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Behind the Boards: A Blog by Artist, Paul Temple

Welcome to the blog! Here you'll find insights into the art of storyboarding, concept development, shooting boards, and visual storytelling for film, television, and advertising. From camera planning techniques to the emotional impact of character design, this is where I’ll share my expertise honed over a decade of working with directors and top brands. Whether you're a creative director, filmmaker, or agency looking to elevate your pitch, this blog reveals how powerful visuals drive unforgettable stories.

Questions? Email me at paul@paultemplestudios.com

Storyboards for Fifth Third Bank Ad Pitch. Art by Paul Temple.

Why Animatics Aren't Just for Animation

Paul Temple August 11, 2025

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.

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

Want more blog posts on this topic?
1. The Art of the Pitch Starts with the Right Visuals
2.
From Pitch to Production: Winning Clients with Storyboards
3.
Storyboard Revisions: Knowing When to Refine and When to Simplify

In Advertising, Storyboards Tags anamatics, storyboards, ad pitch tips
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Concept art for Firelight Creative’s “Eden’s Twilight” film project. Art by Paul Temple

Concept art for Firelight Creative’s “Eden’s Twilight” film project. Art by Paul Temple

From Traditional Painting to Preproduction: How Fine Art Roots Shape Visual Storytelling

Paul Temple August 4, 2025

If you’re searching for a storyboard artist, shooting board illustrator, or concept artist who brings a rich artistic foundation to your project, understanding how traditional painting techniques influence visual storytelling can make all the difference.

Before creating storyboards and concept art, many artists begin with classical training in traditional painting and drawing. This foundation is key to crafting compelling visuals that communicate emotion, narrative, and character, whether for film, commercials, or animation.

Why Classical Art Skills Matter in Storyboarding and Concept Art

Master artists like John Singer Sargent, Joaquín Sorolla, and Frank Munnings mastered the art of capturing light, form, and gesture in ways that tell stories beyond words. Their work has had a deep influence on my own approach to storyboarding and illustration, shaping how I think about visual storytelling and the emotional power of each frame.

Storyboards and concept art are not just about drawing what’s written in a script. They require visual interpretation of mood, pacing, and emotional subtext. Fine art training gives artists the tools to translate abstract story elements into concrete images that resonate on a deeper level.

A skilled storyboard artist uses principles from fine art to design frames that guide the viewer’s eye, establish mood, and convey character motivation. This ensures that every shooting board or concept sketch serves both creative and practical production needs.

The Pillars of Fine Art in Storyboarding: Composition, Lighting, and Gesture

Composition

Composition is the arrangement of elements within the frame to create a balanced, visually engaging image that supports the story. Classical painters like Sargent and Sorolla meticulously composed their works to lead the viewer’s eye exactly where they wanted.

In storyboarding, composition helps direct attention to key actions or emotional beats. Effective compositions avoid clutter, use negative space intentionally, and employ the rule of thirds or other classical compositional principles. This careful framing helps the production team understand what’s important in each shot and how it fits into the overall narrative.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most powerful storytelling tools. Joaquín Sorolla’s paintings showcase his mastery of natural light, using it to create mood, depth, and drama. His handling of sunlight and shadow adds emotional nuance that draws the viewer in.

In storyboards, lighting is used to communicate time of day, atmosphere, and tension. A scene lit with harsh shadows might suggest danger or mystery, while soft, warm light can imply safety or nostalgia. Skilled storyboard artists use lighting cues to inform directors and cinematographers of the intended visual tone.

Gesture

Gesture refers to the body language and posture of characters within the frame. The subtle bend of a wrist, the tilt of a head, or the tension in a hand can all convey what a character is thinking or feeling without words.

Artists like John Singer Sargent were masters at capturing gesture, making their subjects feel alive and dynamic. In storyboarding and character design, gesture is key to creating believable, expressive figures that communicate narrative through movement and stance.

Applying Traditional Techniques in Fast-Paced Production Environments

Modern production schedules demand speed without sacrificing quality. Storyboards and shooting boards often need to be completed under tight deadlines with multiple revisions.

Artists with a foundation in classical painting are able to work efficiently because they understand the essentials of form, light, and composition deeply. This allows them to sketch with confidence and purpose, capturing the essence of a scene quickly without losing emotional impact.

In addition, traditional skills help concept artists develop characters and environments that feel authentic and grounded. Understanding anatomy, light, and texture speeds up design decisions and improves communication with directors, producers, and other creatives.

The Role of Traditional Art in Character Design and Concept Illustration

Character design requires a balance between creativity and realism. Fine art training equips artists with the ability to create believable anatomy and expressive features while adding unique personality.

