Previs

Previs, short for "previsualization," is a crucial stage in film and video production. It involves creating rough, preliminary versions of scenes, often using simple animation, storyboards, or computer-generated imagery (CGI), to plan camera movements, blocking of actors, special effects, and overall scene composition. Its primary goal is to identify potential problems early in the process, allowing for adjustments and cost savings before committing to expensive filming or complex post-production work. previs serves as a blueprint, providing directors, cinematographers, and other crew members with a visual representation of the intended final product, aiding communication and streamlining the creative process. It helps visualize the flow and pacing of a scene. The level of detail in previs can range from rudimentary sketches to near-final animation, tailored to the specific project's needs and budget.

Previs meaning with examples

• The director requested a detailed previs of the climactic battle scene, complete with character animation and rough special effects, to ensure the camera angles would effectively convey the chaos and scale of the conflict. This gave everyone a good sense of how to block out the live action shoot.
• Before shooting the complex chase sequence, the stunt coordinator created a previs to map out the movements of the vehicles and actors, identifying potential safety hazards and optimizing the choreography for maximum impact. previs saved so much time on the set.
• The VFX team used previs to demonstrate the planned integration of CGI creatures into the live-action footage, allowing the director and producers to visualize the final product and make informed decisions about the scope of the visual effects. The previs really convinced them to greenlight the project.
• To showcase the concept of the new commercial, the advertising agency developed a simplified previs using stick figures and basic 3D models to communicate the narrative flow and overall aesthetic to the client. This allowed them to secure financing for the project. The client loved the previs!