Animation preproduction · Production guide
How to turn storyboard images into a timed animatic
At 24 fps, cut A starts its three panels at frames 0, 32 and 72. Cut B holds the same second panel a second longer, moving the third panel to frame 96. Both stop before frame 144.
Input and decision
Open both timing files and the cue sheet. Compare the same moment in each version.
Read the first panel
In the first row, “Source file” is recorded as “entrance-1.svg”. Its review entry under “Picture” reads “Establish the dark doorway”.
Make the comparison
Play both six-second edits muted and ask the director to mark the moment the doorway becomes meaningful. Record the chosen hold in frames.
Worked record
The downloadable worksheet includes the records below and a blank row for your own project.
| Panel | Source file | Start in A (frames) | Start in B (frames) | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P01 | entrance-1.svg | 0 | 0 | Establish the dark doorway |
| P02 | entrance-2.svg | 32 | 32 | Hold the outline |
| P03 | entrance-3.svg | 72 | 96 | Reveal |
Check the result
Seek both files to frame 80. A already shows the reveal while B still holds the outline. Play past 96 to check they return to the same picture.
Hand off the revision
Deliver the selected timing file with the three panel starts and the frame at which the next scene begins.
Review question
At which frame does the third picture appear in cuts A and B?
The third picture begins at frame 72 in A and 96 in B. Both are zero-based frame numbers. The holds end at frame 144 exclusive in both files.
Use the task on your own brief
Use a copy of the worksheet to keep the project’s source files, reviewed options and decisions together.