Previsualization in Animation

Previsualization in Animation: Bridging the Gap Between Storyboards and Final Renders

Previsualization, often shortened to Previz, marks a major milestone in the iterative animation pipeline. While animatics rely on 2D storyboards to convey timing and structure, previz steps into the third dimension. It introduces the first pass of the animation in a rough 3D format—basic, blocky, and without polished visuals, but rich with structural and narrative information.

What is Previz?

Previz is essentially a low-fidelity, 3D-animated draft of your final animation. It’s usually rendered straight from the viewport with “playblast”-level visuals: no lighting setups, no material shaders, and minimal post-processing. The movement is functional, not final. The characters may resemble mannequins or placeholders, and environmental elements might still be in basic geometry form.

Nevertheless, this rough pass serves a critical role: it’s a visual rehearsal. And like a rehearsal, it includes other production elements—dialogue, music, and sound effects—to give a comprehensive sense of the timing and emotional beats.

Above is a previz example from the Paulig City Coffee animation case study.

Why is Previsualization Important?

The strength of previz lies in its ability to give the director and production team an overview of the animated story in a format that’s closer to the final result. While animatics help identify timing and pacing issues, previz lets you explore actual camera angles, character blocking, scene geography, and spatial storytelling.

For high-end 3D animation productions—especially those in marketing, advertising, or gaming—this stage is essential for client reviews, stakeholder approvals, and internal coordination. It helps align creative vision before resource-intensive production steps like lighting, rendering, and compositing begin.

Here is a previz level version from the Merge Mansion Hopeberry Juice Spike user acquisition animation case.

Previz is an Iterative Power Tool

As animation evolves through stages, previz serves as an iterative checkpoint. Some shots may live in previz form for weeks or even months while modeling or animation work catches up. Since it already uses the actual scene files and 3D environments, updating previz shots with more refined animation is seamless.

Unlike storyboard images, which are quick to edit but abstract, previz starts forming the backbone of the final production. It allows for:

Real-time timing adjustments
Early camera work and layout testing
Blocking for complex character actions
Early sound sync testing
Spotting continuity issues in camera flow

A previz example from the Valio Chocolate Mousse commercial animation case study.

Balancing Quality and Speed

While previz isn’t meant to look pretty, it can still be time-consuming. It requires a base level of 3D asset readiness and initial animation. Therefore, balancing efficiency and storytelling clarity is key. Focus on clarity of movement and emotional beats—not polish. Your previz exists to guide, not impress.

Above is a previz version from the DNA Joyful Animals case study.

Previz in Marketing Animations

For marketing animations—especially for tech brands, FMCG products, or game cinematics—previz helps agencies and clients align early. It offers a way to test ambitious ideas, get client sign-off on camera paths or key scenes, and lock timing for VO or music composition. This reduces risk and wasted effort in later, more expensive phases.

Let’s say you’re animating a character popping open a drink can that floods into a magical scene transition. In previz, you can block the can’s motion, the arc of the splash, and timing of camera swoops—all before any simulation, rendering, or fine animation work begins.