Last Updated 3 months ago
Definition
In filmmaking, the term board has multiple meanings depending on context. Most commonly, it is shorthand for a storyboard, but it can also refer to scheduling tools such as a shooting board or a Day Out of Days (DOOD) board. In all cases, “board” is a tool for planning and communication, helping filmmakers visualize or organize the work ahead.
Storyboard (Creative Use of “Board”)
- Purpose: A sequence of drawings or images that map out the shots of a film before production.
- Function: Helps the director, cinematographer, and crew pre-visualize framing, camera movement, and scene progression.
- Modern Tools: Storyboards may be hand-drawn, digitally illustrated, or created with specialized software like Storyboarder or FrameForge.
When someone says, “Let’s look at the board,” in a creative meeting, they’re often referring to storyboards.
Scheduling Boards (Logistical Use of “Board”)
- Shooting Board: A day-by-day breakdown of what scenes will be shot and when. Functions as a shooting schedule.
- Day Out of Days (DOOD) Board: A detailed chart tracking cast workdays, including start, work, hold, and finish days. This is crucial for budgeting and scheduling actors under union agreements.
- Production Board / Stripboard: Used by assistant directors and line producers to manage the order of shooting scenes, often arranged on physical or digital strips.
Why Boards Matter
- Clarity: Translates complex ideas (visual or logistical) into something the entire crew can reference.
- Efficiency: Saves time and money by identifying problems before they occur on set.
- Collaboration: Gives every department a shared roadmap, whether creative (storyboards) or operational (shooting boards).
Board in Different Contexts
- Creative: “Board” means storyboard ? visualizing how the film will look.
- Production: “Board” means schedule ? organizing how the film will be shot.
Understanding the distinction ensures smoother communication across departments.
Related Terms
- [Storyboard] A visual sequence of drawings or images used to plan shots.
- [Day Out of Days] A chart used to track cast scheduling across a production.
- [Shooting Schedule] A plan outlining when each scene will be filmed.