Storyboards// Puella Magi Madoka Magica

'' Puella Magi Madoka Magica '' is a Japanese animated series which is loosely classed as a 'magical girl anime'; However is nothing like any of it's idols. This series is twisted, bloody and strange on a whole new level - It also happens to be my favourite when it comes to Japanese anime.

When researching for Japanese storyboards I noticed that the frames were laid out differently then what I had been taught to do and how western studios produce storyboards; then again, considering there is no right or wrong way to lay out storyboards this isn't really such a big deal. Just. Different as far as presentation goes, I guess.

I found a few storyboard pages online, which were pretty hard to track down. I was unable to find the artist behind these frames, which was very disappointing. Of course, I can't read Japanese so I have no idea of what any of the noting reads as. However, it seems to be one column describes how the frame should be presented for example what angle or timing and the other may refer to the scripts narrations. One of them could in fact reference details within each frames that shouldn't be left out.

Each frame is drawn by hand, simply drawn and could even be classed as a 'quick sketch'. However the artist has portrayed each frame in a way that clearly displays detail and characters, in their simplest forms.  The artist has also included arrows, to reference movement or gestures.

Above is a page of references for an episode. This contains certain elements like backgrounds and layouts that are needed for final conclusion or for understanding of the frame. Layout work for backgrounds is in some ways, far more important then 'character gestures'. Because the background must be clearly laid out and scripted for the scene to play within it.

 Finally, here are a few original key frame shots for an episode. Key frames are more to do with the 'focus' of a scene, rather then 'fill in' animation. These can also be classed as storyboards (in my opinion) because they communicate within one image what is happening, in order for other artists to fill in the blanks or complete the frame.