🎥 What is Pre-Visualization (Previs) in Filmmaking? Why You Need It for Your Next Project

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Welcome back to the Brain Planet Studios Blog, where we share real-world filmmaking and VFX production tips for creators like you!

Today’s topic is something that’s transforming the way both big-budget and indie filmmakers work: Pre-Visualization (Previs).

✅ What Exactly is Previs?

Pre-Visualization, commonly called Previs, is the process of creating a rough visual representation of your scenes before actual shooting starts.

It’s like making an animated storyboard—but with more detail, camera movements, and sometimes even basic lighting and effects.

Previs can range from:

  • Simple 2D animatics
  • 3D animated sequences with rough models
  • Fully animated mock scenes rendered in real-time

In short: It’s your movie... in rough draft visual form.

✅ Why Filmmakers (Especially VFX Artists) Love Previs

Here at Brain Planet Studios, we’ve realized that previs can save you from:

  • ✅ Blowing your budget on reshoots
  • ✅ Realizing too late that a scene’s blocking doesn’t work
  • ✅ Miscommunication between director, DOP, and VFX teams

Here’s why previs is a lifesaver:

🎯 1. It Helps You Plan Complex Shots

If your scene involves CGI explosions, flying debris, or virtual camera moves, previs helps you:

  • Time the action perfectly
  • Know exactly where to place the camera
  • Communicate with your VFX team in advance

🎯 2. It Speeds Up Post-Production

When your editor and VFX team already have a visual reference, post-production becomes smoother and faster.

🎯 3. It Reduces Guesswork on Set

You won’t waste time on set debating camera angles. The shot will already be planned.

✅ How Do We Create Previs at Brain Planet Studios?

We’re a small studio, but we get creative with tools. Here’s what works for us:

Tool Purpose
Blender Free 3D software for animating camera moves and rough geometry
Unreal Engine Sequencer Real-time scene building and editing
Adobe After Effects For 2D animatics and simple motion mockups
Storyboards (Hand-drawn or Digital) When we just need something quick

Sometimes, we even combine tools—for example: We start with Blender for layout, then finish timing and sound design in After Effects.

✅ Previs Isn’t Just for Big Studios

Think previs is only for Marvel or Disney? Think again.

Even as an indie filmmaker, you can do simple previs to:

  • Visualize your camera angles
  • Block your actors
  • Test your editing flow before shooting


✅ Tips for Creating Your Own Previs on a Budget

Man working on previs with systems

Here are beginner-friendly ways to get started:

  • ✅ Use your phone to shoot rough scene mockups with your friends
  • ✅ Download free 3D models from sites like Sketchfab for layout
  • ✅ Focus on blocking and camera movement—not detailed textures or lighting
  • ✅ Use free editing software like HitFilm or DaVinci Resolve for quick cuts

Remember: Previs is not about perfection. It’s about communication and planning.

✅ Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about filmmaking or VFX-heavy projects, start thinking about previs as part of your pre-production process.

It saves time, money, and creative headaches.

✅ Your Turn:

👉 Have you ever tried making a previs before?
👉 What tools do you use?

Drop your experience in the comments!

Also… stay tuned for tomorrow’s post:
👉 “How to Create Fake Blood Effects (For Both Practical and Digital Shoots)”

#BrainPlanetStudios #FilmmakingTips #Previs #VFXWorkflow #FilmmakingOnABudget

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