The storyboard is used to show the sequence of camera shots used in a film or video production. The director, camera person, and the rest of the production crew use the storyboard as a guide for the setting up of shots.

A simple rough sketch of what the camera should see is all that is needed in the camera box. The script side of the storyboard should include dialogue, music, sound, special effects, and action notes.

Shooting does not take place until this plan is complete. Often the storyboard is used to organize shooting so that a number of shots may be combined and shot in one location. Even though the shots may not have been taken in sequence, the editor can reassemble them during editing phase of the production.