Posted something for the Acting Lounge, but I don’t think it went through. Will try again.
As a storyboard artist, I work/collaborate with actors and filmmakers, discuss the script, find the tone of the film. Once I get the script, I start visualizing and drawing the scenes to capture the overall mood of the script. Such was the case of working on the film BLOOD TAX, written, directed and acted by Rory Clarke. Had many Zoom meetings with him to discuss the scenes, to make sure that the boards/transition of shots was on point and to discuss angle shots that would reflect the dynamics/nuts and bolts of the script. A great experience and looking forward to working with more actors on their film projects.
2 people like this
Rich Terdoslavich Thanks for sharing this! It's really interesting to hear how your process as a storyboard artist supports the creative vision of a film. I’d love to hear more about how actors have responded to seeing your boards—does it help them connect more deeply to the tone or flow of a scene?
Curious too: for those of you in this group who’ve worked with storyboard artists—what’s been most helpful to you in that collaboration? Any surprising insights or moments where the visuals really changed how you approached a scene?
3 people like this
Hi, Alexandra. Thank you for your positive comments. When I get a script, I start imagining what the scenes would look, like based on the description of the scenes in the script.. Not sure how actors respond to boards. Could be. Boards are there for the director and the cinematographer to prepare their shots and to have something as a guidance/reference. In the case of working with Rory, we would have Zoom meetings to make sure that the boards I drew were aligned with the script. They matched the scenes. Then, we talked about them, discussing angle shots, visual references etc. It was a creative process. Enjoyed the meetings. The film is out and hope to see it one day. Again, thank you for your positive comments/inquiries and have a great weekend. Talk to you soon!
3 people like this
Just edited my first comment and corrected the mission the word.
4 people like this
Rich Terdoslavich thanks for your reply. Yes I agree I hope to see the film too, it sounds interesting. I'm impressed by your craft. How did you learn the art of storyboarding?
5 people like this
Hi, Alexandra. No sweat, thanks! Definitely. The film is about Henry Johnson, a member of the Harlem Hellfighters, American war hero of World War 1, and the struggles he dealt with after the war, racism, etc. Psyched to see it. Thank you regarding my craft. Got into storyboarding by people/clients who saw my work either in comic/sequential art or illustration. Since I know how to draw, and have some knowledge of film plus angle shots, I was able to get into the film industry by getting referrals or working with people. You have to know how to draw, but boards don’t have to be fully completed. They can be rough/loose in rendering. Something that a director can have as a foundation for the film project, preproduction. Also, watch tons of movies and study the styles of many film directors. Know perspective, lighting and framing. Thank you for asking and have a great weekend!
3 people like this
Hi Rich Terdoslavich thanks for giving me more details about your craft. You talk about so humbly but i'm in awe of the skill that must go into knowing perspective, lighting etc. I also guess you need good people skills to make the connections in the first place.
3 people like this
Hi, Alexandra. No sweat, anytime. Happy to write about the creative process. Thanks. I always drew since I was a kid and started learning about perspective, form/structure etc., when. I was a kid in art school. Over the years, learned more and more about it and try to watch and study the visual styles film/filmmakers, and talked to people in the comic book industry about the nuts and bolts of visual storytelling. Also, look at art, comics, illustration , paintings, photos etc. Study and learn composition. Networking is important too. It took me a long time to get to talk to people, but still learning. Cold calling can be challenging, but you do the best you can. Lately, people have been contacting me for film jobs or responding to emails. It’s a good feeling and you just have to keep going. Thank you for your positive comments and have a great day!
3 people like this
Rich Terdoslavich yes i imagine getting to the point where people contact you and respond to emails feels great. Testament to all the hard work and stepping out of your comfort zone paying off.
3 people like this
Definitely. But I still email clients, still do some cold calling, even network on Stage. Some people respond and some people don’t. Try to keep going forward. As you know too, working in the arts can be challenging, but you just have to keep going. Thank you for your positive comments and all the best. Have a great day and a great week!