Storyboarding, VFX and SFX Resource

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Storyboarding, VFX and SFX

Suitable for Years 5-10

Explore the award-winning television series Round the Twist and learn the importance of storyboarding when creating VFX (visual effects) and SFX (special effects).

For Teachers

The storyboards created in the planning for Round the Twist were integral as production tools for the wacky and fun moments from the series. Storyboards use visuals to effectively communicate ideas during the filmmaking process, producing a blueprint for cast and crew ahead of shooting scenes. VFX and SFX require planning and creative problem solving.

This resource features interviews with Dennis Nicholson, VFX Supervisor for Round the Twist Series 3 & 4. Dennis explains the original hand-drawn storyboards from the series in association with the completed television series. This resource includes tips and tricks to create your own VFX in the classroom.

Australian Curriculum links:

Year 5 Media Arts and English AC9AMA6D01; AC9AMA6C01; AC9E5LY06; AC9E5LY07
Year 6 Media Arts and English AC9AMA6D01; AC9AMA6C01; AC9E6LY06; AC9E6LY07
Year 7 Media Arts and English AC9AMA8D01; AC9AMA8D02; AC9AMA8C01; AC9E7LY06; AC9E7LY07
Year 8 Media Arts and English AC9AMA8D01; AC9AMA8D02; AC9AMA8C02; AC9E8LY06; AC9E8LY07
Year 9 Media Arts and English AC9AMA10D01; AC9AMA10D02; AC9AMA10C01; AC9E9LY06; AC9E9LY07
Year 10 Media Arts and English AC9AMA10D01; AC9AMA10D02; AC9AMA10C01; AC9E10LY06; AC9E10LY07

Student activities

Watch the video interviews with Dennis below and then complete the following creative tasks.

Choose the VFX you would like to create, you can learn more about each type of VFX in the Visual Effects resource.
Use the printable storyboard template below to plan your shots, camera movements and to take any notes.
Follow the links below to the step-by-step instructions and video tutorials from the Visual Effects resource to bring your storyboards to life.

Jump cuts: disappearing, transforming, and dissolving

Jump cuts: teleportation

Keying: magical worlds & floating heads

Layering & masking

Keying and layering: clones

Keying and layering: the Ghost

ACTF A3 Storyboard Worksheet

(pdf 30 kB)

Meet Round the Twist Visual Effects Supervisor

Watch: Meet Dennis Nicholson, the Round the Twist VFX Supervisor for Series 3 and 4.

What is a storyboard and why are they important?

Watch: Dennis explains both VFX and SFX storyboards and why they are such an important part of the pre-production process.

What is the difference between VFX and SFX?

Watch: Dennis explains the difference between VFX and SFX.

Case Study: Brainless

Watch: Dennis explains the VFX and SFX storyboards from the Round the Twist epsiode, 'Brainless'.

Brainless Scene vs. VFX and SFX Storyboards

Watch: This video compares the VFX and SFX storyboards alongside the scene from 'Brainless'.

Case study: Mali-boo

Watch: Dennis explains the VFX and SFX storyboards from the Round the Twist epsiode, 'Mali-boo'.

Mali-boo Scene vs. VFX and SFX Storyboards

Watch: This video compares the VFX and SFX storyboards alongside the scene from 'Mali-boo'.

Advice for budding VFX and SFX Supervisors

Watch: Dennis shares some advice for future VFX and SFX supervisors.

For Teachers

For more activities to support filmmaking in your classroom explore ACMI's Film It resource: https://www.acmi.net.au/education/school-program-and-resources/film-it-resource/

We would would love to see what your students create! You can send in final products (with student and guardian permission) to education@actf.com.au

We welcome feedback from teachers who have delivered and adapted our resources. Please reach out to education@actf.com.au with questions, comments and suggestions.

This resource was co-developed by the ACTF and ACMI.

This learning resource is supported by the Strategic Partnerships Program through the Victorian Department of Education.