# Storyboards and animation keyframes

Translate a shot list and character references into keyframes that can guide animation.

## Specify animation-ready keyframes

Start with a shot list and approved references for the characters and setting. The output is a set of keyframes with an explicit role in the animation: establishing composition, starting pose, ending pose or a critical interaction.

A storyboard image that conveys the idea may still be unsuitable as an animation input. The character placement, body pose and visible objects need to agree with the action you intend to animate.

## Prepare the frames

1. Write the action as a starting state and an ending state. Identify what moves and what remains fixed.
2. Assign characters to positions and describe the objects each character touches or holds.
3. Generate the composition using approved references, then check character identity and spatial relationships.
4. Prepare the ending state only if the chosen video model supports the relevant start/end-frame input.
5. Run a shot-level animation test, review motion and revise the frame responsible for the problem.

## Review continuity

Compare wardrobe, object count, hand contact, facing direction and screen position across the intended frames. Large unexplained changes can make the transition ambiguous. Multi-character shots require checking each person separately rather than judging the scene as a whole.

The [character reference guide](https://seedrouter.ai/blog/ai-character-reference-sheet-prompts) helps prepare inputs. Consult [video capabilities](https://seedrouter.ai/video-generation) before designing a workflow around first and last frames: supported modes differ by model.

## Keep the output reusable

Save the keyframe, character references, shot brief and revision decision together. Keep animation experiments separate from the approved source frame. This makes it possible to change a video model without recreating the storyboard.

SeedRouter provides model access. The shot manifest, animation review and editing application remain part of your production system. Check [current prices](https://seedrouter.ai/pricing) when comparing the combined cost of preparing frames and animating them.

## Related resources

- https://seedrouter.ai/models/nano-banana-pro
- https://seedrouter.ai/models/kling-3-0
- https://seedrouter.ai/integrations/comfyui
- https://seedrouter.ai/industries/film-animation
- https://seedrouter.ai/blog/ai-character-reference-sheet-prompts
- https://seedrouter.ai/blog/kling-3-0-api
- https://seedrouter.ai/tools/ai-character-reference-sheet-generator