One of the best planning techniques for creating a short film is to create a storyboard before filming begins. A storyboard is essentially a small “comic strip” that outlines and organizes the main points of the film. Once you establish your main points in the storyboard you will then have a focused message and be able to convert your storyboard into your film. The storyboard is a helpful tool to make your outline visual to you and your filmmaker colleagues. We recommend starting with some quick brainstorming exercises to help formulate your story.