Film Storyboard Artist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of cinematic arts, the demand for film storyboard artists is continuously on the rise.

As the narrative of cinema evolves, so does the need for visionary minds capable of shaping, enhancing, and translating our cinematic stories into compelling visual sequences.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a film storyboard artist?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring artist seeking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A recruitment manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the craft of storyboard creation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable film storyboard artist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Film Storyboard Artist Duties and Responsibilities

Film Storyboard Artists play a critical role in pre-production phases of film-making.

They help visualize the script and turn the director’s vision into a series of scenes or panels, much like a comic strip, to guide the production team during filming.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Reading scripts to understand the storyline and characters
• Collaborating with directors and cinematographers to discuss the visual aspect of the script
• Creating detailed and accurate storyboards that illustrate the script and narrative structure
• Depicting different camera angles, lighting, characters’ emotions, and actions in the storyboard
• Presenting storyboards to the director, producers, and other members of the production team for approval
• Making revisions to storyboards based on feedback
• Assisting in planning and coordinating the scenes during the shooting process
• Staying updated with the latest art techniques, software, and technology used in film-making

 

Film Storyboard Artist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented and creative Film Storyboard Artist to visualize storylines and create visual narratives for our film projects.

The Storyboard Artist will work closely with the director, scriptwriter, and production team to create comprehensive sequence of scenes and images that align with the film’s script and director’s vision.

Candidates should have a strong understanding of storytelling techniques, excellent drawing skills, and a keen eye for detail.

The role requires the ability to translate written scripts into visual stories, maintaining continuity, and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the film.

 

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the director and scriptwriter to understand the story and vision of the film
• Create storyboards and illustrations to visualize the script and director’s instructions
• Present storyboards to the production team and make necessary changes based on feedback
• Maintain continuity in visual storytelling through all scenes and sequences
• Collaborate with other artists, animators, and designers to ensure consistency
• Assist in selecting camera angles, lighting, and setting for each scene
• Ensure that storyboards align with the project timelines and budget constraints

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a storyboard artist, illustrator, or similar role
• Strong drawing skills and ability to visualize perspective and space
• Experience working with storyboard software such as Toon Boom Storyboard Pro
• Excellent sense of storytelling, timing, and composition
• Proficiency in drawing and conceptualizing storylines
• Ability to work under tight deadlines
• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Film, Animation, or relevant field is preferred

 

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• Work on exciting and diverse film projects
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Film Storyboard Artist
• Work Environment: Studio setting. Collaboration with a creative team is essential.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Art Director or Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $98,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Film Storyboard Artist Do?

Film Storyboard Artists are integral to the pre-production process of filmmaking.

They work closely with directors, producers, and cinematographers to visually narrate the script before it is filmed.

They create a series of illustrations and images for the purpose of pre-visualizing the film or motion picture.

These storyboards act as a visual blueprint, outlining the sequence of events, camera angles, and movements, as well as providing a rough idea of the dialogue, performance, and actions that might be used in each scene.

Film Storyboard Artists also depict the various settings and characters within the film, and can suggest lighting, color, and mood for the scenes.

They may also be involved in brainstorming sessions with the creative team, refining the storyboard based on feedback and changes in the script or production plans.

Storyboard Artists are skilled in both visual arts and storytelling, using these talents to help the filmmakers envision the final product and ensure a smooth and efficient filming process.

 

Film Storyboard Artist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Film Storyboard Artist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Excellent drawing skills to visualize and bring to life the director’s vision in a graphical format.
• Strong visual storytelling abilities to communicate complex scenes and actions in simple, comprehensible sketches.
• Understanding of cinematic techniques, camera angles, and visual effects to accurately represent intended cinematography and direction.
• Good communication skills to work collaboratively with the director, scriptwriters, and other team members, and to interpret and incorporate their ideas and feedback.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines, often while working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of digital drawing software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Storyboard Pro, as well as traditional drawing tools for creating storyboards.
• Awareness of the dynamics of motion, timing, and how these elements affect storytelling in the context of animation or live action filming.
• Basic understanding of the technical aspects of film production, such as lighting, sound, set design, and editing, to ensure that the storyboard accurately represents feasible scenarios.

