it is important for every storyboard artist to be able to identify the elements of a script and to be able to interpret the written word. Let’s start with the basics.

Every script has fundamental elements:

Slugline: When looking at the slugline, the reader notices three vital pieces of information:

I. The relative location of the camera (interior or exterior)

II. The physical location of the scene itself

III. The relative time of day The slugline is expressed in this simple fashion—and always in all CAPS:

EXT. CITY HALL—DAY

What can a storyboard artist glean from this simple line of text? We know from this master scene heading that the scene is to be shot outside, in front of city hall, during the day. That’s a lot of information provided with less than a half-dozen words.

Action: The action, written in the present tense with quick beats, gives the artist a bit more information: Jack pulls his head from under the hood. He wipes grimy hands on his coveralls. That provides a lot more information, but it still gives the storyboard artist a great deal of leeway.

Character, Dialogue, & Wryly: Finally, we have character, wryly, and dialogue, expressed in this fashion:

PORTLY
(Leaning in, whispering)

Just take it easy, lad. Think of it as a leisurely drive through the countryside. Here, you learn who is speaking, how he is to deliver the line, and what he is saying. While the dialogue is not essential for the storyboard artist (this isn’t a comic book script requiring word balloons, after all), the dialogue might just provide a clue for the artist with regard to body language and posture. With the parenthetical directions provided by the wryly, you can tell that Portly is trying to intimidate Jack.

Each one of these components provides essential information to everyone involved with the film or episode, from the director on down to the production assistant. A good storyboard artist should be able to glean information from each of these elements.

Terms

Action: Also description. This is a brief narrative of what can be “seen” or represented on screen.

Character: This subheading denotes who is speaking.

Dialogue: This indicates what is being said.

Slugline: Also master scene heading. This tells us where the scene is shot and indicates the time of day.

Wryly: Also parenthetical. This suggests a direction for the actor.