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Animation preproduction for a small team

Give the director a timed storyboard to review before animation begins. Carry the decision about the reveal into the shot list, reference sheets and handoff.

Time the storyboard panels

Original study

This original three-panel doorway study establishes the entrance, holds and reveals the character. Keep all three panels when comparing cuts so the duration of the hold is the only variable.

Opening panel establishing the doorway.
Opening panel establishing the doorway.
Third panel revealing the character after the hold.
Third panel revealing the character after the hold.

Source files

Prepare the review

  1. Number the boards and mark the direction of travel. Keep the entrance, eyeline and carried prop on each shot card.
  2. Time the three panels in an animatic. Make a second cut by shortening only the hold. Screen both without explanation and ask when the character becomes legible.
  3. Record the approved timing with panel IDs, frame rate, held frames and the action at each cut. Pass those notes and the approved reference to the next animator.

What should the director settle at the animatic review?

Decide where the audience first sees the character and how long the pause lasts. Preserve the approved frame count when replacing a panel with animation.

Working guides