Previsualization (or previs) is the process of representing environments, characters, props, and shots in a computer-animated form, so that the whole story can be fully represented and understood in all of its formative dimensions and aspects before spending production dollars. Technology has advanced such that we are able to work swiftly and interactively in this medium, making it fast and easy (and fun!) to explore the entire visual expression of a story: the sets, staging, camera work, lighting, editorial pace, and cutting style.

There’s an old filmmaking adage: you make the movie three times-- once when you write it, once when you shoot it, and once when you edit it. With today’s fluid tools and the capacity to previsualize a project accurately in three-dimensional space within the computer, you can go through all three of these steps before you ever get onto the set. This process can save you a large percentage of production costs in wasted resources -- time, personnel, equipment, and materials.

For the official definition of previsualization and a description of all the different kinds of previs, visit The Previsualization Society web site. The Previsualization Society is a non-profit professional society that guards standards of practice for previs practitioners. Twenty One Inc is a charter member of the society. For information on the formation of The Previsualization Society please read the press release.