Toon Boom Animation’s storyboarding software has provided the backbone to many animation productions and advertising campaigns. However, the uses for the software do not stop there. Toon Boom Storyboard and Storyboard Pro can also be used as a tool for planning large events, such as concerts and weddings. Learn how in the article detailed below!

How to Set-up your Scene

In the same way that you storyboard a movie or advertising campaign, your event can be laid out in scenes, with one scene representing each task. Multiple panels can be used if there are more detailed actions occurring in one scene. For example, in a wedding planning scenario, you might show the couple taking their vows in front of the minister. In that same scene, you can add a new panel and show the ring exchange right after.

To add a new panel to a scene:

1. In the Scenes Window, click on the scene thumbnail to which you would like to add a panel.
2. From the Storyboard toolbar, click on the Add Panel button, or from the Top menu, select Storyboard > Add Panel or simply use the keyboard shortcut P.

A new panel appears in the same scene. In the Scenes Window, a scene is visually defined by a dark grey box. Panel thumbnails contained in the same dark grey box signifies that these panels all belong to the same scene. The scene number is always indicated at the top of the thumbnail and the number of the panel out of the total number of panels is written in brackets beside.

Using the Panel window

The dialogue and notes section of the software can also be a useful feature when planning a large event. You can use the fields to take notes about the events that will take place throughout the course of the day. You can use another field to describe the actions that must be taken in response to these events. For example, if you are a technician working on the lighting and effects of a concert, you can use Toon Boom Storyboard/Pro to block out the timing for various lighting scenarios needed to follow the songs of the show.

In addition, you do not have to use the preprogrammed field names, but can create fields of your own, better tailored to suit your needs.

To create your own field names:

1. In the Panel window, click on the menu icon beside the caption field that you wish to change.



2. From the pop-up menu select Rename Caption.
3. From the Renaming a Field dialog box, in the New Name field, choose a name that is more appropriate for your needs and type it in.

4. When you are finished, click OK.

The new name now appears as the new field title.
You can use the same menu to delete unwanted fields or add extra fields as needed.

Importing Images as Event Details

For some events, rough sketches or even polished storyboard panels are not precise enough. In the case of a wedding, photographs might be more appropriate if on site referencing is needed. For example, if you need detailed shots of specific flower arrangements and where they must be placed within the hall, it might be easier to use photographs. On the big day, it will eliminate the stress of trying to remember what you ordered and where everything is suppose to go.

To import images into your event planner:

1. In the Timeline, select the scene thumbnail where you would like to import your images.
2. From the top menu, under the Storyboard menu, select Import Images As Scenes.
3. From the Choose Image Files window, browse for your image and select one or a group of photographs and then click Open.

The images appear in order along the timeline, ready to be used for your event planning scenario.

Library Templates

If you consider yourself more of an events coordinator and less of an artist, Toon Boom Storyboard/Pro can still work for you. The software comes fully loaded with characters, sets, props, actions and effects!

To import a template from the Library:

1. In the Library window, double-click on the Templates folder to display its contents.
2. Double-click on the sub-folder that contains the category of templates that you are looking for, for example Props, in order to display its contents.
3. In the bottom section of the Library window, right-click (Windows) or [Command] + click (Mac) anywhere in the space and from the pop-up menu select View > Thumbnails.
4. From the bottom section of the Library window, select one of templates and drag and drop it into the Drawing Board.

The template appears on the Drawing Board, ready to be rescaled and manipulated.
Refer to the User Guide to learn more about the features and tools available in Storyboard and Storyboard Pro.

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