Storyboard Wise

So, I was working on a project the other day and was reminded of the import of storyboards.

A few years back I was in film school and we were studying Citizen Kane when someone said Orson Welles didn't use storyboards - he just had the vision and shot on the fly.

"Really," I thought to myself.

As we progressed in the semester we had a chance to talk to Robert Wise - the editor on Citizen Kane. I asked Mr. Wise if storyboards were used and I'll never forget the look he gave me...it was akin to "you idiot" but his words were kinder. He said something to the effect of "Yes, of course we used storyboards - those were some of the most difficult shots on film to date."

So my lesson - plan your work and work your plan.