In Part I of Storyboard Myths Debunked we talked about how you don’t need to be an amazing graphic artist to create amazing storyboards – AND – that you no longer need to have a giant film budget to create storyboards… the necessary element of a successful and polished production.
Now, enjoy Part II of StoryBoard Myths Busted!
MYTH #3: Storyboards show every shot of every action.
FACT: FALSE
It’s easy to get hung up on trying to show every emotion that crosses an actors face in your storyboards, but that’s not the primary purpose of storyboards. Use your storyboard panels: to show shot setups; to indicate camera movement; and to establish sequences that will help compile a cohesive storyline.
If you find yourself reviewing your storyboard and saying “but he’s not smiling”, you’re focusing on the wrong element – each frame is about the shot setup: where the actor/s stands; how near or far are they from the camera; what’s their location. Your actors will have the script before the shoot and that’s when you’ll do some rehearsal/directing (you can even share your boards to help them see what you see before production). Then when you’re on the set and the actor is in the shot, that’s the perfect time to direct and pull it all together!
MYTH #4: To get your point across you need elaborate storyboards.
FACT: DEPENDS
Storyboards, like any media communication, need to fit the audience. Who needs to see them? All effective communication begins with knowing your audience and speaking their language.
Are you the writer/director? 
If so, a simple shot layout may be what you need to remind yourself, when you’re on the set, of what the next shot set up will be. It will serve as your shot list for you and your crew.
However, when pitching an idea to a group or a client, use broad concepts so they buy into your premise. This keeps the focus on your idea and prevents your audience from getting hung up on minor details.
So “know your audience” for your storyboards and present just as much detail as needed to communicate. Try to resonate with the people to whom you are speaking. Time is precious for you and your audience. And so is your budget – spend each where it counts!
StoryBoard Quick and StoryBoard Artist storyboard software products will help you achieve your goal.
Grok/xAI-generated images