Before there was what we would call language today, there were stories. Gestures made with hands. Facial expressions to show emotion. Nonverbal cues knitted together and told around a flickering fire.
And though stories have been around forever, the power of storytelling is gaining universal recognition. Many organizations, across many industries, are seeing storytelling as a powerful tool for connecting. (This recent Forbes article provides leaders 7 tips for becoming a better storyteller — and it’s applicable to creative leaders like directors and producers, too!)
Storyboards Tell Stories
Here at Saint James Studios, we couldn’t be happier that storytelling is in the spotlight. Because that’s what we do each day—deliver storyboards to help our clients’ stories captivate!
And specifically, it’s what Joe does (eats, sleeps and breathes!) each day as a storyboard artist. A self-proclaimed story geek, Joe thinks about stories pretty much non-stop. He doesn’t just watch movies…he analyzes them. (He often does this out loud, which you’ll either love or hate if you’re in his movie-viewing company.)
The point?
Joe sums it up perfectly:
“Stories capture our attention and inspire the imagination—and you never forget a great story!”
At Saint James Studios, our creative storytelling work encompasses an extensive portfolio of storyboards, illustrations and designs in demand by film and television producers, directors, writers and other creative professionals.
It’s a big responsibility, because storyboards are the images that guide the story so that a feature film, commercial or other project can magnify it.
Stories are important.
They create emotional connections.
Storyboards of Chris Paul, NBA All-Star, connecting with his son and offering more than basketball skills. Beyond Meat commercial.
Here at Saint James Studios, Joe dives deep and asks questions to help clients define and tell their stories as powerfully as possible. He says:
“As a storyboard artist, I find myself in the position of having to find the inner narrative even though I know the general idea of the story when I begin a project. Sometimes the original idea works and sometimes it needs fine-tuning, and my role helps people tell their story more effectively.”
Where will storytelling—and storyboards— go from here?
As we see storytelling’s popularity grow, we are excited! Because we know that stories create connections. As storytelling expands, storyboards are even being recognized and valued by people outside the entertainment and television industries. Businesses and brands need their stories told in creative and convincing ways, too.
At Saint James, we are evolving to meet the growing demands for visuals that support both story making and the storytelling process. We are seeing non-traditional uses of storyboards coming into play—from corporate videos to event run-of-shows to training programs and even slide based presentations.
An unusual, heartfelt storyboard project
Beyond film, TV and the business world, Joe recalls one of his more unusual storyboard projects. It was for a man who wanted a way to honor his wife with a special gift for her birthday, telling the story of her life journey — where she came from, how the two met and the family and friends she loved. It was a project that Joe enjoyed greatly, and the oversized storyboards blew the client’s wife away. We’re pretty sure this client won the ‘best husband ever’ award!
Mining the real gems
As a veteran storyboard artist with more than 2,500 commercial and film projects to his credit, Joe’s had the opportunity to work with both well-known and emerging directors. Yet after all these years, mining the story to get to the true meaning — the real gems, still excites Joe today:
“The process of bringing the story to life is what we do with every one of our jobs. The boards, the individual moments, the pacing, the beats. Together, they can tell a story in the best way possible. And I never tire of seeing everything come together.”
Storytelling thrives, even in a digital world
Our world may change but we will always relate to stories. Even as technology advances, we’re hard-wired to remember something told in story fashion. That will never go away.
Ready to give your story the most connective potential?
We can help.
At Saint James Studios, we believe there’s no limit to how storyboards can be used. If there’s an idea to convey or a story to be told, a storyboard can help you powerfully craft the message.
Producers…Hire the right storyboard artist (or regret it later).
Directors…Which Style Storyboard Do You Prefer?