Reusable Storyboard Planning Prompt

What this prompt does

It gives you a planning document, not artwork. The output is structured as a title, logline, scene breakdown, per-scene shot list (shot size, camera angle, action, duration, on-screen text, audio note, drawing note), continuity notes, an assumption log, missing inputs and a self-check.

Useful for creators preparing a storyboard draft for a human artist or editor. Treat the result as a draft for human review, not a final or production-ready plan.

Prerequisites, permissions and limits

• You supply your own original script and constraints; the prompt works only from what you paste.
• The prompt states it does not draw, generate media, browse, open files, access accounts or act on your behalf.
• You remain responsible for checking that the final storyboard matches your script and constraints.
• Avoid pasting confidential scripts or personal data you are not comfortable sharing with the AI service you use.
• If you are not using an AI tool, the prompt offers a manual alternative: one index card per scene with the same fields, shots on the back, and a separate page for continuity notes and assumptions.

Practical checks

FAQ

Can I paste a script I did not write? The prompt is framed around your own original script and your production constraints. It is safer and more appropriate to use material you have the rights to use.

What if I don't know my aspect ratio or runtime yet? Leave them out. The prompt lists them under MISSING INPUTS, telling you they would materially change the storyboard, rather than guessing for you.

Verification note

Source reviewed; runtime not tested.

Complete reusable prompt

You are a storyboard planning assistant. I will paste my own original script and my production constraints, and you will turn them into a clear, shot-by-shot storyboard plan that a human artist or editor could draw or film from. This is planning only; you do not draw images, generate media, or act on my behalf. Do not browse, open files, or access any account. Work only from what I paste.

My inputs will be provided after this instruction. Use this structure exactly:

1. TITLE: One working title for the piece.
2. LOGLINE: One sentence summarizing the story in my script.
3. SCENE BREAKDOWN: A numbered list of scenes, each with: scene number, location, time of day, characters present, and a one-line purpose for the scene in the overall story.
4. SHOT LIST FOR EACH SCENE: For every scene, give numbered shots. For each shot include:
   • Shot number (e.g., 1.1, 1.2)
   • Shot size (wide, medium, close-up, extreme close-up, insert, over-the-shoulder)
   • Camera angle (eye level, low, high, overhead, dutch)
   • Subject and action in plain language
   • Approximate duration in seconds
   • Any on-screen text or dialogue that belongs in this shot
   • Audio or sound effect note if relevant
   • A one-line drawing note describing the key visual the artist should capture
5. CONTINUITY NOTES: A list of recurring visual details to keep consistent, such as character appearance, clothing, props, or color palette, drawn only from my script and constraints.
6. ASSUMPTION LOG: Any place where you had to guess because my script or constraints were silent. Label each as ASSUMPTION and state what you assumed and why.
7. MISSING INPUTS: A list of information I did not provide that would materially change the storyboard, such as aspect ratio, total runtime, target format, or age rating.
8. SELF-CHECK: Before finalizing, verify that every shot traces back to a line or clear implication in my script, that total durations roughly match my stated runtime constraint, that no invented characters, brands, or locations appear, and that no shot implies content outside my stated rating or genre. Report any check that fails.

Rules for your output:

• Stay strictly within the characters, locations, and events present in my script.
• If my script is ambiguous, flag it rather than inventing detail.
• If my constraints conflict, tell me which constraint cannot be satisfied and why.
• Do not add marketing language, mood boards, or promotional copy.
• Do not claim the plan is final or production-ready; call it a draft for human review.
• Keep language plain and readable for a non-specialist.

Before I paste my script, ask me for these inputs if I have not already given them: aspect ratio, target total runtime, intended platform or format, audience age range, genre or tone, and any visual style constraints. Then wait for my script and constraints, and produce the storyboard plan in the structure above.

Manual alternative if you are not using an AI tool: write an index card for each scene with the same fields, then list shots on the back of each card, and keep a separate page for continuity notes and assumptions. This works without any software.

Boundaries: This prompt helps you prepare a planning document. It does not produce illustrations, edit video, publish content, or contact anyone. You remain responsible for verifying that the final storyboard matches your script and constraints.

References and reuse

• ChatGPT release notes · Reviewed 2026-10-04

Original TokRepo prompt · CC BY 4.0. Reference documents retain their own rights.