Storyboarding on the Fly: My Docs Project Trial and Error

For a recent vérité documentary project focused on an activist collective, I tried a more organic, 'storyboard-on-the-fly' approach instead of rigid pre-visualization. My usual process involves detailed shot lists and basic stick-figure boards, but the unpredictable nature of activist actions meant I needed adaptability.

What worked surprisingly well was using a small, easily accessible notebook to sketch out a few key 'must-get' shots or sequence ideas immediately after receiving intel about an upcoming event. I'd literally be scribbling in the back of a car or on a street corner, often just stick figures and arrows indicating camera movement or subject focus. This kept me agile and responsive to evolving situations without feeling completely lost. I focused less on perfect framing and more on capturing story beats.

What didn't work was trying to apply this to every scene. For more intimate interviews or observational scenes where the environment was stable, this rapid-fire method felt forced and actually pulled me out of the moment. I realized that some moments demand being present, not pre-visualizing. It also meant a lot more improvisation in the edit suite to connect disparate shots.

Ultimately, I found that a hybrid approach is best for docs: tight pre-viz for controlled scenarios, but a 'fluid concept' storyboard for unpredictable ones. Has anyone else found a sweet spot between being prepared and staying present in unscripted environments?