WHAT DOES A PREVIS SUPERVISOR DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A What does a Previs Supervisor Do?)

Pacific Rim / Photo Credit: Warner Bros - The Art of VFX - Aaron Weintraub - Craig Calvert

WHAT DOES A PREVIS SUPERVISOR DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A What does a Previs Supervisor Do?)     

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What Does A Previs Supervisor Do?

Previsualization is a process used in feature filmmaking and television production to plan out complex visual effects sequences during the pre-production phase; this enables the director and cinematographer to see rough animatics of their shots in a fast and inexpensive manner before committing time, crew, and resources to filming.

The Previs Supervisor is responsible for the creative direction of previsualization projects. They collaborate with the film's Director and VFX Supervisor to help visually conceptualize the film. Supervisors act as the key client contact on shows they are assigned to.

Duties

The previs supervisor is a member of the visual effects team and responsible for overseeing the production of previsualization animatics. Leading a team of artists specializing in the craft, he or she collaborates closely with the director and visual effects supervisor to break down the script and determine the sequence of shots necessary to portray the written scene. In some cases, animatics will begin as storyboards created by the director or other senior designer on the project. The supervisor will then communicate to the rest of the previs team their specific tasks, which include environment modeling, character modeling, and animation.

Previs animatics are rough animations that are intended only to illustrate camera angles and other technical aspects of a scene; they will not be used in the final edit. Instead, animatics serve as motion storyboards that communicate the director’s vision and inspire the technical crew during principal photography. The supervisor will guide the artists on his or her team to accurately portray the constraints of the environment, character blocking, and virtual camera angles. It is his or her responsibility to see to it that the animatics are delivered on schedule and to the specifications of the director.

Skills & Education

A strong background in computer animation and visual effects design is necessary for a career as a previs supervisor. A college degree in computer animation or related field is recommended, as it provides a thorough understanding of the artistic techniques, as well as the technical mastery of industry standard software. Additionally, courses in cinematography and video editing are valuable in providing an appreciation for the technical constraints of live-action filming. Artistically, this position demands an individual that understands the natural and fluid movement of animation; the constructs of lifelike lighting conditions; and proper aesthetic framing of images.

What to Expect

A Previs supervisor must first establish proven skill in an entry-level role within a visual effects studio; such careers include compositing, match moving, animation, lighting, and character modeling. With professional experience and proven talent, an artist may seek advancement to the lead artist level and then as a supervisor. While closely related to feature animation or visual effects, previsualization adheres to its own conventions of style and process. Because animatics should be short and require less time and resources to produce, previs works under much tighter deadlines. Depending on the project volume of the studio, the previs supervisor may oversee more than one project at a time and have a high rate of annual turnover. This role is typically a fulltime position. Employment opportunities exist within visual effects studios, as well as agencies that specialize in media marketing and short-format production.

Skills & Education

Employment as a previs artist requires proven skill in digital art and animation, including experience in modeling, rigging, and character animation. Experience in the use of software applications like Maya is necessary. Furthermore, previs artists must have a thorough knowledge of filmmaking principles such as cinematography, continuity editing, blocking, and scene staging. In working specifically with directors and cinematographers, artists must demonstrate an understanding of camera specifications, film terminology, and the conventions of storytelling. A college degree in computer animation or film and television production is beneficial, as it provides the technical and theoretical education necessary in this career.

What to Expect

Previsualization artists may find fulltime employment within a visual effects studio or digital marketing and advertising firm that specializes in theatrical trailers, title sequences, commercials, and other short-format productions. On the job, artists can expect a heavy project volume with shorter deadlines, leading to higher turnover. Because animatic are intended to be produced cheaply (in relative terms) and quickly, a previs artist may only spend a matter of weeks on an assignment, as opposed to months or years.

Individuals who prefer to spend an intensive year perfecting the finer details of a single visual effects sequence would be better suited to find work in post-production. Previs artists are more concerned with accuracy and effectiveness than aesthetic refinement. It is also important to note that movie-going audiences will never see the work contributed to the film’s early days during pre-production. Previs artists will still get a credit on the film, but they will only have memories (and maybe a DVD extra) to look back on after the project is over. On the upside, artists have the opportunity to work closely with directors and production designers during the crucial phase that will map the entire production process.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures,

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Pacific Rim / Photo Credit: Warner Bros - The Art of VFX - Aaron Weintraub - Craig Calvert