What a Storyboard Artist Does for Your Production
A storyboard artist translates your script or shot list into sequential visual panels that map out every key moment of your project. They work closely with the director and cinematographer during pre-production to establish camera angles, blocking, transitions, and pacing before a single light is rigged. On commercial and narrative projects alike, a clear storyboard reduces miscommunication on set, helps the AD schedule more accurately, and gives department heads a shared visual language to work from.
Beyond the basics, a strong storyboard artist will flag story problems early, suggest coverage you might not have considered, and deliver boards in formats your team can actually use, whether that's printed panels for the director, digital files for remote collaborators, or animatics timed to a scratch track.
What to Look for When Hiring in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a working production community that spans indie features, documentary work, advertising, and a growing slate of streaming and studio productions that take advantage of Pennsylvania's film incentive programs. When you're evaluating storyboard artists here, look for:
- A portfolio that matches your project's tone, whether that's photorealistic commercial boards, loose gestural panels for a fast-moving narrative, or detailed technical drawings for a VFX-heavy sequence
- Experience collaborating with directors and DPs, not just illustrating in isolation
- The ability to work quickly under pre-production deadlines and revise panels based on creative feedback
- Familiarity with industry-standard formats and software such as Adobe Photoshop, Storyboard Pro, or even clean hand-drawn panels that scan well
- Strong communication skills, because boards are a conversation tool as much as a deliverable
Typical Rates for Storyboard Artists in Philadelphia
Storyboard artist rates in Philadelphia typically vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project, the artist's experience level, and whether you need animatics in addition to static panels. Day rates and project-based flat fees are both common. Entry-level artists working on short projects typically charge less, while experienced artists with commercial or studio credits command higher rates. It is worth budgeting realistically from the start, because rushing boards to save money often costs more in lost production time later.
How NeedaCrew Helps You Find and Book Fast
NeedaCrew is a US and Canada marketplace built specifically for film and TV production hiring. Every crew member on the platform is vetted, and you can post a project, review profiles, and reach out to candidates in a single workflow rather than chasing leads across multiple job boards or waiting on referrals.
If you're a producer or production coordinator ready to staff your Philadelphia project, post your project on NeedaCrew and start receiving qualified storyboard artist candidates quickly. If you're a storyboard artist looking for work on Philadelphia productions, join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get your profile in front of local producers today.