Today we are going to talk about pre-production and why it is important. The period between writing the script and shooting is called pre-production. It is the first step towards a visual representation of the words on the page. Storyboards, photographic images, or even composite 3D visuals can do this. Almost all animation companies use substantial pre-visualisation, and an increasing number of live-action studios are doing the same to help plan their days and determine how many FX shots they will create.
Shot lists are essential components of pre-production planning. While some directors write a script to indicate how long each shot should last, others utilise Excel to organise their list into scenes. The next step is to get a sense of scene blocking and how you want each shot to look. This is once you have your shot list, script mark-up, or both prepared. Storyboards or a computer-assisted pre-visualisation technique can be used to accomplish this.
Does Pre-Production require drawing?
I created my shot plan in 3D animation for one of my films. Autodesk Maya animation software was used to produce each shot of the short film. This was then edited together in Adobe Premiere Pro. Being an animator was advantageous, yet there are cutting-edge goods that Assist you with automating the drawing process. Hire storyboard artists or pre-viz animators if your budget is greater.
Your eye for composition is your most critical tool when pre-producing. It’s imperative to know where to position the camera to get the right shot for your story. As a visual storyteller, you should aim for knowledge of how to put the pieces together. Drawing well and knowing three-dimensional space may be advantages.
Who Exactly Does It Help?
Your staff no longer has to make educated guesses when you can physically demonstrate your vision. Your team will benefit from pre-pro in a variety of ways that are both innovative and productive.
Photographic director
The DP knows the images you are trying to get and what needs to be done to get them. Having a long one? Now they can plan their course of action by seeing where the camera is supposed to be pointed. My current feature film’s director of photography commented that not doing pre-production is like running at top speed down a trail you’ve never seen and expecting not to crash into a tree.
Line Producer and First Assistant Director
For the Line Producer to determine how many days you need to shoot particular scenes, the first AD needs to know how many shots you want. In order to make the most of their days and choose which performers must be on set when, this will also enable them to combine sequences or order shots.
Designer of a production
How frequently do you set up scenes on set only to decide not to shoot that particular side of the room? What a waste of time. If your production designer knows they don’t have to design or dress a complete set, they will like you all the time. Their abilities can be used to influence what appears on the screen. Use only two walls for target practise? Don’t create others; just wear what you need.
Editor
To avoid leaving the editor waiting in post and wishing for another shot to be cut, plot out your shots to demonstrate the coverage you have. Because they want to start early on the film’s flow and mood, most editors get involved before production is complete. Even in pre-production, the filmmaker may benefit from their suggestions for achieving their vision. And who wouldn’t want that?
Actors
Pre-production can also be advantageous for players. Their creativity is better directed in the right direction when they can see the director’s concept. Additionally, it helps students locate their markings. Explaining is one thing, but demonstrating is more effective. As a result, an actor may concentrate on performance rather than blocking.
