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ATPM 8.05
May 2002

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Review: StoryBoard Quick 3.2.1

by Mike Shields, mshields@atpm.com

verynice

Developer: Power Production Software

Price: $249.99

Requirements: Mac with 68030, 4 MB application RAM, System 7.

Trial: None

StoryBoard Quick v.3 helps creatives accomplish the all important step between scripting and editing: Storyboarding. It’s the previsualization tool for creating shooting boards. Whether you are an expert or just getting started StoryBoard Quick can help you create the visual sketch you need to bring your ideas to reality. It’s cross-platform compatible; of course, we only care about one of them. :-)

When they were naming this software, they weren’t kidding. I put up the following scene, which may or may not appear in Diamond in the Rough (my movie script), in five minutes:

sbq-final-frame

And a quick command later, I added a caption:

sbq-caption

And, although I did only one slide just to get my feet wet for this review, the program allows you to put multiple slides on a page, to cut down on the amount of trees you use when you eventually print them out.

sbq-full-page

You could avoid this, however, by taking your PowerBook on the set with you, come to think of it. Save even more trees!

I did all this without an ounce of art training. Well, that’s not entirely true, as long time readers know of my extensive background in the movie industry. The thing is, I can’t draw too well. The program allows for this, and comes with pre-packaged figures, locations, and props. Of course, if you want to draw something that’s not already included, a rudimentary pencil tool is included. The problem I had with this one is that I couldn’t find an easy way to erase what I’d drawn. I tried all the normal avenues, but to no avail. I had to scrap a previous slide that I’d drawn because of it. I also had a problem getting the program to run under Mac OS 9, however, that may just be an extension conflict that I don’t know about, as the software is OS 9-compatible, as mentioned above.

Additional features include:

For the big boys, I recommend getting the full blown StoryBoard Artist, available from the same company. However, for the burgeoning DV director, this program is a must.

Reader Comments (6)

Toonie Lydda · March 28, 2003 - 01:19 EST #1
Is this good software? How can I buy it? Is it available in Indonesia? Thank you.
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · March 28, 2003 - 01:26 EST #2
Toonie - well, the author of this review rated it as Very Nice, so he seems to think it's good software.

Your best best for inquiries about availability is to go direct to the source, http://www.powerproduction.com/

If you go to that site and click the Buy link at the top, you'll find a link labeled International Sales. Hopefully, that will help you.
Ranajit · October 18, 2003 - 10:25 EST #3
Being a filmmaker from India, I need characters, costumes, architecture, and locations that look like India that I don't think are available with the software. Also, there is no provision for the costumes, properties, and locations if we are planning something on periodical or futuristic scripts or scripts set in outer space.

Is there any provision of importing sketches or characters to place them on the boards to give it a feel of what is required by the script?

Your valuable suggestions will certainly help me in my profession and may prompt me to buy the software bundle.

Regards,

Ranajit
Nick Robfly · May 15, 2004 - 09:44 EST #4
This software, i think is very usefull. Because all the good photos, i will use from my second movie. I'm a 9 year old moviemaker from Tanzania. I make movies with my daddy's camera.
Emile Frigon · May 12, 2006 - 16:37 EST #5
Does your application available in french
ATPM Staff · May 12, 2006 - 17:59 EST #6
Emile - please click the product developer link at the top of the review and inquire with them, directly.

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