If we’re directing a show where video is projected on I-Mag screens, we have a little bit of control over camera placement in the arena, and a bit more control over choosing our ace camera crew. But when we show up, the size and shapes of the screens have all been factored by the set designer, the pixel counts have been calculated, and if the screens are fixed or stationary, we deal with it — and cut the best show possible. For producers and directors, pre-viz really isn’t a factor in multi-camera I-Mag — but wait! When you add pre-produced content to the equation, it’s a different story entirely.
Fantastic Apps
If the show’s concept includes pre-produced video roll-ins, stories, clips or vignettes, from my perspective, the age-old production process takes over. Think it through — what’s the best way to work with the client to provide the exact video required? Yes, a few fantastic software packages are available, including Maya and Softimage from Autodesk. These apps provide powerful end-to-end tools for everything from 3D animation to simulation. There’s even a mega-app called D3 from United Visual Artists Ltd. This leviathan is billed as “an integrated production tool for sculptural media installations,” and it includes a 3D visualizer, an advanced timeline, content mapping, a media server and way more.
Even with all this horsepower at your fingertips, the gadget is not going to conceptualize the program. Whether it’s a clip for the web or a roll-in on a giant LED wall, one still has to go back to basics, roll up your sleeves and carefully plan.
Animatics and Storyboards
For my two cents, it all starts with the storyboard, a solid planning technique that goes back to the era of silent films. In video, the storyboard is our pre-viz, and it takes many forms: hand-drawn sketches, models, and simple 2D or 3D graphics. Whatever it takes to convey the concept, determine camera angles and map the flow of the program, the storyboard is our pre-viz of choice.
Back in the dark ages, when I edited professionally in the Bay Area, we would often edit “animatics” for clients. These consisted of very detailed storyboards which we would synchronize to a pre-produced soundtrack and cut to length — either a 30 or a 60 second spot. Animatics were typically used to test and refine the timing and flow of a commercial, before the high-priced talent was brought into the studio.
Storyboards are still used today, in both printed and electronic forms — from the simple 2D variety all the way to the complex 3D formats. The pictures in the cells can be basic sketches or fully-rendered graphics, but the result is the same. The storyboard helps the producer think through the show’s sequence — saving time, money and energy through careful planning.
The Production Process
The backbone of the storyboard is a keen understanding of the overall production process. Essentially, this is the best way for the video producer to “pre-viz” the entire workflow, from concept to edited master. Here’s a brief summary of the six-stage production process as I see it. This process applies across the board — whether the video is a roll-in for an I-Mag screen, a training video, or the pilot you’re trying to market to ESPN.
1 – Concept Stage: In this initial production stage, the program’s basic ideas are formulated, all details are worked out and a rough outline is generated. At this stage, the program’s primary and secondary purposes, style, mood, and presentation of the show are considered, along with company tie-ins (if any), target cost and length and the preliminary financing details.
2 – Script and Pre-production Stage: In this stage, the script is written, revised as required, and approved by key staff involved with the production. All technical and visual details are carefully checked. A storyboard and a shot sheet are drawn up and written sign-offs are obtained from all clients. This phase is the “get ready” interval. The logistics of studio and location shoots are worked out, talent and facility availability is checked, and any available footage already on hand is screened and logged.
3 – Production Stage: In this stage, the studio and/or remote facilities are booked, the crew is hired, the talent (actors/actresses/professional voice-over) is hired if required, and production dates are set. The script, storyboard and the itemized shot sheet are used as the guide for the entire shoot. Multiple “takes” of each scene should be recorded to ensure that the best possible action is captured.
4 – Post-Production Stage: In this stage, all scenes are carefully edited together. Narration is recorded, 2D and 3D graphics are prepared, and music is selected. The program is assembled scene by scene using a non-linear editing system. Changes (from the original script) that are made to the program during the editing phase can be time-consuming and often costly to the client. The “skill” of your editor has a great effect on keeping cost down, when changes arise.
5 – Marketing Phase: Marketing concepts that were drawn up during the concept stage are carried out here, or coincident with the production and post-production phases of the program. As required, labels and packaging (tape or DVD) must be ready for duplication.
6 – Duplication and Distribution Phase: During this final stage, the finished program is duplicated in both national and international video formats as required. Labels and packaging are combined, and copies are shipped against orders, or placed in stock. If the desired final placement is web-based, streaming video formats are prepared, and the video is uploaded to the website, and quality playback tests are verified.
Many Rewards
When clients have asked me, “How do you make a video,” I often provide them with a longer, more comprehensive version of the above outline. After reading it, some simply run for the hills, but more often than not, they come away with a keen understanding of each step in the process and the work involved in achieving their edited master.
Pre-viz for video? It’s far more than just the storyboard, and rendering scenes with a 3D app. In fact, it’s six stages of hard work, with many rewards at the end, which you can download for free. (Use your smart phone to scan the 2D barcode, this page).
