What does a storyboard represent in television production?

A storyboard represents a visual plan for the sequence of shots in television production. It consists of a series of illustrations or images arranged in order, depicting each shot as it will appear in the final production. This visual representation helps directors, cinematographers, and the entire production crew understand the flow of the narrative, the composition of each scene, and how individual shots connect to convey the story effectively.

By utilizing a storyboard, production teams can plan out the visual elements, such as camera angles, movements, and transitions, which are critical for maintaining continuity and enhancing storytelling. This pre-visualization tool also aids in identifying potential challenges and allows for better preparation during the actual filming process, ensuring that nothing important is overlooked.

The other choices, while important in their own right, do not capture the primary function of a storyboard in the production workflow. For example, timelines of production milestones focus on scheduling and deadlines; budget breakdowns address financial planning; and lists of actors pertain to casting and character assignment, none of which convey the visual storytelling elements as effectively as a storyboard does.