Concept art often involves building entire worlds visually from scratch. Artists who know how to manipulate light, texture, and perspective with classical techniques can create environments that feel immersive and believable.

Both roles benefit immensely from traditional skills because these fundamentals enable clear storytelling through visuals. Whether designing a heroic stance or a shadowy alleyway, the artist’s knowledge of classic painting methods helps tell the story at a glance.

The Unique Value of Hand-Crafted Storyboards and Concept Art

In a world dominated by digital tools and fast production, hand-crafted storyboards and concept art offer a tactile authenticity that digital shortcuts cannot match.

The brush strokes, pencil lines, and shading found in traditional artwork bring warmth and life to images, making storyboards feel more engaging. This emotional resonance helps directors, producers, and clients connect with the story before filming even begins.

Artists like Sorolla and Sargent remind us that art’s power lies in evoking emotion and narrative through subtle visual cues. Storyboards rooted in these traditions ensure the creative vision is communicated clearly and effectively.

Choosing the Right Storyboard or Concept Artist

When hiring a storyboard artist, shooting board illustrator, or concept artist, look for someone with a strong foundation in traditional art techniques. These skills translate directly into better storytelling and clearer communication on set.

Ask to see portfolios that demonstrate an understanding of composition, lighting, and gesture. A well-rounded artist will show not only technical skill but also an ability to capture mood and character through their visuals.

Final Thoughts

Storyboarding and concept art are vital storytelling tools in film, animation, and commercial production. The timeless lessons of classical painting provide a crucial foundation for creating visuals that are expressive, clear, and emotionally impactful.

Whether you need shooting boards that guide your production or character designs that bring your story to life, traditional art skills remain invaluable in crafting compelling visual narratives.

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

Want more blog posts on this topic?
1. Studying Light: Lessons from the Masters of Painting
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How Classical Painting Shaped Modern Filmmaking
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Carrying the Legacy of Film Illustrators Forward

In Traditional Painting, Concept Art, Film
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Single storyboard frame from a Marriot Hotels ad pitch. Art by Paul Temple.

Understanding Context and Subtext: Why Choosing the Right Storyboard Artist Matters

Paul Temple July 31, 2025

When telling a story visually, the details beneath the surface are often the most important. Context and subtext are what give a narrative its depth and emotional resonance. They shape how an audience feels and what they understand without it ever being explicitly stated.

For filmmakers and creative teams, storyboards are more than just a sequence of images. They are the visual interpretation of those layers, the blueprint for emotional storytelling. Choosing a storyboard artist who truly understands context and subtext can mean the difference between a flat, literal sequence and a compelling story that resonates.

What Are Context and Subtext in Visual Storytelling?

In simple terms:

  • Context is the environment and situation around the story, the who, where, and when. It answers questions like where is this happening, what are the circumstances, and what is the history or relationship between characters. Context provides the framework in which the story unfolds.

  • Subtext is what is not said, the emotions, tensions, and motivations lying beneath dialogue or action. It is the story's unspoken heart, often communicated through subtle cues like a glance, a posture, or a pause.

As the Action-Cut-Print article on Text, Subtext, and Context explains, subtext and context are inseparable from good storytelling because they "allow an audience to read between the lines and experience something that feels authentic and layered."

Why Subtext and Context Are Critical in Storyboards

Scripts and written directions rarely cover every nuance. They provide the dialogue and plot but not the emotional texture or unstated motivations that make scenes resonate. A storyboard is the first visual step to flesh out those intangible elements.

For example:

  • A scene might show a couple sitting together, but is there warmth or tension?

  • Is a character looking out a window hopeful, or anxious about what is to come?

  • Does the lighting suggest daybreak or twilight, a fresh start or an ending?

These questions shape how the frame is composed, how characters are posed, and what the camera focuses on. That is the language of subtext and context at work.

Choosing the Right Storyboard Artist

Given the complexity of subtext and context, it is essential to work with a storyboard artist who does not just draw what is on the page but interprets what the story truly needs to say visually.

  • Someone who understands how body language, environment, and pacing influence narrative tone.

  • An artist who can translate written or verbal cues into cinematic moments that support the director’s vision.

  • A collaborator who asks questions, reads the emotional undercurrents, and reflects those through composition and gesture.

This expertise cannot be replaced by generic templates or quick AI-generated visuals. While AI can assist with initial drafts or speed, it cannot reliably understand or apply the nuanced emotional logic that a seasoned artist brings.

The Role of Subtext in Camera Planning and Visual Storytelling

Subtext and context also guide key technical choices. Here are just a few examples:

  • Shot Selection:
    Close-ups reveal subtle emotions and invite intimacy. Wide shots emphasize isolation or environment. Medium shots balance character and setting, showing relationships.

