Storyboards Video Storyboard Terms 3

Question 1

What is an 'animatic' in video production?

Accepted Answer

A timed sequence of storyboard images edited together with audio to simulate the final video

Answer

An animatic is a moving storyboard — sequential frames timed to music, dialogue, or sound effects — used to preview pacing before production begins.

Question 2

What does 'OTS' stand for in storyboard notation?

Accepted Answer

Over-The-Shoulder shot

Answer

OTS stands for Over-The-Shoulder, a common shot framing one character from behind while focusing on the character they are speaking with.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'beat' in storyboard and script terminology?

Accepted Answer

A brief pause or moment of reaction between actions or lines

Answer

A beat is a small unit of dramatic action — a pause, look, or reaction — that storyboard artists capture to preserve emotional timing.

Question 4

What is 'motivated lighting' in storyboard planning?

Accepted Answer

Lighting that appears to come from a visible or implied light source within the scene

Answer

Motivated lighting mimics a believable real-world light source — such as a window, lamp, or fire — that the audience can see or infer in the scene.

Question 5

In storyboarding, what is a 'two-shot'?

Accepted Answer

A frame that includes exactly two subjects

Answer

A two-shot frames two characters together in the same shot, commonly used in conversation scenes to show both people's reactions simultaneously.

Storyboards Practice Test