Storyboards make the invisible visible, and that makes them one of your most persuasive sales tools.

2. Storyboards Sell the Mood, Not Just the Action

A strong storyboard doesn’t just check off camera angles. It sells tone.

When I create boards, I think like a cinematographer. My drawings aren’t just functional, they’re atmospheric. I want the client to feel what the spot will feel like. That might mean backlighting a silhouette for drama, sketching loose energetic gestures to convey movement, or using shadow and contrast to build tension.

Different brands call for different moods… clean minimalism, kinetic chaos, sun-drenched warmth. The goal is to give the client an emotional preview of what’s coming.

Some of the most effective pitches I’ve worked on didn’t just explain the idea. They transported the client into the world of the ad. That’s what mood-driven storyboards can do!

3. The Director and Line Producer Will Thank You

It’s not just clients who benefit from storyboards. Your entire production team gains a roadmap.

Directors use storyboards to plan transitions, block scenes, hire actors and scout setups. Producers use them to estimate shoot days, special equipment needs, and postproduction workflows.

I’ve collaborated with directors, DPs, and VFX supervisors to shape sequences that feel cinematic while staying realistic to shoot. That’s the difference between a pretty drawing and a shooting board… it’s functional art.

When the visuals are locked down early, your team can move with confidence. That kind of efficiency saves time, money, and stress.

4. Clear Storyboards Prevent Costly Confusion

A chaotic shoot often starts with unclear creative. But when everyone (the agency, the client, the crew) is working from the same visual plan, the whole process tightens up.

Storyboards:

• Align expectations

• Identify technical challenges early

• Minimize miscommunication

• Speed up decision-making

I’ve seen entire production days saved because someone flagged an issue during a storyboard review before equipment was rented or a shot list was finalized. That’s the kind of foresight that earns trust with clients and line producers alike.

5. Human-Drawn Boards Create Confidence (and Connection)

In a time when AI-generated visuals are flooding the creative space, hand-drawn boards still hit differently. They feel intentional. Custom. Human.

I sketch fast, but with purpose. My background in traditional painting, influenced by artists like Sargent, Sorolla, and Munnings, shows up in every frame: in the gesture, the light, the storytelling choices.

There’s something reassuring about boards that feel alive. Clients notice the difference. So do creative directors.

AI can spit out approximations. But it can’t read a room, adjust based on feedback mid-call, or bring 12 + years of production instinct to the table. That’s what I do… and that’s why human illustrators aren’t going anywhere.

Real-Life Example: Storyboards That Saved the Spot

A few years ago, I worked with a global agency on a high-stakes automotive campaign. The spot featured a complex VFX sequence involving a car reveal, dramatic lighting transitions, and multiple camera moves, all compressed into 30 seconds.

The initial pitch was stalling. The client liked the concept but couldn’t “see” it. Once I boarded out the entire spot (beat by beat, with camera notes and motion cues) the pitch turned around.

The client signed off within days. The production went off without a hitch. And the creative team credited the storyboards as the turning point that sold the idea.That’s the power of visual storytelling when it’s done right.

What to Expect When Working With Me

If you’re looking for a storyboard artist who understands how advertising works, who knows how to move quickly, interpret direction, and think like a filmmaker… I’m your guy. Here’s what working with me looks like:

• Quick turnarounds for pitches, moodboards, and client presentations

• Flexible revisions as creative evolves

• Shooting boards built with directors and DPs in mind

• A range of styles, from rough linework to full-color frames

• Real-time feedback sessions with your creative team

Whether you’re shaping a pitch or mapping out production, I’ll help you visualize the story before the first frame is ever shot.

Let’s Make Your Vision Visible

In a pitch meeting, every second counts. Storyboards help you hit the ground running. Fast, visual, and emotionally clear.

If you're an agency producer, art director, or director prepping your next campaign, and you want a collaborator who speaks both creative and production fluently, let’s talk.

📩 paul@paultemplestudios.com

🎨 paultemplestudios.com

Let’s draw something your client can’t say no to.