To add camera moves in Storyboard Pro, you primarily use keyframes to define the camera's position at different points in time within a panel.
Adding dynamic camera movement to your storyboards helps convey action, focus attention, and enhance storytelling. The fundamental principle involves setting the camera's view at specific points, and Storyboard Pro automatically handles the transition between them.
According to the standard process, to create camera movement in a scene, you must start by creating at least two camera keyframes, then set the position of the camera in each of those keyframes. Storyboard Pro then performs interpolation, calculating and setting the position of the camera on each frame between the two keyframes you've defined.
Think of keyframes as 'snapshot moments' for your camera. One keyframe might show a wide shot, while a later keyframe in the same panel shows a close-up. Storyboard Pro creates the smooth zoom effect between these two points.
Steps to Create a Camera Move
Adding a basic camera move typically involves these steps within a panel:
- Select the Panel: Navigate to the panel in your timeline or thumbnail view where you want the camera move to occur.
- Activate the Camera Tool: Choose the Camera tool from the Tools toolbar. This tool allows you to manipulate the camera view.
- Add the First Keyframe: In the Timeline view, locate the camera track for the current panel. By default, a camera keyframe might already exist at the start of the panel. If not, you can usually add one by clicking on the camera track or using a context menu option.
- Set the Starting Position: With the Camera tool active and the timeline cursor at the first keyframe, adjust the view in the Stage area to how you want the camera to look at the beginning of the move. You can pan, zoom, and tilt using the Camera tool controls.
- Add the Second Keyframe: Move the timeline cursor to a later point within the same panel where you want the camera move to end. Add a new camera keyframe at this point.
- Set the Ending Position: With the timeline cursor at the second keyframe, adjust the camera view in the Stage area to how you want the camera to look at the end of the move.
- Review the Move: Play back the panel. Storyboard Pro will automatically interpolate the camera's movement between the two keyframes, creating a smooth transition from the starting to the ending position.
You can add multiple keyframes within a single panel to create more complex camera paths or movements that change direction or speed.
Understanding Interpolation
The concept of interpolation is crucial. When you set two keyframes, Storyboard Pro doesn't just jump the camera; it calculates all the intermediate positions and scales frame by frame. This creates the smooth, cinematic effect of the camera moving through the scene.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Keyframe | A point in time on the timeline where you define a specific camera position. |
| Interpolation | Storyboard Pro's automatic calculation of camera positions between keyframes. |
| Camera Tool | The primary tool used to manipulate the camera's view (pan, zoom, tilt). |
Common Camera Moves
By manipulating keyframes, you can achieve various common camera movements:
- Pan: Moving the camera horizontally (left or right).
- Tilt: Moving the camera vertically (up or down).
- Zoom: Changing the camera's focal length to make objects appear closer or farther away.
- Dolly: Physically moving the camera closer to or further from the subject (often achieved with zoom in Storyboard Pro).
- Truck: Physically moving the camera horizontally parallel to the subject.
Adding these moves strategically can greatly enhance the visual storytelling of your storyboard.
