Storyboard Artist
A Storyboard Artist’s responsibility is to actually draw out the scenes of the movie, television or video production before the film crew actually films or animates the scene. This allows the film crew or animator to have a visual idea of what the director wants in the scene before the actors, actresses, props and set are actually developed and onsite. The role of a good Storyboard Artist is to prevent a lot of wasted time in filming scenes that are not what the director is looking for, as well as getting rid of scenes that are unneeded to the production.Storyboard Artists must illustrate the narrative, plan shots, and draw panels to demonstrate action and maintain continuity between scenes. Storyboard Artists may be required to illustrate indications of dialogue, character performance and camera moves, and could be asked to produce their work either as rough or cleaned up drawings, depending on the requirements of a particular production. The actual storyboard is very important to the production and is needed before the film or animation is created.One of the most important skills needed is that a Storyboard Artists must be able to tell a good story. To do this they might have an education in film, with a good understanding of layout, composition, sequential drawing and editing. They need to be able to work either independently or as part of a team. They need to be able to take direction and also be prepared to make changes to their work. For certain projects Storyboard Artists need excellent drawing skills and the ability to adapt to a wide range of styles. Some storyboards are now being made as an animation before filming so you may need to have computer animation skills.
To become a Storyboard Artist you must have studied some art after high school. Most places will not hire you if you did not graduate college majoring in graphics or illustration. Some other courses may be needed, like animation or film. An associate’s degree is enough to become a Storyboard Artist.Major Hollywood movies pay $2500 to $3500 per week with an output of maybe 35 to 45 boxes. Independent Hollywood movies will pay half what a major Hollywood movie will pay. The output expected will be the same. Low budget non-Hollywood movies pay 1/4 of what a major Hollywood movie will pay. Often the people involved have regular jobs and the movie is made over the course of many weekends. You can have some time to do your work and output will be lower.
