Visualization played a significant role in my self-directing, editing, and acting in my own movie.

In the world of filmmaking, the latest game-changer is Previsualization (Previs), a technique that is redefining the way directors, cinematographers, and their teams collaborate.

Previs offers a flexible framework, freeing directors from the burden of making unnecessary decisions on set. It doesn't dictate the destination, but instead, provides a starting point for collaboration among the director, Director of Photography (DoP), actors, and crew.

The director of the acclaimed noir comedy film 'Mooch', for instance, found Previs to be a valuable tool. Instead of sketching out shots or carrying a Moleskine notebook, this visual thinker began 'pre-cutting' the film using Previs Pro, visualising how scenes could rhythmically unfold before actual footage was shot.

Previs has become a crucial part of the pre-production process, used for building rough versions of main locations and finding the rhythm of each scene. It helps directors and cinematographers to plan the film, walk through scenes together, and agree on camera position, lighting angles, and edit points.

The tech side of Previs is evolving, but the intention is what matters most. Previs Pro, for example, enabled the director and DoP of 'Mooch' to plan the film, import LiDAR scans of key locations, and use prop assets from Sketchfab to dress the environment.

Previs doesn't make filmmaking easy, but it makes it possible, especially for directors and cinematographers starting out. It allows for thoughtful decisions to be made beforehand, avoiding panicked ones during production.

Moreover, Previs has proven to be a valuable asset for various roles within the film production. The script supervisor, gaffer, assistant directors, and extras coordinators found Previs useful for their respective roles. In complex scenes like the locker room sequence, Previs helped avoid coverage traps.

Lighting was another area where Previs made a huge impact. With Previs Pro, the director and DoP could show the gaffer exactly where practicals and key lights might live based on the intended blocking. This level of precision helped plan framing for a scene like the concert sequence, avoiding the need for VFX wizardry.

Previsualization has become an essential tool for directors who edit scenes in their head while shooting and use Previs to map transitions before the shoot. Storyboarding is about being prepared and giving the team a fighting chance to understand what the director is aiming for. With Previs, this preparation is more thorough, more precise, and more effective.

In conclusion, Previsualization is transforming the film industry, offering a new level of flexibility, precision, and collaboration. As the tech continues to evolve, it's clear that Previs will continue to play a significant role in the future of filmmaking.