How to Prepare a Corporate Video Storyboard
A corporate video storyboard is a critical tool for planning, organizing, and executing a professional video production. Whether you’re creating a brand introduction video, a promotional video, a product explainer, or an internal training video, a well-structured storyboard ensures that every aspect of the video aligns with the company’s goals and brand messaging.
In this guide, we will cover what a corporate video storyboard is, why it’s essential, and a step-by-step approach to creating one.
What Is a Corporate Video Storyboard?
A storyboard is a visual representation of a video’s structure before it is filmed. It consists of illustrations, images, text descriptions, and notes about each scene, which help to communicate how the final video should look and feel.
Think of a storyboard as a blueprint for your video. It outlines the key visuals, camera angles, transitions, and dialogue to ensure smooth production and post-production processes.
Why Is a Storyboard Essential for Corporate Videos?
- Saves Time and Money
- A well-prepared storyboard reduces production errors and unnecessary reshoots.
- It helps teams visualize the entire video before shooting, minimizing confusion.
- Ensures Brand Consistency
- Every scene aligns with the company’s branding, values, and messaging.
- Helps maintain a consistent tone, style, and color scheme throughout the video.
- Improves Communication Among Team Members
- Serves as a shared reference point for the director, scriptwriter, cinematographer, and video editor.
- Reduces misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page before filming starts.
- Enhances Storytelling and Flow
- Helps structure the narrative to keep the audience engaged.
- Ensures the message is clear and effective, avoiding unnecessary content.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Corporate Video Storyboard
Step 1: Define the Video’s Purpose and Goals
Before you start sketching the storyboard, clarify:
- What is the main objective?
- Is it to introduce a company?
- Showcase a product?
- Train employees?
- Who is the target audience?
- Customers, employees, stakeholders, investors?
- What is the key takeaway?
- What message should the audience remember after watching?
Example:
A corporate video for a new software product aims to educate potential customers about its benefits, demonstrate its key features, and encourage sign-ups.
Step 2: Write the Video Script
A script is the backbone of the storyboard. It defines:
- The spoken dialogue (voiceover, narrator, or on-screen speakers).
- The scene descriptions (what’s happening visually).
- The transitions between scenes (cuts, fades, zoom-ins).
Example of a Simple Corporate Video Script:
Scene 1: Opening Shot
- Visuals: A professional office setting with employees at work.
- Voiceover: “At [Company Name], we believe in innovation and excellence.”
Scene 2: Product Showcase
- Visuals: Close-up shots of the software interface in action.
- Voiceover: “Our platform simplifies your workflow and boosts productivity.”
Scene 3: Customer Testimonials
- Visuals: Interviews with satisfied customers.
- Voiceover: “Trusted by businesses worldwide, [Company Name] delivers results.”
Scene 4: Call to Action
- Visuals: The company logo, website URL, and a contact button.
- Voiceover: “Visit our website today to learn more.”
Step 3: Choose the Right Storyboarding Format
There are different formats for creating a storyboard:
- Traditional Hand-Drawn Storyboard
- Draw each scene in a grid format with space for notes below.
- Ideal for creative and conceptual videos.
- Digital Storyboarding Software
- Use tools like Canva, Storyboard That, Adobe Photoshop, or PowerPoint.
- Great for highly detailed, professional-looking storyboards.
- Photo-Based Storyboarding
- Use real photos or stock images to represent each scene.
- Best for corporate videos where realism is important.
- Shot List Storyboarding (Text-Based)
- List each scene’s shot type, description, and duration.
- Works well for simple videos or live-action shoots.
Example of a Simple Storyboard Grid Layout:
| Scene No. | Visual Representation | Audio / Dialogue | Notes (Transitions, Effects) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Office environment, team collaboration | “At [Company Name], we believe in innovation.” | Fade-in effect, warm lighting |
| 2 | Close-up of software demo | “Our software simplifies your workflow.” | Screen recording overlay |
| 3 | Customer giving a testimonial | “It has transformed the way we work!” | Background music fades in |
| 4 | Company logo and call-to-action text | “Visit our website today to learn more.” | Smooth zoom-out transition |
Step 4: Sketch or Select Images for Each Scene
- For animated videos: Sketch rough illustrations of each frame.
- For live-action videos: Use stock images or reference photos.
- For product demos: Capture screenshots or wireframes of the interface.
These visual cues help the production team understand the scene composition, camera angles, and overall flow.
Step 5: Define Camera Angles and Movements
Each scene should specify:
- Shot Type:
- Close-Up: Focus on details like a CEO speaking or product features.
- Medium Shot: Shows a subject in context, like an employee at a desk.
- Wide Shot: Captures an entire office space or event.
- Camera Movements:
- Static Shot: No movement, best for interviews.
- Pan/Zoom: Guides focus to a specific subject.
- Tracking/Dolly Shot: Follows a subject as they move.
Example:
- Scene 1: Wide shot of the office → Employees working together.
- Scene 2: Close-up of a software demo → Screen recording.
- Scene 3: Medium shot of a happy customer → Testimonial.
Step 6: Add Notes on Transitions and Effects
Transitions help smooth the flow between scenes. Common transitions include:
- Fade-In/Fade-Out (creates a smooth, gradual opening/ending).
- Cutaways (switching between different angles for engagement).
- Text Overlays (display important messages, stats, or call-to-actions).
Step 7: Review and Finalize the Storyboard
Before moving into production:
✔ Check if the storyboard aligns with the brand message.
✔ Ensure there is a logical sequence and smooth transitions.
✔ Get feedback from the marketing and production teams.
✔ Make necessary revisions to improve clarity and effectiveness.
Conclusion
A well-prepared corporate video storyboard is essential for efficient, high-quality video production. It ensures smooth execution, cost-efficiency, and brand consistency while enhancing storytelling.
By following these seven steps—defining the goal, writing the script, choosing the format, sketching scenes, detailing camera angles, adding transitions, and finalizing the plan—you can create a compelling, structured video that effectively communicates your message.
Investing time in a storyboard before filming will help avoid mistakes, save resources, and create a polished, engaging corporate video that stands out.
