Music Video Storyboard: A 9-Frame Method for Artists
A music video storyboard is a sequence of simple frames that shows what the viewer sees at each part of the song. Map one frame to each section (intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, outro), note the shot, lyric cue and energy, and repeat a visual motif on every chorus. For those with a limited budget, using storyboard templates made for AI music video can streamline the process and ensure your music video stands out.
Nine frames, one per section of the song.
Why You Need a Music Video Storyboard
A storyboard helps you:
- Plan shots and transitions: Ensure each scene flows smoothly and aligns with the music.
- Communicate your vision: Share your ideas with directors, cinematographers, and other team members.
- Stay on budget: Avoid costly reshoots and unnecessary changes during production.
What to Include in Your Storyboard
Each frame needs five things: a number, the song section, the shot, the lyric cue or energy, and one rule or motif. Here is a worked example.
Example: 9-Frame Storyboard for a Three-Minute Song
| Frame | Song Section | Shot | Lyric Cue or Energy | Rule |
| — — — -| — — — — — — — -| — — — | — — — — — — — — — — -| — — — |
| 1 | Intro (0:00) | Wide shot of artist | Calm, low energy | Establish the setting |
| 2 | Verse 1 (0:12) | Close-up of artist’s face | First lyric line, intimate | Show emotional intensity |
| 3 | Pre-Chorus (0:30) | Medium shot of artist walking | Rising energy | Build anticipation |
| 4 | Chorus (0:45) | Wide shot of artist on stage | Hook, highest energy | High energy, dynamic movement |
| 5 | Verse 2 (1:00) | Close-up of artist’s hands | Story detail, quieter | Intimate and personal |
| 6 | Pre-Chorus (1:18) | Medium shot of the crowd | Rising again | Show the audience’s reaction |
| 7 | Chorus (1:33) | Wide shot of artist and crowd | Hook, highest energy | Repeat the chorus motif |
| 8 | Bridge (1:50) | Slow-motion shot of artist spinning | Break, floating | Create a dreamy, surreal effect |
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| 9 | Outro (2:15) | Close-up of artist’s eyes | Last line, fading | End with a powerful, emotional close |
How to Create a 9-Frame Storyboard Step by Step
Step 1: Break Down Your Song
Start by dividing your song into sections: intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, and outro. Note the timestamp where each section starts, as in the example table above.
Step 2: Sketch Your Frames
Create a 9-frame grid and sketch each frame according to the song section. Stick figures are fine; see below if you can’t draw.
Step 3: Add Shot Descriptions
For each frame, write a brief description of the shot. Name the shot type and the camera move.
Step 4: Include Lyric Cues or Energy
Note the key lyrics or the overall energy of each section.
Step 5: Define Rules or Motifs
Identify any recurring visual elements or themes that will run throughout the video. For example, you might use a specific color palette, a recurring symbol, or a particular type of shot for the chorus. A repeated chorus motif is one of the things that makes a good music video memorable.
Each frame names the shot and the energy it carries.
Pre-Production: Turning the Storyboard into a Brief
Once you have your 9-frame storyboard, it’s time to turn it into a brief for your director or an AI music video generator. A brief should include:
- Concept and theme: A clear description of the overall concept and visual style.
- Shot list: A detailed list of all the shots you want to include, along with any specific instructions.
- Mood board: A collection of images, colors, and references that capture the desired look and feel; building a music video mood board first makes every frame easier to describe.
If you are briefing an AI tool, the same board translates almost directly: Echonos’ Storyboard tool, for example, uses one reference frame plus nine beats on a 3x3 board that can feed Orpheon, a storyboard-driven cinematic cut of 10 or 15 seconds.
What to Do if You Can’t Draw
You have options:
- Use stick figures: Simple, blocky shapes can convey the basic idea of each shot.
- Take photos: Use your phone to capture reference images that represent your vision.
- Find stock images: Use stock image sites to find visuals that match your concept.
- Ask a friend who draws: nine frames is a small favour.
The History of the Storyboard
As the history of the storyboard shows, the modern storyboard was developed at the Walt Disney studio, with animator Webb Smith credited with drawing scenes on separate sheets of paper. The first complete storyboards were made for the Disney short “Three Little Pigs,” and “Gone with the Wind” was one of the first live-action films to be completely storyboarded.
Line the chorus motif up with the peaks of the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a music video storyboard?
It is a one-page visual plan that shows what the viewer sees at each section of the song.
Why do I need a storyboard for my music video?
A storyboard helps you plan shots and transitions, communicate your vision to your team, and stay on budget.
What should be included in a storyboard?
Your storyboard should include the frame number, song section, shot description, lyric cue or energy, and any recurring visual motifs or rules.
How detailed should my storyboard be?
Your storyboard should be detailed enough to convey your vision clearly but not so detailed that it becomes overwhelming. Focus on the key elements of each shot and the overall flow of the video.
What if I can’t draw?
Use stick figures, phone photos or stock images; the board only has to communicate, not impress.
Do I need a storyboard for a simple performance video?
Even for a simple performance video, a storyboard can be helpful. It ensures that your shots are well-planned and that the video flows smoothly.
Final Thought
A music video storyboard is a powerful tool for independent artists and first-time directors. Whether you brief a director or an AI music video generator, a well-crafted storyboard is the foundation of a successful music video.
About the Author
The author is a music video director who plans low-budget shoots and AI-assisted videos for independent artists. Their pre-production always starts with one page of nine frames.
