3 ms·

One of the greatest documentalists of our time. A favorite quote that has a double meaning in this context: Storyboards are the instruments of the cowards (Fo

• aphextron 6y ago
  Not just documentaries, but films too. Fitzcarraldo, Cobra Verde, and Aguirre Wrath of God are some of the best films ever made.
• Hoasi 6y ago
  > Storyboards are the instruments of the cowards It is Mr. Herzog's slightly pedantic tongue in cheek, semi-flamboyant, original way of saying that his type of cinema doesn't require storyboards. That is fine, as long as no one misunderstands it for saying that he doesn't need a script to plan his shots and can rely solely on artistic brilliance and improvisation, which couldn't be further from the truth. Of course, most documentaries and art films don't need a visual screenplay like a storyboard, because it wouldn't make sense to script the action besides the fact that there is little action in those films. It is kind of logical and has nothing to do with being particularly brave. Now, action movies require storyboards because otherwise, the director wouldn't know what to do and would blow the studio's budget and get fired. Not using a storyboard wouldn't make the director a coward, but it would be unprofessional. In cinema and documentaries and even to do YouTube videos, you need a plan, an outline, or a script. Without a planning tool, you will blow up your budget and end up with a second rate product. A storyboard is a planning tool you need when your scene is complex and will require tight control of your budget. It is just a tool and doesn't impede your improvisation abilities or choices or make you afraid of anything. That's silly.