In this episode of warehouse finds we show some pre-production art. Specifically the first step in animation, Storyboarding. Before even character design is complete, the script of animated film is roughly drawn out in storyboards. These will be used a templates throughout the animation process. Here is a photo of the storyboards that once hung in the studio offices of The Swan Princess.
This is the scene where JeanBob is chased by the alligators in the moat. The evolution of the characters can be seen by looking at the storyboards.
Take Puffin, for example. In these early sketches, he looks a bit different: his eyes are smaller, and check out those big, bushy eyebrows! The final Puffin design is better looking, but it’s always fascinating to see those “what might have been” versions.
Here is an individual frame from the storyboards showing the swan in Rothbart's dungeon when JeanBob arrives to help her escape. JeanBob's momentum from avoiding being eaten by alligators makes him go “bing, bing, bing” against the walls before landing with a splat. This storyboard really makes you feel the action in a single image.
That’s the beauty of storyboards: they let artists communicate ideas quickly and clearly. Just like some people learn best by reading, while others are visual or auditory learners, storyboards are the ultimate tool for film makers and animators. They bring the ideas in your head to life, so the whole team can see the story unfold.