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== Overview ==
== Overview ==
The '''Timeline & Storyboard''' in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] provides a dual view of your project: 
The '''[[Timeline_&_Storyboard|Timeline & Storyboard]]''' tools in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] allow creators to visualize, organize, and refine the structure of their [[Projects|projects]].   
* The **Timeline** displays shots, audio, and scenes sequentially for precise editing.   
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.
* The **Storyboard** presents a visual grid of [[Storyboard_Panels|panels]] to review framing, flow, and continuity.


Together, they allow creators to structure a film from [[Story_Beats|beats]] to [[Build_Video|final render]] while maintaining full creative control.
== 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.


== 1. Purpose ==
=== Key Features ===
* Organize and sequence all [[Shots]] across acts and scenes  
* Drag-and-drop [[Scenes|scenes]] and [[Shots|shots]] directly from the [[Script_Editor|script editor]].  
* Provide a director-friendly visual layout of story progression  
* Zoom for frame-level precision or wide-scene overview.  
* Sync audio, [[Music_Sync|music]], and [[Audio_Tracks|sound effects]]  
* Add transitions, overlays, and audio tracks.  
* Enable collaborative editing across a shared [[Editor|workspace]]  
* Lock or mute layers to simplify editing. 
* Play back sections for quick review.  


== 2. Timeline Features ==
=== Workflow ===
* Layered tracks: video, audio, overlays, effects  
1. Import or draft your script in the [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]].  
* Drag-and-drop shot ordering 
2. Generate [[Scenes|scenes]] and [[Shots|shots]] using the [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]]. 
* Trim, split, and extend clip lengths 
3. Drag script blocks onto the [[Timeline|Timeline editor]].  
* Markers for [[Story_Beats]] and [[Camera_Movement]] cues  
4. Adjust timing, pacing, and transitions. 
* Real-time preview while adjusting  
5. Preview sequences in real-time.  


== 3. Storyboard Features ==
== Storyboard ==
* Automatic generation of [[Storyboard_Panels]] from AI scripts or [[Digital_Actors|digital actors]]
The [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboard]] tool provides a visual breakdown of your script and timeline, showing each shot as an image or sketch panel.
* Manual editing: rearrange, replace, or redraw frames 
* Top-down linking to [[Top_Down_View|camera setups]] 
* Color-coded panels for [[Scenes]] and [[Acts]] 
* Export as printable PDF for team review 


== 4. Workflow ==
=== Key Features ===
# Start with [[Script_Editor|script or imported screenplay]]   
* Auto-generate panels from [[Script_Editor|script descriptions]].  
# Auto-generate panels with [[AI_Wizard]]   
* Sketch or import [[Import_BRoll|images and assets]] for storyboards.  
# Organize panels into storyboard order 
* Annotate with camera angles, notes, and directions.  
# Switch to Timeline view for precision trimming and syncing  
* Sync storyboards with the [[Timeline|timeline]] for precise sequencing. 
# Finalize edits before sending to [[Render_Queue]]   
* Export as PDF or image deck for pitching or presentations.  


== 5. Integration ==
=== Workflow ===
* Works directly with [[Build_Video]] for assembly  
1. Open the Storyboard panel from the [[Editor|Editor workspace]]. 
* Accepts assets from [[Import_BRoll]] and [[Cloud_Storage_Management|media library]]   
2. Generate or sketch visual panels for each shot.  
* Connects with [[Music_Sync]] for score alignment  
3. Align panels with corresponding [[Scenes|scenes]] in the [[Timeline|Timeline]].  
* Syncs changes across [[Organization]] roles for collaboration  
4. Adjust order and refine notes for clarity.  
5. Present or export as a storyboard deck.  


== 6. Roadmap ==
== Integration ==
* Multi-user live editing on the timeline  
* Storyboards are linked to the [[Timeline|Timeline editor]] for scene synchronization.  
* AI-suggested pacing adjustments per [[Story_Beats]]   
* Both tools feed into the [[Build_Video|Build Video]] process.  
* Cinematic style templates for storyboard panel layout  
* Works alongside [[Set_Design|Set Design]] and [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]] for visual consistency.  
* Automatic continuity checks (costumes, lighting, props)  
* Output is finalized via the [[Rendering_System|Rendering System]] and [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]].  


----
== 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. 


<small>See also: [[Storyboard_Panels]], [[Top_Down_View]], [[Shots]], [[Scenes]], [[Build_Video]], [[Music_Sync]]</small>
== Troubleshooting ==
* **Timeline won’t sync with script** → Refresh script import or check [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]] alignment. 
* **Storyboard panels missing** → Re-generate from [[Script_Editor|script descriptions]] or re-import assets. 
* **Playback lagging** → Lower preview resolution before full render. 
 
== See Also ==
* [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]]
* [[Scenes]] · [[Shots]]
* [[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]]
 
[[Category:ACT 3 AI Features]] 
[[Category:Guides]]
 
[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you have any problems using Timeline & Storyboard tools.

Revision as of 09:31, 27 August 2025

Timeline & Storyboard

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.

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