Visualization

Pre-Visualization

Director of Photography and Production Designer’s involvement

In the traditional VFX heavy films the DP and Production Designer will hardly be involved in the post production/VFX aspect of the film. By filming in a Virtual Production Volume, the methodology moves the creation and lighting of these virtual sets to pre-production. Effectively giving the DP and PD the ability to influence the creative process from pre-production all the way to the final frame of the film, which happens at the day of principle photography.

Pre-Visualisation

A collaborative process that creates rough drafts of shots or sequences in a virtual setting. Filmmakers can use it to express a their vision, outline technical solutions, and graphically explore creative concepts. There are many companies we turn to when discussing previs work, The Third Floor, Halon, and MPC are some of the best in the business.

This image shows previs vs final shot. The previs was provided by The Third Floor, Inc.

Stagevis / Blending

This is the process by which art department 3D models and scans of finished pieces are placed in a virtual stage to see where best practical/virtual set blending can occur.

This procedure can also assist in determining if a permanent volume is required or whether a more specialized, modular setup would be adequate.

Techvis

The use of 3D assets to perform technical analysis on scenes: determine camera type, lenses, rigging, portions of sets which need to be physically built vs. virtual, stunts, etc. Techvis often includes physically accurate digital camera rigs (eg, a motion control system or technocrane) and when used in ICVFX workflows, can also show if planned shots are ‘volume-friendly’.

This image shows previs vs final shot. The previs was provided by The Third Floor, Inc.