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Purpose

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a consistent and efficient process for developing storyboards and shot lists for all F7 Studios productions. This SOP ensures that each scene is visually planned, aligns with the creative vision, and is organized to streamline the shooting process.

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1. Initial Preparation and Project Overview

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1. Project Review and Briefing

   • The Director and Producer will review the project script, concept, and creative brief to understand the visual goals, thematic elements, and key story moments.

   • A Creative Kickoff Meeting will be held, including the Director, Producer, Director of Photography (DP), and Storyboard Artist, to discuss the artistic direction, style, and narrative flow.

2. Scene and Sequence Breakdown

   • The Director and Storyboard Artist will break down the script into individual scenes and sequences, identifying critical visual elements and shots required for storytelling.

   • A Scene Breakdown Document will be created, detailing each scene’s primary action, mood, location, and any special effects or stunts.

 

2. Storyboarding Process

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1. Storyboard Draft Creation

• The Storyboard Artist will create initial storyboard sketches, using the Scene Breakdown Document as a guide. Each sketch should:

  • Capture key actions, camera angles, and framing for each shot.

  • Include basic information such as shot type (e.g., close-up, wide shot), camera movement (e.g., pan, tilt), and special effects.

• The Storyboard Artist should aim to create a draft for review by the Director within the established timeline.

2. Storyboard Review and Feedback

• The Director, DP, and Storyboard Artist will review the initial storyboard draft, discussing:

  • Shot composition, flow, and alignment with the project’s visual style.

  • Any adjustments to camera angles, transitions, or framing that enhance storytelling.

• The Director will provide feedback for adjustments, and the Storyboard Artist will revise the storyboard accordingly.

3. Finalizing the Storyboard

• Once all feedback is incorporated, the Director will approve the final storyboard. Each frame will include:

  • Visual cues for character movement, props, and set elements.

  • Notes on lighting, color mood, and any required effects.

  • Numbered shots for reference in the shot list.

• The finalized storyboard will be distributed to all key departments, including the DP, Production Design, and Camera teams, to ensure alignment on visual elements.

3. Shot List Creation

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• Shot List Structure and Organization

  • Using the storyboard as a guide, the DP and Director will create a Shot List Document, organized by scene and shot sequence. The shot list should include:

    • Shot Number: Corresponding to the storyboard for easy cross-reference.

    • Shot Type: e.g., close-up, medium shot, wide shot.

    • Camera Movement: e.g., static, pan, dolly, tilt, handheld.

    • Lenses and Filters: Specific lens type, focal length, and any required filters.

    • Framing and Composition: Specifics on subject placement, balance, and focus within the frame.

• Technical Details for Each Shot

  • The DP will include technical specifications in the shot list to streamline the shooting process, including:

    • Lighting Requirements: Specific lighting setups, positions, and intensity.

    • Sound Cues: Notations for scenes with required dialogue or specific sound effects.

    • Equipment: Special equipment (e.g., cranes, drones) or accessories needed for each shot.

  • Each shot will be labeled with the estimated time required for setup and shooting.

• Review and Approval of the Shot List

  • The Director, DP, and Producer will conduct a Shot List Review Meeting to confirm that each shot aligns with the story and creative vision.

  • Any final adjustments or additions to the shot list will be made, and the Director will provide approval for the finalized shot list.

  • The approved shot list will be distributed to all relevant departments, including Camera, Lighting, Sound, and Production Design.

 

4. Pre-Production Meetings and Department Coordination

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• Scene-Specific Planning Meetings

  • For complex scenes (e.g., stunts, special effects), the Director, DP, and relevant department heads will hold a Scene-Specific Planning Meeting to review storyboard frames and shot list entries in detail.

  • Any special requirements, such as safety protocols, specific props, or rehearsals, will be coordinated during this meeting.

• Distributing the Storyboard and Shot List

  • The finalized storyboard and shot list will be shared with all department heads, providing them with enough time to prepare for their specific tasks.

  • Any new updates to the storyboard or shot list will be communicated to all relevant departments immediately.

• Daily Shot Planning and Logistics

  • Prior to each shooting day, the Producer and AD will create a Daily Shooting Plan using the shot list, identifying priority shots, expected durations, and necessary resources.

  • The DP and Camera Department will ensure all equipment and setups align with the shot list, and the Art and Sound Departments will prepare for each scene based on the storyboard.

 

5. On-Set Execution and Shot List Tracking

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• Storyboard and Shot List Reference on Set

  • The Director and DP will keep both the storyboard and shot list on hand during production to ensure that each shot is executed as planned.

  • Key crew members, including the AD, Camera Operators, and Production Design team, will have access to the storyboard and shot list to reference on set.

• Real-Time Adjustments

  • The Director and DP may make adjustments to shots based on creative or technical considerations during filming.

  • The AD will document any changes to the shot list, and relevant departments will be notified to ensure proper alignment with any adjustments.

• Tracking Completed Shots

  • The AD will mark each completed shot in the shot list, noting any changes or additional takes if necessary.

  • A Daily Shot Completion Report will be created at the end of each day, detailing completed shots, pending shots, and any notes for upcoming shoots.

 

6. Post-Production Handoff and Documentation

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• Final Shot List and Storyboard Archiving

  • Once production is complete, the Producer will ensure that the final versions of the storyboard and shot list, including any on-set adjustments, are archived in F7 Studios’ project management system.

  • These documents will be preserved for use in post-production, as well as future reference.

• Post-Production Handoff

  • The Producer will provide the storyboard and shot list to the post-production team, giving them a clear roadmap for editing.

  • Key storyboard frames or shot list notes related to pacing, shot continuity, and specific visual effects will be highlighted for the editing team’s reference.

• Review and Lessons Learned

  • After project completion, the Director, DP, and Producer will conduct a Post-Production Review Meeting to evaluate the effectiveness of the storyboarding and shot listing process.

  • Any feedback or insights will be documented in a Lessons Learned Report and used to improve future projects.