The Ultimate Guide to Action Previsualisation: A Comprehensive Overview

Discover how Action Previsualisation can take your stunt scenes to the next level. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from planning action sequences to refining stunts, helping you master the art of previs. Learn how to enhance efficiency, safety, and creativity with the ISA.

Unlock the power of Action Previsualisation—a key component in the success of any action-heavy film. Whether you’re an aspiring stunt performer, a seasoned director, or part of a production team, mastering previs can help you create scenes that pack a punch.
Previsualisation (or "previs") allows you to map out stunts, camera angles, and choreography before the cameras start rolling. It maximises efficiency, ensures safety, and allows you to visualise the most daring action sequences. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bring your action-packed scenes to life.

What is Previsualisation?A Must-Know for Action Filmmakers
At its core, previsualisation is the process of planning out action sequences before filming. It involves creating digital or drawn storyboards, animatics, or 3D representations of stunts to test how they’ll play out on set. From camera angles to the timing of movements, previs is the foundation that supports the stunt choreography and ensures a smooth, safe shoot.

Why Previs is Essential for Action & StuntsPrevis isn't just for the director or the cinematographer—it's a critical tool for stunt performers. Think of it as a rehearsal without the risks. It allows the entire team to visualise the sequence, assess timing, and fine-tune stunts, ensuring both safety and precision. For action scenes where timing and placement are crucial, previs can help avoid mistakes that could lead to costly reshoots or injuries.
Previs for Stunt Performers:
For stunt professionals, previs becomes your rehearsal ground. You’ll know exactly how your movements fit into the larger scene and can practice your stunts with the final camera angles and edits in mind.

Why Previsualisation is Critical for SafetyAction filmmaking carries risks, and previs serves as a safety net. By pre-planning each shot, the crew can identify any dangerous elements well before anyone sets foot on set. From fire stunts to car chases, previs lets you run through each scenario in a controlled, virtual environment, ironing out issues long before the real action begins.

Tips for Stunt Performers Involved in Previs

1. Engage Early & Ask Questions
   • Why it’s Important: The more involved you are in the previs stage, the more prepared you’ll be on the day of the shoot.
   • What You Can Do: Speak up during previs meetings—ask about camera placement, your mark, and how your stunt fits into the overall scene.
   • Pro Tip: Don’t wait until rehearsal day. Clarify any concerns during previs so you’re not left scrambling once the cameras are rolling.
2. Rigorous Rehearsal with Previs
   • Why it’s Important: Using previs as your template for practice allows you to understand the exact timing of the scene.
   • What You Can Do: Record your rehearsals, compare them to the previs footage, and adjust your timing or choreography as needed.
   • Pro Tip: Video analysis of your rehearsal helps to refine stunts and ensure they align with the previs plan.

Common Previs Mistakes to Avoid

1. Taking Shortcuts
   • Why it’s a Problem: Skipping key elements of the previs process can lead to misunderstanding the scene's flow or, worse, compromising safety.
   • What You Can Do: Take the time to thoroughly digest the previs material, understanding camera angles, timing, and physical positioning.
   • Pro Tip: Follow the previs steps meticulously to avoid last-minute confusion or adjustments during filming.
2. Rushing the Process
   • Why it’s a Problem: Rushing through previs often leads to missed details or unsafe setups.
   • What You Can Do: Spend the necessary time to go over every detail, no matter how small.
   • Pro Tip: Focus on mastering the previs plan before you speed up. Accuracy first, speed later.

​Mastering Previs: Basic vs Advanced TechniquesBasic Tips:

• Understand Acceptable Inaccuracies:
  Early previs isn’t about perfection. It’s about getting the broad strokes right. Don’t worry if the first draft isn’t flawless—it’s about iterating as you go.
• Consistent Visual Narrative:
  Keep your previs consistent in style and tone so the entire team knows what to expect. Everyone, from the Director of Photography to the stunt team, should be on the same page about the look and feel.

Advanced Tips:

• Pinpoint Accuracy:
  As you advance, aim for greater precision. This is particularly crucial for stunts that involve precise timing or dangerous elements.
• Maximising Efficiency:
  Streamline your previs process by creating templates and workflows. This saves time and makes collaboration easier, allowing you to focus on perfecting stunts rather than logistics.

Understanding Industry Jargon: What You Need to Know

1. Principal Photography
   • What: The main phase where the bulk of the film is shot.
   • Pro Tip: Ensure that all previs elements have been reviewed and tested before this stage, as it will be harder to adjust once filming begins.
2. Director of Photography (DoP)
   • What: The person responsible for the visual look of the film.
   • Pro Tip: Collaborate early with the DoP during previs to ensure stunts and camera angles are aligned.

Why The ISA is Your Ultimate Previs Hub
​The International Stunt Academy (ISA) isn’t just an academy—it’s a full-service previs solution. Whether you’re looking to refine your previs skills, create intricate stunt choreography, or work with seasoned professionals, our state-of-the-art facilities and expert team have got you covered.
Ready to elevate your action scenes? Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life.