John Clive - director

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Despite being a live action director John has 18 years hands on experience of CG. Originally, he used previs for complex effects sequences only - now he prepares whole films as a matter of course. Agencies and producers see a fully rendered, animated cut of the film before shooting even begins.

Blocking, camera moves, track & crane positions, even focal lengths are decided beforehand, maximising budgets and leaving more time on set for rehearsals, refining lighting etc.

Here are just some of the advantages:

  • Experimentation with angles and moves can be done off set - at leisure. The coordinates are then quickly transferred to the stage or location.
  • Agencies and producers can approve sequences before hand, reducing the need for time consuming discussions on set.
  • The art department know to the foot how much set needs to be built.
  • Grips know exactly where to lay tracks and the optimum position for a crane.
  • Motion control sequences can be set up in less than half the time.
  • Previs eliminates the need for "just in case" equipment and lenses.
  • The need to shoot coverage is greatly reduced.
  • The effect of real world sun positions on exterior scenes can be simulated eliminating shadow issues.

Previs doesn't limit creativity - it enhances it. What would a close up look like on a 300mm from the gantry? The chances are you're not going to keep everyone waiting for twenty minutes to find out. With previs John can check out any whim in a few minutes, away from the set. And previs doesn't preclude spontaneity: if a better shot suggests itself on the day then he simply goes for it. Nothing is lost.

Here's an example of the data sheets John produces for every shoot:

Eli Lilly - Julie Andrews

Shooting a movie star in locations all over Manhattan (including Times Square) with blue screen, 60 extras and a timeslice camera which is 22 foot wide, required meticulous planning.

Getting permission for closing a lane of 3rd Ave on a weekday was very tricky, but when we showed the N.Y. Film Commission the plans they just said, "go ahead".