Storyboarding

Why is storyboarding an essential part of the film making process?

- It enables the director to visualize the scene before shooting

- It helps the director make decisions on sequences of shots, movements of actors, along with camera and lighting directions.

- It establishes the narrative flow of the film, how the shots will link from one to the next. Storyboards try to represent as best as they can what the finished footage will look like on screen.


'P' is for Psycho'

a) In the opening sequence, we see a man washing his hands of blood in a bathroom, presumably from a previous victim. A boy enters the room, and the man puts a gun into his belt. As the boy comes in, the man turns and apparently shoots him.

b) The narrative flow is established quickly. We begin with an establishing shot of a toilet, with low key lighting and a gloomy mood. The film immediately sets up the tone of the scene, which is continued as the blood is seen draining down the sink. The narrative is clear, focusing on the man in the toilet, with a brief shot on the boy who enters behind the man. The gun is another massive sign which reveals the tone of the movie to the audience, and the fact that the child is seemingly shot at the end will leave the audience wanting to know more.

c) If directing this sequence, i would extend it slightly, in order to build more suspense and tension. It would have more shots of the boy sneaking in, at low angles, and claustrophobic close ups to try and signify the fear of the boy.