How to turn a storyboard into a movie

From plan to implementation — Our shoot in Miniature Wonderland for DEG

A day of filming in the miniature wonderland of Hamburg is a highlight in itself. But when you shoot an advertising film for DEG there — with a model world, macro optics, lighting on a miniature scale and a large storyboard in your luggage — then a normal project becomes a real production in small format.

In the spotlight: A small, red DEG truck meets father and son.

From image to movement — How a storyboard becomes a movie

Before our camera even rolls, we often create Dozens of pictures — drawn by hand, scene by scene. Our storyboard is more than just a plan: it is the first visualization of the later film. Every setting, every camera movement, every timing is figuratively thought out here.

The process starts with a content concept, which we divide into individual scenes. That's when our storyboard artists sit down — in the classic way with pen and graphics tablet — and draw any scene frame-by-frame. It is not about artistic perfection, but about visual language, image composition and a feeling for later dynamism.

The storyboard then serves as a visual guide for everyone involved: Director, camera, client and post-production know exactly what is planned — and where there is room for manoeuvre. This allows us to work efficiently during filming, implement creative ideas in a targeted manner and achieve a round result more quickly in post-production.

Especially for projects such as Miniature Wonderland, this preparatory work is crucial — because every angle, every movement, every light counts there. And even if in the end not every scene looks exactly like in the storyboard: The image in your head is already there — and we're bringing it to life.

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Storyboard vs. live-action movie — Why there are differences

As with many of our film projects, we also worked with a detailed storyboard. It helps us to visualize ideas early on, to think through perspectives, to clarify technical requirements and to give everyone involved a clear direction. Storyboards are our compass — especially in unusual locations such as Miniature Wonderland, where every camera movement through the narrow world needs to be planned.

But: A storyboard is not a fixed script. There is orientation, but space for spontaneity. And that is exactly what you can see in a direct comparison with the final film.

Some differences?

• Some planned shots could not be implemented exactly on site due to lighting conditions or location conditions.
• Other attitudes arose spontaneously because they simply had a better effect on site or new ideas emerged.
  

And this is exactly where the strength of our way of working is evident: Storyboard planning, but a set full of creative flexibility.

Technology meets miniature world

The shooting was done with macro lenses, a cinema camera and a lot of dexterity — because in this world, every millimetre counts. The biggest challenge? Present camera paths on a scale of 1:87 in an exciting way and to tell the close connection between father and son in just under 60 seconds. There was also a special lighting setup, precise timing and lots of communication with the Miniature Wonderland team.

What remains?

A film that tells big things in a small space.
A look behind the scenes shows that good planning and creative freedom are not mutually exclusive — They make our films strong.

🎥 Here you can find the finished result.

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