• By Joy Davenport
• Published 08/26/2010
• Screenplay

If you’re interested in figuring out the entire video creation process, from start to finish, there are lots of things you need to learn. From the initial previsualization phase, to the final concept, to the technical challenges of creating a perfect, finished DVD…there are many elements involved…each of them play an important role in the success of your project. To begin the right way, you must use previsualization to flesh out your ideas and give them richness and dimension. This brainstorming phase, when done properly, can save you time and money. By mapping out the action and exchanging ideas with your crew, you can come up with a template that leads to the creation of a movie storyboard. Once you’ve brainstormed (if you’re working alone, just jot down ideas about characters, casting locations, etc.), you’re ready for storyboarding. In the past, paper storyboards were used to depict the action, frame by frame. This time-consuming process could be expensive – hiring a live artist to do each sketch could be costly. As well, the results could be less than polished. Today, this problem has been eliminated through the newest, cutting-edge digital storyboard software.

By offering budding directors access to pre-loaded artwork, including characters, props and backgrounds, programmers have taken the live artist out of the equations. Adding sound, dialogue, and effects are simple processes – often, a click of the mouse is all that’s needed. As well, these film storyboard software programs act as a wonderful c

reative tool – they are designed to work with the creative mindset. If you want to get organized and set up the perfect video creation process, look for online demos of storyboard software – you’ll be amazed to see how it’s possible to create a professional, appealing storyboard in mere minutes. This cost-effective software can be a great investment in your career – you can use it again and again, and you can share your finished storyboard on the Internet or via iPhone. Once you’re finished your previz phase (brainstorming and storyboards), you can move on to planning out your casting, lighting set ups, locations, budgets, call sheets, and whatever else you’ll need to get the results you want. Search for the right elements, from soundtrack music to talent to camera angles.

Once you’ve filmed, you need to consider the production of a DVD, CD, or other “hard copy”. You’ll also need to consider another very important facet of the video creation process – getting your work into the public eye through proper PR and promotional gambits should be a big priority. After all, you’ve put so much of yourself into your video – sharing your efforts is important. If you do opt for digital storyboard software, it will be easy to promote with it. You can use your storyboards as a “teaser” before your hard copy goes on sale or gets displayed in public. You can also use your storyboards to interest investors, potential crew members, and actors and actresses. This multipurpose tool can be a great way to get organized at the beginning and the end of your production process. It can be the keystone of a perfect video – one that captures your artistic vision.