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Pre-visualization artist
Question: I was browsing the credits lists on the Internet Movie Database and I noticed a lot of action movies credit someone called a "Pre-Visualization Artist." What does this person do, and how do you become one? Is this just a fancy new term for storyboard artist?
— Dmitri
Response: Pre-visualization artists create and render 3D animated storyboards that assist in the planning and filming of feature films or television productions. By creating animated sequences on computers prior to shooting, pre-visualization artists help production staff extract useful information for planning the shoot, thus saving the production time and money on the set.
For example, say the director wants to shoot a sequence in which the camera has to travel 40 feet in 5 seconds. By creating an animated mock-up of the scene, the pre-visualization artist can figure out that they will need equipment that can move a camera at 8 feet per second. The camera department might report that they need an additional 20 feet to get the camera up to speed and 10 feet at the end to stop it.
The pre-visualization artist can then add that additional track length into the animated model to make sure it can be done on the stage or location where the shot will be filmed. If it does not fit, the pre-visualization artist can show the director where the problem is and explore alternatives such as shortening the move, or slowing down the camera.
Perhaps the answer is a new location or re-orienting the set on the stage. The director can look at these variations and decide which one works best. Since this is all happening early in pre-production before sets are built and locations reserved, the director and producers can make the best possible decision.
Although you might think that pre-visualization artists have replaced storyboard artists, the design process for film and broadcast projects still typically begins with traditional, hand-drawn storyboards. The pre-visualization artist uses those as a jumping off point for the sequence. In some instances, when there is lots of highly choreographed action that would be difficult to capture by hand, the pre-visualization artist might begin without storyboards.
Pre-visualization is considerably slower and more labor intensive than storyboarding. It is often more efficient to storyboard most sequences and use pre-visualization only for those that require special attention and planning.
In addition to doing hands-on animation, pre-visualization supervisors manage teams of up to six artists and work closely with the director, the visual effects supervisor, the production designer, and in some cases the second unit director and cinematographer.
Training Options and Costs
Many of the pioneers in pre-visualization have training in architecture and visual effects. To work as a pre-visualization artist, you must have expertise with 3D animation software, preferably Maya or softimage-XSI. You'll also need strong creative instincts, and the ability to work well in a high pressure, collaborative work environment.
The following private institutions offer training that prepares candidates for work as pre-visualization artists:
Application requirements include a fee, portfolio submission, and an interview with a member of the admissions committee. The school provides time for students to create a demo reel, offers feedback on reels and resumes, guidance in researching companies, referrals to job openings, and introductions to companies in the industry.
For full-time students, the total cost of the program is $43,225.
Undergraduate tuition is currently $28,346 per year, $113,384 total.
The objective of the program is to help the student attain a fundamental grounding in computer animation, including an introduction to the theory and practice of characterization, scriptwriting and storyboarding, animation, 3-D modeling, computer graphics, and multimedia. The program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in media arts.
The program currently costs $438 per unit/$84,096 total.
Employment Outlook
According to Ron Frankel an experienced pre-visualization supervisor and the head of Proof, Inc., there is currently a shortage of qualified, production-experienced pre-visualization artists. Most pre-visualization artists work as freelance independent contractors on a project basis.
There are fewer than ten companies in Los Angeles that provide pre-visualization services. There are a few more in Vancouver, Sydney, and London. Most of these companies also do visual effects work.
Salary Range
Novice pre-visualization artists are called "pre-visualization modelers" or "pre-visualization animators" and earn $800 to $1,200 per week.
More experienced workers have the title "pre-visualization designer." Top artists are known as "pre-visualization supervisors" or "lead pre-visualization artists" and earn $2,400 to $3,000 per week.
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.
E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.
— Dmitri
Response: Pre-visualization artists create and render 3D animated storyboards that assist in the planning and filming of feature films or television productions. By creating animated sequences on computers prior to shooting, pre-visualization artists help production staff extract useful information for planning the shoot, thus saving the production time and money on the set.
