Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Working Life

The Previs and Layout artist works with the directors and production designers to set up a preliminary set layout to define scale and location of a scene to give guidance to storyboard artists and environment modellers.

The previous and layout artist also will work with the directors, production designers, and CG asset lead to create sequences of shots through camera, staging and rough blocking based on existing storyboards and director’s vision.

The role’s primary responsibility is to interpret 2D storyboards and plan and implement the cinematography of the 3D production from those storyboards.

• Translate 2D set designs into 3D blocked sets to define scale and sise of sets for visual approval with the directors
  
  
• Work with directors to create shot cameras and FBX files for storyboard handout.
  
  
• Add any additional key lighting direction for any lighting story points that the storyboard artist might need to know about.
  
  
• Work with the directors, previs and layout artists would be creating sequences of shots that tell a story through camera, staging and potential blocking of characters for shipment to the overseas animation team.
  
  
• Responsible for identifying any story, creative or technical issues that sets and cameras might have with the production and communicate it to the team.
  
  
• Optimise, refine, and correct model geometry to satisfy the artistic requirements of the CG supervisor.
  
  
• Interpret references/concept art to prototype and iterate models based on feedback.
  
  
• Work closely with the production manager and production coordinator in order to respect schedules, hit deadlines, and juggle priorities between both pre-production for storyboards and shipment to the overseas studio.

Works with

• CG Asset Lead
• Directors
• Storyboard Artists
• Production Manager
• Production Coordinators

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
• Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
• Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
• Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programmes.
• Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
• Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
• Implement and maintain configuration control systems.
• Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
• Develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters, and slide shows.
• Create and install special effects as required by the script, mixing chemicals and fabricating needed parts from wood, metal, plaster, and clay.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Education Routes: Previs and Layout artists often have a degree in Animation, Film, or Visual Effects.

Career Path to PreVis and Layout Artist: 

• Several years experience in the modeling department with generalist knowledge across the pipeline.
• Several years experience in storyboarding with generalist knowledge across the pipeline.
• A good cinematography portfolio.
• Good knowledge of film language in regards to cameras, lenses, editing, and visual storytelling.

Career Path from PreVis and Layout Artist: Head of Department, Director role.

Entry-level role available at Junior Previs and Layout Artist.

Show reel and experience are very important.