Timeline & Storyboard: Difference between revisions

From ACT3ai MediaWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
 
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
= 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.
 
== Timeline ==
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. 


== Overview ==
=== Workflow ===
The '''Timeline & Storyboard''' in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] provides a dual view of your project:  
1. Import or draft your script in the [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]].  
* The **Timeline** displays shots, audio, and scenes sequentially for precise editing.   
2. Generate [[Scenes|scenes]] and [[Shots|shots]] using the [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]].   
* The **Storyboard** presents a visual grid of [[Storyboard_Panels|panels]] to review framing, flow, and continuity.   
3. Drag script blocks onto the [[Timeline|Timeline editor]]
4. Adjust timing, pacing, and transitions. 
5. Preview sequences in real-time.   


Together, they allow creators to structure a film from [[Story_Beats|beats]] to [[Build_Video|final render]] while maintaining full creative control.
== Storyboard ==
The [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboard]] tool provides a visual breakdown of your script and timeline, showing each shot as an image or sketch panel.


== 1. Purpose ==
=== Key Features ===
* Organize and sequence all [[Shots]] across acts and scenes 
* Auto-generate panels from [[Script_Editor|script descriptions]].  
* Provide a director-friendly visual layout of story progression  
* Sketch or import [[Import_BRoll|images and assets]] for storyboards. 
* Sync audio, [[Music_Sync|music]], and [[Audio_Tracks|sound effects]]   
* Annotate with camera angles, notes, and directions. 
* Enable collaborative editing across a shared [[Editor|workspace]]  
* Sync storyboards with the [[Timeline|timeline]] for precise sequencing.  
* Export as PDF or image deck for pitching or presentations.  


== 2. Timeline Features ==
=== Workflow ===
* Layered tracks: video, audio, overlays, effects  
1. Open the Storyboard panel from the [[Editor|Editor workspace]].  
* Drag-and-drop shot ordering  
2. Generate or sketch visual panels for each shot.  
* Trim, split, and extend clip lengths 
3. Align panels with corresponding [[Scenes|scenes]] in the [[Timeline|Timeline]]
* Markers for [[Story_Beats]] and [[Camera_Movement]] cues  
4. Adjust order and refine notes for clarity.  
* Real-time preview while adjusting  
5. Present or export as a storyboard deck.  


== 3. Storyboard Features ==
== Integration ==
* Automatic generation of [[Storyboard_Panels]] from AI scripts or [[Digital_Actors|digital actors]]   
* Storyboards are linked to the [[Timeline|Timeline editor]] for scene synchronization. 
* Manual editing: rearrange, replace, or redraw frames 
* Both tools feed into the [[Build_Video|Build Video]] process.  
* Top-down linking to [[Top_Down_View|camera setups]]   
* Works alongside [[Set_Design|Set Design]] and [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]] for visual consistency.  
* Color-coded panels for [[Scenes]] and [[Acts]]
* Output is finalized via the [[Rendering_System|Rendering System]] and [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]].  
* Export as printable PDF for team review  


== 4. Workflow ==
== Best Practices ==
# Start with [[Script_Editor|script or imported screenplay]] 
* Always use Storyboards for early visualization before committing to renders.  
# Auto-generate panels with [[AI_Wizard]]  
* Use the Timeline for pacing, timing, and rhythm.  
# Organize panels into storyboard order 
* Sync both tools to ensure scenes visually match script intent. 
# Switch to Timeline view for precision trimming and syncing  
* Export a storyboard PDF for team or client review.  
# Finalize edits before sending to [[Render_Queue]]  


== 5. Integration ==
== Troubleshooting ==
* Works directly with [[Build_Video]] for assembly  
* **Timeline won’t sync with script** → Refresh script import or check [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]] alignment.  
* Accepts assets from [[Import_BRoll]] and [[Cloud_Storage_Management|media library]]   
* **Storyboard panels missing** → Re-generate from [[Script_Editor|script descriptions]] or re-import assets.  
* Connects with [[Music_Sync]] for score alignment 
* **Playback lagging** → Lower preview resolution before full render.  
* Syncs changes across [[Organization]] roles for collaboration  


== 6. Roadmap ==
== See Also ==
* Multi-user live editing on the timeline  
* [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]] 
* AI-suggested pacing adjustments per [[Story_Beats]]   
* [[Scenes]] · [[Shots]]  
* Cinematic style templates for storyboard panel layout  
* [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]] 
* Automatic continuity checks (costumes, lighting, props)  
* [[Set_Design|Set Design]] 
* [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]] 
* [[Build_Video|Build Video]]   
* [[Rendering_System|Rendering System]]  
* [[Export_Distribution|Export Distribution]]  


----


<small>See also: [[Storyboard_Panels]], [[Top_Down_View]], [[Shots]], [[Scenes]], [[Build_Video]], [[Music_Sync]]</small>
[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you have any problems using Timeline & Storyboard tools.

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.