SIX-PANEL PITCH: SIMPLE STORYREEL EDIT IN PREMIERE
Follow the instructions below to create a 6 panel pitch and simple storyreel using Adobe Photoshop, Bridge and Premiere Pro.
A. SIX-PANEL PITCH - BEATS
1. Brainstorm for possibilities: Spend some time with your concept considering the cinematic possibilities. I recommend drawing some single images that campture the moment or larger idea you are after. From there you can begin to flesh out a simple narrative with multiple beats. You may want to consider which of Scott McLoud's Six Panel to Panel Transitions that is most suitable to your piece. Click the image below to enlarge.
2. Create story thumbnail images: Using the story template in your Sketchbook or templates from the Story Resource Page create 6 story beats. They do not need to be drawn in order, nor do they need to be great illusrtations. That said, each drawing should be well composed in the 16:9 rectangle, clearly drawn, and easy to read.
3. Export your thumbnail images: Follow the Story App tutorial videos to export your images into a series of jpg files. Rearrange panels in Adobe Bridge if needed and Batch Rename to preserve the new order. Use the space bar and arrow keys to pitch your thumbnail images to see how they flow. You may want to watch Practicin g Your Pitch in Adobe Bridge.
4. Post your Panels to Panels to Basecamp: Rename your Panels folder to your last name, first initial_panels BEFORE you compress it: simpsonB_panels. Then compress the folder into a zip file. simpsonB_panels.zip and upload it to Basecamp.
B. SIX-PANEL STORYREEL EDIT
Your storyreel should include 6 thumbnail images, black frames, fades and/or dissolves, a tempo track (optional for timing) and some basic sound effects and/or muscial score. Let's get started.
1. Watch tutorial series: Before you proceed watch the Six Panel Story Simple Edit in Premiere Pro tutorial series for a step-by-step through the entire process.
2. Set up Project Folders and & Import assets into Premiere: To begin the storyreel process, you'll want all of your assets to be stored in a single project folder with designated sub-folders underneath (see example below). Then open Adobe Premiere and set up your file BEFORE downloading and importing your storyreel assets. All this is covered in the first two videos.
3. Edit story panels, add sound, and export final movie: Watch the remaining three videos for a step-by-step on pacing your edit to a tempo track (or "click track"), adding sound effects, adjusting timings and final exporting a movie file. Remember to mute your Tempo Track before exporting your movie!
Use the Story Resource Page for tempo tracks, premiere tutorials, and links to free sound websites. If you are unfamilar with editing sound in Premiere this video might help Premiere Pro - Audio - Keyframing Audio
4. Watch, rename and submit Movie File: Once you have exported your final storyreel be sure to watch it. If you like what you see, you can rename the file to current project specs and submit it.
Naming: lastNameFirstInitial_assignmentName_workingTitle.mp4
5. Submitting Project File (Optional): If required, you can rename your entire project file to reflect your assignment specs, Zip (or compress) theentire project folder and submit it.
Naming: lastNameFirstInitial_assignmentName_workingTitle.zip
Stephan Leeper - Central Michigan University 2025
