ABSTRACT
Objects that are important to the story and to the scene should be visually prominent on your storyboards and backgrounds. Less important objects can be played down and merge into shadows with very close values so that they do not compete with the center of interest. Detail should not overpower the characters. Period styles and props are there to help set the scene, not upstage it. (Figure 9-1)
Atmospheric sketches can be created before storyboarding begins to explore the setting’s design, color, and lighting. A floor plan is useful if your project takes place in a specific location, since it enables you to place the characters accurately in the scene. Background details and props will be drawn on the storyboard if the character interacts with them. Master backgrounds may be drawn up at the beginning of pre-production to help the storyboard artist. The Master background might not be used in the finished film. It places doors, houses, and other important objects in specific locations so that the board artist may stage the shots better. The characters are frequently included to indicate scale. Figure 9-2 is an original master background from a student film. A man sits in a house playing the piano. He plays piano with one finger. He looks tired. There is a Christmas tree and some presents in the corner of the room and a dog lying on a carpet.