For example, say the director wants to shoot a sequence in which the camera has to travel 40 feet in 5 seconds. By creating an animated mock-up of the scene, the pre-visualization artist can figure out that they will need equipment that can move a camera at 8 feet per second. The camera department might report that they need an additional 20 feet to get the camera up to speed and 10 feet at the end to stop it.
The pre-visualization artist can then add that additional track length into the animated model to make sure it can be done on the stage or location where the shot will be filmed. If it does not fit, the pre-visualization artist can show the director where the problem is and explore alternatives such as shortening the move, or slowing down the camera.
Perhaps the answer is a new location or re-orienting the set on the stage. The director can look at these variations and decide which one works best. Since this is all happening early in pre-production before sets are built and locations reserved, the director and producers can make the best possible decision.
Although you might think that pre-visualization artists have replaced storyboard artists, the design process for film and broadcast projects still typically begins with traditional, hand-drawn storyboards. The pre-visualization artist uses those as a jumping off point for the sequence. In some instances, when there is lots of highly choreographed action that would be difficult to capture by hand, the pre-visualization artist might begin without storyboards.
Pre-visualization is considerably slower and more labor intensive than storyboarding. It is often more efficient to storyboard most sequences and use pre-visualization only for those that require special attention and planning.
In addition to doing hands-on animation, pre-visualization supervisors manage teams of up to six artists and work closely with the director, the visual effects supervisor, the production designer, and in some cases the second unit director and cinematographer.
Training Options and Costs
Many of the pioneers in pre-visualization have training in architecture and visual effects. To work as a pre-visualization artist, you must have expertise with 3D animation software, preferably Maya or softimage-XSI. You'll also need strong creative instincts, and the ability to work well in a high pressure, collaborative work environment.
The following private institutions offer training that prepares candidates for work as pre-visualization artists:
- Gnomon, Inc.
- 1015 North Cahuenga
- Hollywood, CA 90038
- 323-466-6663
- Fax: 323-466-6710
- admin@gnomon3d.com
- www.gnomon3d.com
- Hollywood, CA 90038
Application requirements include a fee, portfolio submission, and an interview with a member of the admissions committee. The school provides time for students to create a demo reel, offers feedback on reels and resumes, guidance in researching companies, referrals to job openings, and introductions to companies in the industry.
For full-time students, the total cost of the program is $43,225.
- Otis College of Art and Design
- 9045 Lincoln Boulevard
- Los Angeles, CA 90045
- (310) 665 6987
- digital@otis.edu
- www.otis.edu
- Los Angeles, CA 90045
Undergraduate tuition is currently $28,346 per year, $113,384 total.
- The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles
- 2900 31st St.
- Santa Monica, CA 90405
- (310) 752-4700
- www.artinstitutes.edu
- ailaadmin@aii.edu
- Santa Monica, CA 90405
The objective of the program is to help the student attain a fundamental grounding in computer animation, including an introduction to the theory and practice of characterization, scriptwriting and storyboarding, animation, 3-D modeling, computer graphics, and multimedia. The program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in media arts.
The program currently costs $438 per unit/$84,096 total.
Employment Outlook
According to Ron Frankel an experienced pre-visualization supervisor and the head of Proof, Inc., there is currently a shortage of qualified, production-experienced pre-visualization artists. Most pre-visualization artists work as freelance independent contractors on a project basis.
There are fewer than ten companies in Los Angeles that provide pre-visualization services. There are a few more in Vancouver, Sydney, and London. Most of these companies also do visual effects work.
Salary Range
Novice pre-visualization artists are called "pre-visualization modelers" or "pre-visualization animators" and earn $800 to $1,200 per week.
More experienced workers have the title "pre-visualization designer." Top artists are known as "pre-visualization supervisors" or "lead pre-visualization artists" and earn $2,400 to $3,000 per week.
— • —
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.
E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.
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