Certainly, large-scale films like Avatar, Wolverine, and 2012 used previs (and lots of it!)-- and congratulations to those teams that worked on them! But what about the independent films that fall in the $30-$80 million dollar range? What about the lower-budget films and other kinds of products?
I feel strongly that if you think you can't afford previs, you probably can't afford not to do it... Lower budgets mean little room for error-- and if you're trying to make a great looking film on a tight pocketbook, previs may be the key. Because it allows stakeholders in the project-- directors, producers, investors, and creative keys-- to work together to define and refine a project's vision, there is less waste and rework in production, enhanced communication, and stronger collaboration. And that's always a win!
Have a look at what the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Quarterly had to say about it in an article published last fall.
Remember: previs scales-- it can be as simple as breaking down a single scene, visualizing the components that feel like they're less understood, or evaluating locations or as complex as visualizing the entire film, working with motion capture, or filming virtually with live-action gear. Previs is about answering questions, defining and refining the vision, and communicating that vision. It doesn't have to be expensive-- but it certainly proves its value!
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