ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the benefits of involving a VFX professional as a consultant during the pre-production phase of a project. It explores the various areas in which a consultant can provide valuable input, such as advising on the feasibility of VFX-heavy scenes, developing a VFX budget, and breaking down the VFX work required in each scene. When speaking with potential investors, these are essential factors which speak to the practicality of the vision's execution. The chapter also discusses how VFX can assist the production crew with previs and techvis, which involve the creation of visualizations and simulations of scenes to help plan camera moves and VFX integration before production begins. Additionally, the chapter delves into how VFX professionals can help with specialty equipment needs and advising on shooting schedule adjustments to ensure that VFX work is executed efficiently and within budget. Interviews with industry professionals are included to provide real-world case studies. By the end of the chapter, readers will have gained an understanding of how involving VFX early in their project can ultimately lead to a more efficient and successful VFX production and post production process.
