Story Reel
A Story Reel (also known as an animatic or storyboard reel) is a rough draft version of an animated film or show. It's like a moving version of a comic book that helps animation teams plan their work. It combines storyboard drawings with basic timing, dialogue, and sound to show how the final animation will flow. This early version helps studios save time and money by spotting potential problems before expensive animation begins. Think of it as a visual blueprint that guides the entire animation process.
Examples in Resumes
Created Story Reel sequences for children's TV series that improved production efficiency by 30%
Supervised a team of artists in developing Story Reels and Animatics for feature film projects
Edited Story Reel timing and pacing to match director's vision for animated commercials
Typical job title: "Story Reel Artists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Story Reel Artists
Online Communities
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage a story reel project when working with multiple stakeholders who have different visions?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership skills, ability to balance creative input from different sources, and experience in finding compromises while maintaining the project's core vision and timeline.
Q: Can you describe a situation where a story reel helped prevent major production issues?
Expected Answer: The candidate should provide specific examples of how their story reel work identified and solved potential problems early in production, saving time and resources.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you approach timing in a story reel to effectively convey the intended emotion of a scene?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they consider pacing, character movement, and audience reaction when creating story reels, with examples from their experience.
Q: What process do you use to incorporate feedback into a story reel?
Expected Answer: Should describe their systematic approach to receiving, organizing, and implementing changes while maintaining project efficiency.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of a story reel in animation production?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a preliminary version of the animation that helps visualize the story, timing, and flow before final animation begins.
Q: What basic elements do you include in a story reel?
Expected Answer: Should mention storyboard panels, basic timing, sound effects, dialogue, and music placement as key components.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic storyboard creation
- Understanding of timing and pacing
- Knowledge of animation principles
- Basic video editing skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced timing and storytelling
- Team collaboration
- Sound integration
- Ability to work with client feedback
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Complex narrative development
- Production pipeline expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic story structure or visual storytelling
- Lack of experience with industry-standard animation software
- Poor communication skills or inability to accept feedback
- No knowledge of animation production pipeline
- Unable to demonstrate timing and pacing skills
Related Terms
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