5B072E - Storyboarding and Visual Narrative 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 5B072E
Module Title: Storyboarding and Visual Narrative
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Design
Module Leader: Jonathan Edwards
Module Team: Gustavo Arteaga
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2032
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh:
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100057 - animation
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2027
Valid To 31 Aug 2033

Module Aims

  • To develop students’ understanding of visual storytelling, narrative structure and sequential communication within 2D and Stop Motion animation practice. 

  • To support students in planning and presenting narrative ideas through storyboard development, staging, pacing and shot composition. 

  • To encourage iterative development, critical reflection and professional approaches to storyboard workflows and visual narrative communication. 

Content Summary

This module develops your understanding of visual storytelling and narrative communication within 2D and Stop Motion animation practice. Through the creation of storyboards and supporting development work, you will explore how story, character, pacing and staging can be communicated through sequential imagery. The module emphasises the relationship between narrative structure and visual language, encouraging you to consider how framing, composition and shot progression influence audience understanding and engagement. 

You will investigate professional storyboard workflows and production processes, developing confidence in planning, visualising and presenting narrative ideas. Through iterative development, critique and refinement, you will learn how to communicate story effectively while considering tone, continuity, audience engagement and production requirements within 2D and Stop Motion contexts. You will have substantial creative choice in the selection of project themes, narrative concepts, visual styles, characters, environments and development approaches, enabling you to tailor work towards your individual interests, specialist strengths and future career aspirations. 

By the end of the module, you will have produced a storyboard portfolio and narrative presentation that demonstrate your ability to communicate ideas visually through staging, composition, pacing and sequential storytelling. You will also gain experience of professional pre-production practices used throughout the animation and screen industries. 

Building on the visual concept development introduced in the previous module, Storyboarding and Visual Narrative prepares you for later Level 5 and Level 6 study focused on animatics, pre-production planning and professional animation production workflows. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 2
Tutorial 10
Project Supervision and Mentoring 10
Formative Assessment (scheduled) 12
Practical Classes and Workshops 18
Demonstration 4
Guided Learning 10.5
Summative Assessment and Preparation 60
Independent Learning (including self-directed study and support) 173.5
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Develop and present a storyboard sequence that communicates narrative structure, character action and visual pacing within a 2D or Stop Motion animation context.
LO2 Apply visual storytelling techniques, staging and shot composition to communicate tone, continuity and audience engagement through sequential imagery.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Creative Portfolio Storyboard portfolio demonstrating narrative structure, shot composition, sequencing, pacing, continuity and visual storytelling principles for animation. Submission to include integrated development commentary reflecting on narrative construction, iterative design processes and audience communication. 0 1000 70 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Individual Presentation (Asynchronous) Storyboard and narrative presentation evaluating visual storytelling decisions, cinematic communication, narrative clarity and viewer engagement strategies. INDIVIDUAL. 5 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Creative Portfolio
Individual Presentation (Asynchronous)

Reading List

Weeks 1–2: Narrative Development and Visual Storytelling 

 

Essential Reading 

Sijll, J. (2005) Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know. Studio City: Michael Wiese Productions. 

 

Supplementary Reading 

Blazer, L. (2015) Animated Storytelling: Simple Steps for Creating Animation and Motion Graphics. 2nd edn. Berkeley: Peachpit Press. 

 

Weeks 3–4: Storyboard Workflows and Sequential Communication 

 

Essential Reading 

Jew, A. and Paez, S. (2013) Professional Storyboarding: Rules of Thumb. Abingdon: Focal Press. 

 

Supplementary Reading 

Fraioli, J. (2000) Storyboarding 101: A Crash Course in Professional Storyboarding. Studio City: Michael Wiese Productions. 

  

Weeks 5–6: Refinement, Presentation and Professional Communication 

 

Essential Reading 

Reynolds, G. (2020) Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery. 3rd edn. Berkeley: New Riders. 

 

Supplementary Reading 

Williams, R. (2018) The Non-Designer’s Presentation Book: Principles for Effective Presentation Design. 2nd edn. Berkeley: Peachpit Press. 

 

Online Resources: 

Animation Industry Database: http://www.aidb.com 

Animation Magazine: https://www.animationmagazine.net 

Animation World Network: http://www.awn.com 

Cartoon Brew: http://www.cartoonbrew.com 

National Film Board of Canada: https://www.nfb.ca 

Short of the Week: http://www.shortoftheweek.com 

Show Me The Animation: http://www.showmetheanimation.com 

Skwigly: http://www.skwigly.co.uk