Previs in Animation: Mapping Out the Perfect Shot

Animation is incredibly complex, like writing a novel. You don't just write a first draft; you usually start with an outline to get an idea of how the novel will evolve without going into too much detail.

Similarly, productions don't just happen in a vacuum: you start with previsualization to explore an idea and plan the rest of the work.

This article describes the vital role of previs artists and how they transform ideas into guides for animators. We'll cover how these artists meticulously plan complex scenes and how they ensure every camera angle and movement fits.

What's Previsualization

Previsualization, or previs, is the process in which animators create a preliminary visualization of sequences using 3D animation tools.

A previs artist is responsible for crafting these rough animated versions to help visualize how a scene unfolds.

For example, in a car chase scene, a previs artist would use 3D software to simulate the camera angles, car movements, and timing, allowing the supervisors and animators to see how the action will play out before going further in the production process.

Why Previs

Previs allows animators to visualize complex scenes before production to identify potential challenges.

By identifying issues and perfecting scenes early, previs can significantly reduce production costs by minimizing the need for reshoots or corrections in later stages.

Previsualization also helps with technical planning by mapping out camera angles, movement, lighting, and effects, ensuring all technical aspects are covered.

The deliverables are a common visual language that facilitates better communication among team members, from directors to animators to VFX artists.

The Previs Items

• Concept art - Concept art is a detailed visual representation that illustrates the characters' style, color, design, visuals, environments, props, and overall project look. It serves as a visual reference and guide for the production team to set the aesthetic direction of the project.

• Storyboard - A storyboard is a sequence of quick sketches representing the shots intended for an animation. Each panel depicts a specific moment or action and accompanying notes on dialogue, camera angles, and movements. Storyboards help visualize the story in a clear narrative flow.

• Animatic - An animatic is a more advanced version of a storyboard. It's a video version of the storyboard edited with sound to create a rough animation version. Animatics may include temporary music tracks, dialogue, and sound effects. They give a clearer sense of timing and pacing and how sound and visuals will work together, but most importantly, they can prevent costly mistakes by uncovering potential issues in story flow and transition before expensive animation work begins.

Storyboards focus on the story and shot composition. Animatics emphasize timing, pacing, and integrating sound with visuals. Concept art centers on the design and aesthetic aspects.

1. Mastering Camera Movement

It's important to focus on developing a robust understanding of camera movement techniques to create more engaging sequences. Camera work directs the audience's attention but also can make or break the emotional impact of a scene.

• Plan your shots with storyboards - Plan your camera shots with detailed storyboards to make sure each camera move enhances the storytelling rather than distracts from it.
• Use dynamic angles - Incorporate a mix of camera angles and heights to add variety and maintain viewer interest. For example, high-angle shots give a sense of vulnerability, while low-angle shots make characters appear more powerful.
• Embrace smooth camera transitions - Pay attention to how your camera transitions between shots. Avoid jarring cuts by using smooth dolly moves or whip pans to keep the motion fluid.

For example, in an action scene, experimenting with quick pans or zooms might be a good way to amplify a sense of speed and urgency and pull the viewer deeper into the action.

2. Proficiency in Layout Design

Layout skills ensure each frame is visually balanced to guide the viewer's attention naturally toward key elements.

In a crowded market scene, arranging characters and props strategically prevents visual clutter and maintains the focus on the main character.

• Rule of thirds - Divide the frame into a 3x3 grid and place key elements at the intersections or along the lines to direct attention.
• Depth and layering - Use foreground, midground, and background layers to create depth in the scene and allow the audience's eye to travel naturally through the composition.
• Leading lines and eye paths - add lines, whether they are structural elements or shapes, that guide the viewer’s eyes toward the focal point. This can be achieved through angled props, character gazes, or pathways within the scene.

3. Effective Communication

Conveying your ideas and feedback clearly across departments is paramount to make sure everyone is on the same page. Previsualization deliverables are going to define the bulk of the work after all, so the whole team needs to get them right to prevent misunderstandings.

• Use visual aids - Storyboards, animatics, and early visual models are meant to communicate ideas more effectively by bridging language gaps.
• Establish a feedback loop - Create a structured feedback process where constructive criticism can be shared freely and frequently. Set regular review meetings or check-ins where team members from different departments can provide input.
• Document everything - Keep thorough documentation of all creative decisions, changes, and feedback. This includes maintaining a version history of previs assets and clearly marking the reasons for revisions. This documentation ensures that everyone involved can trace the evolution of the project to reduce the risk of repeating past mistakes or overlooking important feedback.

4. Animation Timing

Timing is extremely important for previs to make sequences more engaging. It sets the pace of the sequence and helps convey the intent of each action to the audience. For example, it sets the tone for dramatic tension or comedic effects.

• Use of beats - Break down scenes into distinct beats to highlight key actions or transitions. It not only helps in maintaining audience focus but also ensures that important narrative elements are given the appropriate screen time.
• Variable pacing - Experiment with different rates of action to create varying emotional impacts: fast pacing can build excitement or tension, while slower actions can enrich dramatic moments or reinforce character development.
• Playback speed adjustment - Regularly review sequences at different playback speeds. Slowing down the sequence can help detect timing misalignments or subtle animation errors, while speeding it up can test the flow and energy of the scene.

5. Developing a Cinematic Eye

A good previs artist can perceive scenes through a cinematic lens: they pay attention to aspects like camera and layout/composition but also lighting and the overall mood.

• Study film and photography - Pay close attention to the directors' use of camera angles, movements, and shot compositions. Analyze photographs to understand lighting, framing, and the rule of thirds.
• Practice sketching - Regularly sketching scenes allows you to experiment with different visual ideas without investing too much time in 3D software. It helps train your eye to visualize how scenes will translate into film, emphasizing the importance of perspective, scale, and visual flow.
• Experiment with different lighting and mood setups - Lighting isn't just about illuminating a scene—it's about setting the tone. Experiment with various lighting setups to understand how they affect mood and storytelling. Try replicating lighting scenarios from famous movies to see first-hand how light can transform a scene.

Conclusion

Previsualization is so important, it can make or break a production.

It's not just a technical challenge where you need to master the camera, layout, and timing, but also a collaborative challenge to align the work of the whole animation studio in a single vision. The resulting concept art, storyboards, and animatics lay the foundations of everything else.

Once the previs artist's work is completed, the production stage begins. But that's not where the job ends: previs artists help other animators understand the deliverables and translate them into end-products while maintaining the creative vision.