Based on common practice in professional studios, particularly for feature animations, the industry standard software for creating storyboards is Storyboard Pro.
Understanding Industry Standard Storyboarding
Storyboarding is a crucial step in visual production, from film and animation to advertising and video games. It translates scripts and ideas into a sequence of images that visually map out scenes, camera angles, character actions, and timing.
When professionals refer to an "industry standard," they typically mean the tools, processes, or formats that are widely adopted and expected within the field due to their efficiency, feature set, and compatibility.
The Role of Software in Storyboarding
While traditional storyboards were drawn on paper, digital tools have become predominant in professional workflows. These tools offer numerous advantages:
- Speed and Efficiency: Easier editing, rearranging panels, and making revisions.
- Integration: Ability to incorporate sound, timing information, and camera movements.
- Collaboration: Facilitates sharing and feedback among team members.
Professional studios utilize various software. As referenced, studios often create storyboard panels using software such as Adobe Photoshop. However, when looking at dedicated storyboarding solutions for complex productions like feature animations, one specific tool stands out.
Storyboard Pro: The Industry Standard Tool
According to industry practice, Storyboard Pro is industry standard. This software is specifically designed for the storyboarding process and offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to the needs of professional board artists and production pipelines.
Key Features of Storyboard Pro
Based on the reference and industry knowledge, Storyboard Pro enables artists to:
- Create and re-order rough thumbnail sketches.
- Develop detailed, final storyboard panels.
- Create camera moves to simulate shots.
- Import images, sound, and other media.
- Manage timing and sequences effectively.
- Export boards in various formats for animatics and production.
| Feature | Description | Benefit for Professionals |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Creation & Editing | Digital drawing tools, easy panel insertion/deletion. | Flexibility and speed in iterating on sequences. |
| Sequencing & Timing | Timeline view for arranging panels and setting durations. | Accurate representation of scene pacing and flow. |
| Camera Controls | Tools to define camera movements (pans, zooms, tilts). | Ability to pre-visualize cinematography effectively. |
| Audio & Import | Import dialogue, sound effects, reference images/video. | Integrated animatic creation and contextual reference. |
| Revision Management | Tools to track changes and versions. | Streamlined collaboration and feedback incorporation. |
While programs like Adobe Photoshop are excellent for illustrating individual panels, Storyboard Pro integrates the drawing process with crucial production elements like timing and camera work, making it the preferred end-to-end storyboarding solution for many professional animation and film projects.
In summary, while digital drawing tools like Photoshop are used for panel creation, Storyboard Pro is widely considered the industry standard dedicated software for the comprehensive storyboarding process in professional settings, particularly in animation.
