Timeline & Storyboard: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "= Timeline & Storyboard = == Overview == The Timeline & Storyboard system in ACT 3 AI enables creators to visually organize their narrative structure, scene flow, and shot sequencing. It provides a comprehensive interface for managing storytelling, pacing, and visual planning across acts, scenes, and shots. == 1. Purpose == * Visually plan the flow of a movie, episode, or short-form video * Organize story structure into a logical timeline * Align script, camera, and vi...")
 
 
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= Timeline & Storyboard =
== Overview ==
The '''[[Timeline_&_Storyboard|Timeline & Storyboard]]''' tools in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] allow creators to visualize, organize, and refine the structure of their [[Projects|projects]]. 
They combine the linear sequencing of the [[Timeline|Timeline editor]] with the visual planning power of [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboards & Panels]], bridging the gap between writing and rendering.


== Overview ==
== Timeline ==
The Timeline & Storyboard system in ACT 3 AI enables creators to visually organize their narrative structure, scene flow, and shot sequencing. It provides a comprehensive interface for managing storytelling, pacing, and visual planning across acts, scenes, and shots.
The [[Timeline|Timeline]] is where you arrange [[Scenes|scenes]], [[Shots|shots]], and clips in time.
It provides precision editing, playback, and synchronization across [[Digital_Actors|Digital Actors]], audio, and visuals.
 
=== Key Features ===
* Drag-and-drop [[Scenes|scenes]] and [[Shots|shots]] directly from the [[Script_Editor|script editor]]. 
* Zoom for frame-level precision or wide-scene overview. 
* Add transitions, overlays, and audio tracks. 
* Lock or mute layers to simplify editing. 
* Play back sections for quick review.


== 1. Purpose ==
=== Workflow ===
* Visually plan the flow of a movie, episode, or short-form video
1. Import or draft your script in the [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]]. 
* Organize story structure into a logical timeline
2. Generate [[Scenes|scenes]] and [[Shots|shots]] using the [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]]. 
* Align script, camera, and visual direction through a unified board
3. Drag script blocks onto the [[Timeline|Timeline editor]]. 
* Serve as the creative anchor for AI-generated video generation
4. Adjust timing, pacing, and transitions. 
5. Preview sequences in real-time. 


== 2. Timeline Structure ==
== Storyboard ==
* Organized into nested hierarchy:
The [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboard]] tool provides a visual breakdown of your script and timeline, showing each shot as an image or sketch panel.
  * Act → Scene → Shot
* Drag-and-drop functionality for reordering
* Color-coded sections for clarity (e.g., exposition, climax, resolution)
* Each shot includes timecode, duration, and visual preview


== 3. Storyboard Panel ==
=== Key Features ===
* Visual representation of each shot
* Auto-generate panels from [[Script_Editor|script descriptions]]. 
* Includes:
* Sketch or import [[Import_BRoll|images and assets]] for storyboards. 
  * Frame thumbnail
* Annotate with camera angles, notes, and directions. 
  * Scene description
* Sync storyboards with the [[Timeline|timeline]] for precise sequencing. 
  * Dialogue snippet
* Export as PDF or image deck for pitching or presentations. 
  * Shot metadata (camera, lighting, mood)
* Editable inline with real-time AI re-generation


== 4. Key Features ==
=== Workflow ===
* '''Zoomable Timeline:''' View entire act or drill down to per-frame details
1. Open the Storyboard panel from the [[Editor|Editor workspace]]. 
* '''Dynamic Previews:''' Live updates as AI regenerates visuals
2. Generate or sketch visual panels for each shot. 
* '''Shot Locking:''' Freeze finalized boards to prevent changes
3. Align panels with corresponding [[Scenes|scenes]] in the [[Timeline|Timeline]]. 
* '''Version Control:''' Track story evolution over time
4. Adjust order and refine notes for clarity. 
* '''Beat Markers:''' Label key story moments for pacing analysis
5. Present or export as a storyboard deck. 


== 5. AI Integration ==
== Integration ==
* Suggests transitions, camera angles, and shot variety
* Storyboards are linked to the [[Timeline|Timeline editor]] for scene synchronization. 
* Automatically generates placeholder visuals from script
* Both tools feed into the [[Build_Video|Build Video]] process. 
* Aligns tone and style using global scene metadata
* Works alongside [[Set_Design|Set Design]] and [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]] for visual consistency. 
* Supports multiple versions of a scene (A/B testing)
* Output is finalized via the [[Rendering_System|Rendering System]] and [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]]. 


