What is Previsualization (Previs) in Film and Virtual Production?

Previsualization, or previs, is a pre-production technique in the film industry. It allows imagining complex scenes before shooting. Modern software helps create a 3D environment of a scene. Directors can see possible challenges before dealing with them. Previsualization is a powerful technique. It makes the creative process easier. It also helps in film budget optimization. Explore and learn the details of previs in film production.

What is Previsualization in Filmmaking?

Previs is a preliminary creation of a scene. A scene model helps many specialists on a stage. Directors can see the scale of a scene. VFX experts can plan precise effects positioning. Operators can analyze optimal camera movement. The crew can actively change the previous setup. It makes experiments easier and cost efficient.

Brief History of Previsualization Technology

The previsualization technique has been evolving alongside other film technologies. Storyboards are the first previous iteration. They are rough 2D sketches of a scene. Storyboards show relation of objects to each other and general flow of the scene. Animators have been using them since the 1930s. Storyboards remain relevant even today in traditional animation.

Modern previs tools include 3D modeling software. The crew can create scenes to test different variables. For example, VFX experts can test lighting and its effect on the set.

Previsualization helps to actualize concepts into draft scenes. Filmmaking production becomes less restrained. The artistic and technical crews can align their expectations to get the best results out of the final product.

Types of Previsualization in Film and Virtual Production

There are different types of preparation for film production. One type is not superior to the other. Instead, different approaches offer flexibility in film production. The modern movie-making industry relies on the following previs types.

• Storyboarding. It is the most straightforward and affordable previsualization type. Storyboarding allows one to plan the flow of the scene. It also helps with keyframes. Storyboards are fast and cheap. However, they have limitations as well. It is hard to imagine full-fledged 3D scenes with storyboards.  
• 2D Animatics. 2D animatics is a more elaborate version of storyboarding. Animatics offer a dynamic look on the scene. A director can pinpoint possible issues of a scene early. Animatics take a bit more time to make than storyboards. Yet, they are still cost-efficient. Besides, modern software enhances their creation, too.
• 3D Previsualization. This is the typical previs variant for virtual production. 3D previsualization allows one to see a scene on a full scale. Operators can move virtual cameras across the scene. The crew can test 3D previsualization for VFX without costly setups.
• Virtual Previsualization. Virtual previsualization is the most efficient previsualization type. It uses software like game engines to render scene concepts in real time. The filmmaking crew can change lighting and effects immediately. They can even test the scene with an actor in it. Immediate feedback is the biggest merit of virtual previsualization.

Each of the types can find its application. Different previsualization techniques help to solve different artistic challenges.

Why Previsualization is Essential in Modern Filmmaking

Film production is becoming more expensive each year. Studios use more advanced and costly technologies. Virtual production previs helps cut some corners. Yet, the risks of poorly produced scenes are high. Previsualization helps to avoid the pitfalls. The following reasons make previs critical for contemporary filmmaking:

• Creative vision enhancement. Previsualization helps in creative vision refining. Directors can safely experiment with the scene. This preliminary work saves a lot of resources. It helps to ensure that the final product meets high-quality standards.
• Time and resources saving. Each shot in a modern movie is expensive. Each scene attempt takes time and money. Previsualization assists in saving both. As a result, the crew can apply freed resources to other aspects of the film.
• VFX planning improvement. VFX experts apply visual effects after the scene is complete. Therefore, adjustments should be minimal. Previsualization helps to prepare sets to improve VFX post-production.
• Action & stunt senses assistance. Action scenes should look realistic. At the same time, it is paramount to keep them safe for the actors. Previsualization helps to determine the challenges of an action scene before actual shooting. The director can change and adjust the scene beforehand. As a result, the final spectacle delivers in every aspect.

The more effort the crew puts into previsualization, the more resources they can save.

How 3D Previsualization Works in Virtual Production

3D previsualization is a complex process in itself. It requires preparation also. Each studio uses their unique approaches. Yet, there’s a common template for general 3D previsualization. The following table breaks down the process into most common steps.

Previsualization is an iterative process. The crew can repeat each step several times. Yet, it is still more cost efficient than additional shooting.

Best Tools and Software for Previsualization

The previsualization toolkit is vast and diverse. There are also a few proven solutions that any studio can use. The following software is the most efficient in making previsualization scenes:

• Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine is a multi-task tool for efficient previsualization. It has outstanding real-time rendering capabilities. The Lumen Global Illumination technology assists with lighting. Nanite virtualized geometry feature builds photorealistic scenes. Unreal Engine is an affordable and efficient solution for previs.
• Autodesk Maya. Autodesk Maya has powerful tools for modeling and animation. It allows the creation of small scenes for speed tests. It also has capabilities for detailed scene creation. Flexible scaling makes Autodesk Maya an excellent tool.
• Blender. Blender offers similar features to Autodesk Maya. In addition, it is an open-source solution. Studios can adapt the program for their unique needs.
• FrameForge. FrameForge combines the accessibility of storyboarding with the power of modern software. It allows the creation of scene flow with detailed 3D elements.

Many tools can help with previs. In the end, the best previsualization software is the tool that helps solve specific artistic tasks.

Films That Used Previsualization Successfully

Previsualization helped many movies achieve success. Yet, some of them elevated previs to a new level. The following list shows what a commitment to previsualization can help to achieve.

Previsualization is a powerful tool that can help go beyond simple scenes sketching. There are plenty of movies that serve as proof to that.

The Future of Previsualization in Virtual Production

Previsualization technologies and techniques keep evolving. The following trends mark the future of previs:

• AI-Powered Previs. Filmmakers find many applications for AI technology. Tools that can render scenes from text prompts help create visual scene drafts. AIs also contribute to camera planning and scene blocking.
• VR and AR Integration. VR integration allows directors and actors fully immerse in the scene before making a shot.
• Cloud-Based Collaboration. Cloud-based technology streamlines collaboration. All the experts of the crew may be in different locations. Yet, everyone can work on the same scene due to cloud-based previs.

Enhanced previs will help to create even more outstanding movies in the future.