Visualization techniques aided me in directing, editing, and performing in my self-produced movie

In the world of filmmaking, the process of bringing a vision to life can be a complex and daunting task. However, for the director of the critically acclaimed film "Mooch", previsualization has proven to be a game-changer.

Previsualization, the process of creating a virtual representation of a scene before it's filmed, has allowed the director to find the rhythm of each scene and speak the same language with the Director of Photography (DoP) before stepping on set. This meticulous planning has been instrumental in making thoughtful decisions on the fly, rather than panicked ones.

The director edits scenes in his head while shooting, but he doesn't sketch out shots on a napkin or carry a Moleskine full of thumbnails. Instead, he uses Previs Pro, a tool that has become an essential part of his filmmaking arsenal.

Previs Pro has enabled the director to mock up scenes, test out camera angles, and see how scenes could rhythmically unfold before any actual footage was shot. It has also helped him build the movie by importing LiDAR scans of key locations and using them as accurate digital stand-ins for the sets.

The tool has been a boon for the assistant directors and extras coordinators as well, helping them plan framing for scenes, avoiding the need for VFX wizardry. It has even helped the gaffer pre-light entire spaces in the morning, saving time from resetting every time coverage changed.

Previsualization has also been a lifesaver for the script supervisor, who can track continuity without needing to pull the director away from a take. It has given the director trust in the plan, crew, and the team knowing the shot, tone, and tempo.

While Previs Pro was the tool of choice for the director of "Mooch", it's worth noting that there are other popular software for storyboarding and previsualization, such as Storyboard That, which allows filmmakers to visualize scenes and plan shots before shooting.

In the end, previsualization isn't about being an artist for the director or cinematographer. It's about being prepared and giving the team a fighting chance to understand what is being aimed for. It's about freeing the director from unnecessary decisions on the day, letting them give everyone a starting point without dictating the destination. And in the fast-paced world of filmmaking, that's a powerful advantage.