 

Film Storyboard Artist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Film Storyboard Artists typically need 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or freelance work.

Many also gain experience through their education, working on student films or projects that allow them to illustrate scenes and sequences.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience usually have honed their skills in creating visual narratives and conveying story ideas through their artwork.

They may have experience in a variety of projects, including short films, commercials, or video games.

Artists with more than 5 years of experience often have a solid portfolio that showcases their ability to create compelling storyboards for a variety of genres.

These professionals may also have some experience in directing or supervising a team of storyboard artists.

In addition to direct work experience, many Film Storyboard Artists gain knowledge and experience in film production, cinematography, and visual storytelling through a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as film studies or graphic design.

This education not only provides theoretical knowledge, but also practical application through project-based learning.

 

Film Storyboard Artist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Film Storyboard Artist, individuals usually need a bachelor’s degree in film, animation, illustration, fine arts, graphic design, or a related field.

These programs provide foundational knowledge in drawing, color theory, perspective, and composition which are crucial for creating storyboards.

In addition to the degree, a strong portfolio showcasing their drawing skills, storytelling ability, and understanding of cinematic techniques is essential.

Some storyboard artists may choose to further their training by taking specialized courses in film production, scriptwriting, or cinematography to better understand the filmmaking process and the role their work plays in it.

Work experience is also a key aspect.

Many storyboard artists start their careers as interns or junior artists in animation studios, advertising agencies, or film production companies to gain practical experience.

Continued education is valuable in this field, as technology and techniques can rapidly evolve.

Certifications or workshops in digital illustration software like Adobe Creative Suite can help storyboard artists stay up-to-date and competitive in the job market.

While not always necessary, a master’s degree in a related field or specialized training can help enhance a storyboard artist’s career by providing more advanced skills and knowledge.

 

Film Storyboard Artist Salary Expectations

A Film Storyboard Artist can expect to earn an average salary of $75,000 (USD) per year.

This figure can fluctuate depending on the artist’s experience, the size and budget of the film project, and the artist’s geographical location.

 

Film Storyboard Artist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Film Storyboard Artist need?

A Film Storyboard Artist needs to have strong drawing and visualization skills to depict the scenes of a movie visually.

They should be able to understand and interpret scripts and director’s vision into a visual format.

They should have excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with a team of directors, cinematographers, and other artists.

Knowledge of cinematography, composition, and color theory is also essential.

 

Do Film Storyboard Artists need a degree?

Not all Film Storyboard Artists have a degree, but a degree in Animation, Illustration, Graphic Design, Film Studies, or a related field can be beneficial.

Most important is a strong portfolio showcasing an artist’s ability to visually interpret and communicate a narrative.

 

What should you look for in a Film Storyboard Artist’s portfolio?

A Film Storyboard Artist’s portfolio should showcase their ability to visually narrate a story, their grasp of cinematic techniques, and their understanding of visual composition and color theory.

It should contain examples of storyboards they have created for previous projects.

Look for diversity in their work, which indicates versatility and adaptability in various film genres.

 

What qualities make a good Film Storyboard Artist?

A good Film Storyboard Artist is imaginative, innovative, and possesses strong visual storytelling skills.

They should be able to interpret a script and director’s vision into compelling and coherent visuals.

Good Film Storyboard Artists are effective communicators and team players, capable of collaborating with directors, cinematographers, and other crew members.

They should also be detail-oriented and able to work under tight deadlines.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Film Storyboard Artist?

Hiring a Film Storyboard Artist can be challenging as it requires finding someone with a strong mix of artistic ability, understanding of cinematography, and storytelling skills.

Additionally, the artist needs to be able to work well within a team and under tight deadlines.

Therefore, it might take some time to find the right fit, but it is not impossible if you know what skills and qualities to look for.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a sneak peek into the captivating world of a film storyboard artist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about sketching scenes.

It’s about breathing life into scripts, one storyboard at a time.

Armed with our reliable film storyboard artist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a splash.

But why end here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your key to precision-crafted job listings or refining your portfolio to perfection.

Remember:

Every storyboard scene contributes to the grand narrative.

Let’s paint that story. Together.

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