What are the best pre-visualization tools for creating visually stunning cinematography?

1 Why previs matters

Previs can save you time, money, and stress on set. By pre-visualizing your shots, you can avoid unnecessary reshoots, reduce the risk of errors, and optimize your workflow. Previs can also enhance your creativity and storytelling. You can experiment with different angles, movements, and compositions, and see how they affect the mood, tone, and emotion of your scenes. Previs can also help you collaborate better with your team, as you can share your vision and get feedback more easily.

2 How to choose a previs tool

When selecting a previs tool, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your choice should be based on your budget, skill level, and project needs. For example, if you are shooting a complex action scene with special effects, you might need a more advanced 3D previs tool. Additionally, depending on the format and style of your film, you may want a previs tool that can match the camera settings, lighting, and lenses of your actual equipment or one that can capture the artistic expression and aesthetic of your film. Furthermore, consider the availability and compatibility of your resources; if you have access to a previs studio or professional previs artist, you may opt to use their services and tools. Otherwise, if you are working independently or with a small team, you might want to use a previs tool that is easy to learn and use and can integrate with your editing and post-production software.

4 How to use previs effectively

Previs is not a substitute for your artistic vision and judgment. It can be used to refine and communicate your ideas, but it should not be relied on too heavily, as it can limit or mislead you. To use previs effectively, consider it a guide rather than a blueprint; it's meant to be a rough draft that can change and evolve as you shoot and edit your film. Additionally, use previs as a tool to solve problems and test solutions, rather than as a crutch to avoid making decisions or justify bad choices. Finally, use previs as a communication to share your vision and get feedback from your crew and collaborators, not as a way to impose your will or micromanage their work.

5 How to learn more about previs

Previs is a skill that can be developed through practice and experience. To learn more, you can look to resources such as The Previsualization Society, which provides news, events, and networking opportunities. Previs Pro is an online platform with courses and tutorials from experts and professionals. Additionally, YouTube channels like The Third Floor, Halon Entertainment, Unreal Engine, and Film Riot display previs and virtual production techniques and projects. Watching these videos can give you insight into the previs world and you can subscribe for more updates.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?