A TV storyboard is made up of little sketches showing us what images, graphics or text you’ll see in each shot.  Sometimes the storyboard includes notes on the type of camera shot (like a close-up) or camera movement.  Any dialogue or narration is written next to each sketch.  The storyboard also includes a description of any music and other sounds in the ad.     

> Download a sample storyboard here

Instructions:

• Download a template you can use for your storyboard.
  
  
• Give your storyboard a title.  The title won’t actually appear in the ad – it’s just a way to identify it.
  
  
• Write your name on each sheet.  If you are working with one or more friends, include everyone’s name.
  
  
• Number each page in the space provided.
  
  
• Number each shot above the boxes.
  
  
• Draw a picture for each shot, indicating what we’ll see.  Don’t worry, your storyboard will not be judged on your drawing abilities!  Rough sketches and stick figures are okay, as long as your concept is clear.  If you want, you can take pictures with a camera and paste them into the boxes.
  
  
• In a few words, describe what we’ll see in each shot.  Describe any people in the shot, where they are (in a kitchen? on a sidewalk?) and what they’re doing.  Also describe any important objects.
  
  
• If we’ll see words on the screen, write them down, too.
  
  
• Write down any narration or dialogue we’ll hear while we see that shot.  If two or three shots go by while we hear one sentence, write part of the sentence next to each of the shots.
  
  
• Describe any music we’ll hear, such as “soft piano” or “hip hop beat”.  If you have a particular song in mind, give the song title and artist.  Note when the music will end, (like “Continues to end” or “Ends after shot #4.”)
  
  
• Describe any sound effects and/or background sounds we might hear, like traffic noise or birds chirping.  
  
  
• Write “The End” after the last shot.  (The words won’t appear in the ad.)
  
  
• Practice reading and/or acting out your storyboard.  Can you fit it into 30 seconds?  If not, trim down your storyboard.  Eliminate unnecessary shots and simplify your language.  Redo your storyboard until it flows easily.

Be sure to look at the Counter-Marketing section of this site for examples of effective tobacco prevention messages and tips on how to create a winning ad.  

Have fun and good luck!

Questions?
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