previsualization

Previsualization, commonly abbreviated previs, is a planning technique used in film, television, animation, and video games to visualize complex scenes before production. It combines various visual representations—storyboards, animatics, concept art, 3D previs, and virtual camera work—to forecast action, staging, camera movement, and the integration of visual effects.

Storyboards provide a sequence of drawings; animatics add timing and temporary sound; 3D previs uses computer-generated models to simulate characters, sets, lighting, and camera paths; virtual production uses real-time rendering to test interactions. This work may occur at differing levels of fidelity depending on budget and needs, from rough explorations to detailed digital sequences.

Previs serves several purposes: it communicates the director’s vision, plans blocking and camera choreography, tests pacing and editorial flow, identifies design or technical problems, and helps estimate schedules and budgets. It also facilitates collaboration across departments—cinematography, production design, VFX, editing, and stunts—by providing a common reference.

The process is typically iterative and cross-disciplinary, involving the director, cinematographer, production designer, VFX supervisor, previs artists, editors, and sometimes stunt coordinators. In animation and games, previs overlaps with layout and concept art; advances in real-time rendering and game engines have expanded its use into virtual production. While previs can reduce risk and improve efficiency, it can also be time-consuming and costly, and should remain flexible to accommodate changes.