How to Plan Your Storyboard

When planning to create a storyboard for a short video, there are several steps to follow. The first step is to write a narrative and create a storyboard based on your policy issue. You should consider what the problem looks and sounds like, what the solution looks and feels like, and how you can co-create the narrative with your community circles.

Step One: Write a narrative and create a storyboard based on your policy issue.

  • Start by describing the problem visually and audibly. What are the visible and audible aspects that represent the issue? Think about the scenes, characters, or events that can effectively convey the problem.
  • Similarly, envision the solution and its impact. How would it look and feel? What are the transformative elements that can be represented visually and through sound?
  • Engage your community circles in the narrative creation process. Seek input, stories, and perspectives from community members affected by the policy issue. Incorporate their experiences and voices into the narrative to ensure a more inclusive and representative story.

Step Two: Collect media for multimedia storytelling.

  • Consider the visual representation of your policy brief. How can you translate its content into engaging visuals? Think about infographics, charts, or illustrations that can effectively communicate key information.
  • Explore how knowledge is embodied in your community. Look for tangible examples, personal stories, or cultural expressions that showcase the community’s expertise and lived experiences. Collect relevant images, videos, or audio recordings that can complement your narrative.

Step Three: Fill in your storyboard with multimedia elements.

  • Based on your narrative and collected media, strategically place visual and auditory elements within your storyboard. Determine where and how each element fits to enhance the storytelling and reinforce the key messages.
  • Ensure a coherent flow between the different multimedia components, maintaining consistency in style and tone.

Step Four: Edit your video with community input.

  • Share the draft video with your community circles and gather their feedback. Take into account their suggestions and perspectives to refine and improve the final product.
  • Collaboratively identify any necessary edits or adjustments to ensure the video effectively represents the community’s voice and aligns with the intended message.

Step Five: Present your piece to your community, policymakers, and the public.

  • Organize a presentation or screening to showcase the video within your community. This provides an opportunity for dialogue, engagement, and further collaboration.
  • Extend the reach of your video by sharing it with policymakers and the wider public. Utilize online platforms, social media, or community events to disseminate the video and raise awareness about the policy issue.
success text

Now that you know the steps for creating a storyboard for your short video, it’s time to get started! Don’t forget that there are many resources available to help you along the way, and we will be adding more to this page soon. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a compelling and impactful video that will make a difference on your policy issue. Good luck!