How to Storyboard a Documentary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a documentary can be overwhelming. With unpredictable filming schedules, evolving narratives, and the pressure to capture essential moments, it’s easy to lose track of your vision. This is where storyboarding becomes invaluable—it’s a simple yet powerful tool to organise your ideas, plan shots, and build a cohesive story.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a skilled artist to storyboard. Simple sketches, even stick figures, are enough. The focus is on visualising your shots, not creating polished art. In this guide, we'll walk you through storyboarding your documentary step-by-step so you can bring your vision to life.

What is a Documentary Storyboard?

A storyboard is a series of visual panels that represent each planned shot. It helps you visualise the tone, structure, and style of your documentary before you start shooting. Unlike scripted films, documentaries require flexibility, but a storyboard gives you a framework to guide your filming, ensuring you capture key scenes while allowing room for spontaneity.

Key Elements of a Documentary Storyboard

A documentary storyboard contains key components that help guide the filming process. Each of these elements is crucial for building a cohesive and engaging story, and they provide the foundation needed for a successful production.

• Interviews: Include framing, background, and notes on how to create an emotional connection.

• B-Roll: Plan for establishing shots, cutaways, and other footage that adds context.

• Historical Footage: Note how existing footage fits into the narrative.

• Emotional Tone: Add notes about the desired mood or emotional impact of each scene.

Steps to Create a Documentary Storyboard

Step 1: Define the Structure and Plan for B-Roll Footage

Start by outlining your documentary’s structure. What is the beginning, middle, and end of your story? Identify key moments, interviews, and transitions that will shape your narrative. Additionally, think about the b-roll footage that will support your main content. Plan shots that add context or atmosphere, like landscapes or everyday activities. Visit locations in advance and plan creative ways to capture b-roll that enhances your narrative. Including these ideas in your structure will ensure you have enough material to tell a rich story.

Step 2: Create a Shot List

A shot list outlines all the key shots you need—like interviews, b-roll, and establishing shots. It helps you decide what visuals are essential for telling your story. The shot list serves as the foundation for your storyboard, ensuring you have a clear plan.

Step 3: Choose Your Storyboarding Method

You can storyboard using software tools like Boords, StudioBinder, or Canva. Or you can storyboard by hand using our free documentary storyboard template. Choose the method that best fits your workflow.

Step 4: Add Frames to Build the Storyboard

Break your documentary into scenes and add frames for each one. Each frame should represent a key moment, like an interview or a pivotal event. For interviews, think about how you want to frame your subject—using techniques like the rule of thirds or creative angles can make your shots more engaging.

Step 5: Include Visual Elements

Use sketches, stock photos, or inspirational images to add detail to each frame. Adding notes about camera angles, lighting, and movement will help bring your storyboard to life. This step helps ensure that your entire production team understands how each scene should look and feel.

Step 6: Refine and Adapt Your Storyboard

Documentary filmmaking is dynamic—your storyboard needs to evolve as the story unfolds. Regularly review your storyboard and make adjustments as new footage or events come in. This flexibility keeps your documentary coherent while allowing for unexpected, authentic moments.

Creating a Flexible Documentary Storyboard

Storyboarding is an essential step in creating a successful documentary. It provides structure and clarity while allowing for the flexibility needed to capture authentic moments. By following these steps, you can build a solid storyboard that helps guide your project from start to finish. Remember, a storyboard is a roadmap—not a rulebook. Use it to keep your vision on track while adapting as your story unfolds.

Documentary Storyboard Template

I've created a free documentary storyboard template to help you get started on your project. This template is designed to simplify the planning process and ensure you cover all the essential shots and scenes needed to tell a compelling story. Download it, print it out and start storyboarding your documentary today!