  • Camera Movement:
    Slow push-ins heighten tension or emotional intensity. Quick cuts suggest urgency or surprise. Tracking shots follow characters and reveal information dynamically.

  • Lighting and Color:

    Harsh shadows can imply danger or mystery. Warm tones suggest safety or nostalgia, while cooler palettes convey detachment or melancholy.

  • Recurring Visual Motifs:
    Repeated imagery like doors can symbolize transition or entrapment and link moments together. Directional choices, such as a villain always entering from the same side, cue audiences subtly about narrative roles.

  • Composition and Framing:
    Off-center framing suggests imbalance. Tight framing creates tension, while open space highlights freedom or loneliness.

A storyboard artist fluent in these storytelling tools helps directors and cinematographers visualize the emotional beats before filming starts, saving time, money, and creative friction on set.

Final Thoughts

Every effective story has layers that must be uncovered, visualized, and communicated. The best storyboard artists bring these layers to the surface through their understanding of context and subtext. Not just by drawing scenes but by telling the story’s feel through composition, gesture, and pacing.

If you want visuals that go beyond literal depiction and truly connect with audiences, choosing an artist who understands this depth is key.

If you want to explore how storyboards can bring your script’s hidden layers to life, let’s connect.

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

Want more blog posts on this topic?
1. Breathing Life Into Your Characters: The Importance of Good Character Design
2.
Setting the Emotional Tempo: How Storyboards Shape the Audience’s Experience
3.
From Traditional Painting to Preproduction: How Fine Art Roots Shape Visual Storytelling

In Advertising, Film, Storyboards Tags Storytelling, Subtext, Context, Camera Planning, Storyboards, Storyboard Artist, Shooting boards, Preproduction
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Black and white shooting boards from a Dell Technologies film project directed by Paul Minor. Art by Paul Temple.

See It Before You Shoot It: The Power of Shooting Boards

Paul Temple July 28, 2025

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.

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

Want more blog posts on this topic?
1. How Shooting Boards Help Indie Filmmakers Compete with Studio Productions
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Common Mistakes Directors Avoid with Shooting Boards
3.
What Filmmakers Want from Shooting Boards: Save Time, Money and Communicate Clearly

In Film, Shooting Boards, Advertising
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Pepsi Zero Sugar storyboards featuring Steve Martin - Super Bowl LVII commercial. Art by Paul Temple.

The Art of the Pitch Starts with the Right Visuals

Paul Temple July 24, 2025

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!

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

Want more blog posts on this topic?
1. Commercials Are Short Films: Why Storyboards Matter Even More in 30 Seconds
2.
From Pitch to Production: Winning Clients with Storyboards
3.
Why Animatics Aren't Just for Animation

In Advertising, Storyboards Tags storyboards, storyboard artist, ad pitch tips, creative pitch, shooting boards, advertising, visual storytelling, concept art
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The Fake Perfect Trap and Why Lived In Art Wins Every Time
Dec 4, 2025
Dec 4, 2025
How Shooting Boards Help Indie Filmmakers Compete with Studio Productions
Dec 2, 2025
How Shooting Boards Help Indie Filmmakers Compete with Studio Productions
Dec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025
The Human Element: Why Observation Still Beats AI in Visual Development
Nov 10, 2025
The Human Element: Why Observation Still Beats AI in Visual Development
Nov 10, 2025
Nov 10, 2025
Nov 6, 2025
Studying Light: Lessons from the Masters of Painting
Nov 6, 2025
Nov 6, 2025
Composition and Control: The Cinematic Science Behind a Great Frame
Nov 3, 2025
Composition and Control: The Cinematic Science Behind a Great Frame
Nov 3, 2025
Nov 3, 2025
Shooting Boards for Action Scenes: Why Every Great Action Scene Starts on Paper
Oct 30, 2025
Shooting Boards for Action Scenes: Why Every Great Action Scene Starts on Paper
Oct 30, 2025
Oct 30, 2025
World-Building: The Art of Making Environments Feel Alive
Oct 27, 2025
World-Building: The Art of Making Environments Feel Alive
Oct 27, 2025
Oct 27, 2025
How Classical Painting Shaped Modern Filmmaking
Oct 22, 2025
How Classical Painting Shaped Modern Filmmaking
Oct 22, 2025
Oct 22, 2025
Common Mistakes Directors Avoid with Shooting Boards
Oct 8, 2025
Common Mistakes Directors Avoid with Shooting Boards
Oct 8, 2025
Oct 8, 2025

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