A Discussion with Tom Nelson, Storyboard Artist

You may recall the story we posted on June 22 about some possible Dawn Treader storyboards. While we sadly had to remove the images, the artist, Tom Nelson, was kind enough to give us a closer look at his work with the Narnia series and storyboarding in general.

Aslan’s Country: Thanks for letting us interview you and get a closer look at your work with storyboard illustration, Tom!  What inspired you to get into storyboard illustration?

Tom Nelson: Like a lot of storyboard artists I originally wanted to do comics which has some similarities to storyboarding in a lot of ways, Before I ever got a chance to do that professionally I ended up in an animation studio and my skillset seemed suited towards storyboarding since I was always interested in storytelling. I also always had an affinity for filmaking so I ended up doing storyboards starting with revisions and through ‘on the job training’ I eventually started doing full boards.

AC: How was it that you came to work on the “Narnia” series?

TN: I was recommended for the project by Mike Vosburg and Trevor Goring, Two great storyboard artists that had already been working on the movie. I showed my work to the director and somehow managed to convince him to hire me

AC: What has been your experience working with directors Andrew Adamson and Michael Apted?

TN: It’s been great working for both, each have their own style but they are similar in that story and character is very important.

AC: How did you accomplish exactly what the directors and producers wanted? I assume you met regularly with them to exchange ideas. Can you explain the process of storyboard illustration more in-depth?

TN: Every production is different, with each having their own style depending on whos running the movie. Storyboards can be more visual FX based, almost just a shot list. Or it can be more a part of the editorial/story dept. such as it was on Narnia. Typically we would get assignments from the director for a particular scene along with his notes and what he wants to see happen and be given a few days to do a ‘rough’ pass on it, roughing out the sequence, figuring out the timing, what action/story ‘beats’ need to be hit. then after a second (Sometimes 3rd) meeting with the director we would go on to refine and clean the sequence incorporating any changes.

AC: Any interesting stories you can share with us about your work with the “Narnia” directors and producers?

TN: Nothing too specific other then each movie was a unique and great experience!

AC: Looking through the work you’ve done for the first two Narnia films, it’s really cool to see just how the storyboards translate into film. How does it make you feel when you see your images converted to live action on the big screen?

TN: Its very rewarding! being able to see a part of something you did in something so big that so many people had a hand in makes it feel like you really had an influence.

AC: You’ve worked on many other films, such as the animated “Superman,” “Hellboy,” and “Thor,” to name a few. Was there anything unique or different about working on the Narnia series than on your other films?

TN: The Narnia chronicles being a series of books feels much bigger then just one story. The characters grow and change over time. its nice to see that progression over the years.

AC: So what’s ahead for you?

TN: Anything and everything!

AC: Thanks again for letting us interview you, Mr. Nelson! I hope your career in the future proves as successful as it has in the past.

TN: Thanks very much!