== 6. Collaboration Support ==
== Best Practices ==
* Comment threads on scenes or shots
* Always use Storyboards for early visualization before committing to renders. 
* Editor approvals with locking/unlocking capabilities
* Use the Timeline for pacing, timing, and rhythm. 
* Assign tasks to collaborators (e.g., adjust lighting, rewrite dialogue)
* Sync both tools to ensure scenes visually match script intent.
* Export a storyboard PDF for team or client review.


== 7. Export Options ==
== Troubleshooting ==
* Export full storyboard as:
* **Timeline won’t sync with script** → Refresh script import or check [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]] alignment.
  * PDF (presentation-ready)
* **Storyboard panels missing** → Re-generate from [[Script_Editor|script descriptions]] or re-import assets. 
  * MP4 with timed visuals
* **Playback lagging** → Lower preview resolution before full render. 
  * Image sequences (.png or .jpg)
  * Production sheets with metadata for each shot
* One-click upload to production pipelines or collaboration hubs


== 8. Scene Continuity Tools ==
== See Also ==
* Visual consistency checks across scenes
* [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]] 
* Automated prop and wardrobe tracking
* [[Scenes]] · [[Shots]] 
* Warnings for out-of-sequence emotional arcs or scene breaks
* [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]] 
* [[Set_Design|Set Design]] 
* [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]] 
* [[Build_Video|Build Video]] 
* [[Rendering_System|Rendering System]] 
* [[Export_Distribution|Export Distribution]] 


== 9. Use Cases ==
* Pre-visualization for film/TV
* YouTube episode planning
* Client pitch decks for marketing agencies
* Animation sequence layout


== 10. Roadmap ==
[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you have any problems using Timeline & Storyboard tools.
* Motion board support with keyframe animation
* Timeline-based performance analytics (engagement predictors)
* Real-time co-editing with multi-user cursors
* AI scene pacing optimizer based on story tension models

Latest revision as of 16:28, 27 August 2025

Overview

The Timeline & Storyboard tools in ACT 3 AI allow creators to visualize, organize, and refine the structure of their projects. They combine the linear sequencing of the Timeline editor with the visual planning power of Storyboards & Panels, bridging the gap between writing and rendering.

Timeline

The Timeline is where you arrange scenes, shots, and clips in time. It provides precision editing, playback, and synchronization across Digital Actors, audio, and visuals.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop scenes and shots directly from the script editor.
  • Zoom for frame-level precision or wide-scene overview.
  • Add transitions, overlays, and audio tracks.
  • Lock or mute layers to simplify editing.
  • Play back sections for quick review.

Workflow

1. Import or draft your script in the Script Editor. 2. Generate scenes and shots using the AI Wizard. 3. Drag script blocks onto the Timeline editor. 4. Adjust timing, pacing, and transitions. 5. Preview sequences in real-time.

Storyboard

The Storyboard tool provides a visual breakdown of your script and timeline, showing each shot as an image or sketch panel.

Key Features

  • Auto-generate panels from script descriptions.
  • Sketch or import images and assets for storyboards.
  • Annotate with camera angles, notes, and directions.
  • Sync storyboards with the timeline for precise sequencing.
  • Export as PDF or image deck for pitching or presentations.

Workflow

1. Open the Storyboard panel from the Editor workspace. 2. Generate or sketch visual panels for each shot. 3. Align panels with corresponding scenes in the Timeline. 4. Adjust order and refine notes for clarity. 5. Present or export as a storyboard deck.

Integration

Best Practices

  • Always use Storyboards for early visualization before committing to renders.
  • Use the Timeline for pacing, timing, and rhythm.
  • Sync both tools to ensure scenes visually match script intent.
  • Export a storyboard PDF for team or client review.

Troubleshooting

  • **Timeline won’t sync with script** → Refresh script import or check AI Wizard alignment.
  • **Storyboard panels missing** → Re-generate from script descriptions or re-import assets.
  • **Playback lagging** → Lower preview resolution before full render.

See Also


Contact Us if you have any problems using Timeline & Storyboard tools.