The storyboard is a sequential series of illustrations showing the key action called for in a script. Used as a visualization of the project, it also helps in estimating costs and can serve as the guide for setting up shots during filming. A shooting storyboard (for crew members) can contain less detail than a presentation-style storyboard (which is created to impress clients).

Storyboard images are usually sketches that simply and clearly communicate the setups, or main elements of each shot and the spatial relationships between each element. This cuts down setup time and questions from crew members. The caption area can hold slug lines and beginning dialogue text; camera and lighting notes; or prop and scenery notes.

While sometimes done by hand with pencil and paper, storyboards are now commonly done digitally with computer software like Storyboard Quick.

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