Fix it in pre is a Virtual Production term in filmmaking. In virtual production, the nuances of this term take on special meaning. Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.
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The term “fix it in pre” is a philosophy of preparation and readiness that has been adopted by many professionals working in the virtual production space. It refers to the idea of getting all assets ready for the camera before pre-production begins, instead of leaving things unfinished until post-production when they can be fixed later on. This is a concept championed by ICVFX, an industry leader in virtual production.
So what’s the difference between "fix it in pre" and "fix it in post"? Fixing something during post-production requires additional time, effort and cost, which could have been saved if the asset had been prepared ahead of time. Moreover, tasks such as 3D modeling, lighting, and animation require a lot of iterations, so fixing them in pre saves considerable development time since most problems are found during the early stages of production.
But how does one go about fixing things in pre? Here are some best practices that should be followed:
• Plan out your project thoroughly: The first step is to create a plan outlining your entire workflow from start to finish. Break down each task into its component parts, so you know exactly what needs to be done beforehand. This helps ensure nothing gets left behind or forgotten.
• Develop an overall look & feel: Once you’ve planned out your project, you need to determine the overall style and aesthetic of your project. This will help inform the way certain elements (e.g., textures, shaders, lighting) are developed, ensuring that everything looks cohesive and consistent throughout the production process.
• Review your pipeline: Before beginning any production work, take a moment to review your pipeline. Are there any tools or processes that can be optimized to speed up production? Could certain steps be automated or made more efficient? Answering these questions before diving into production can save valuable time down the line.
• Test & debug often: As you progress through the production process, don’t forget to regularly test and debug your work. Doing this frequently ensures that any potential issues are identified quickly and addressed before they become bigger problems.
Ultimately, Fix It In Pre boils down to one simple concept: an efficient workflow is better than costly fixes later. By taking the time to prepare assets adequately and create detailed plans in advance, filmmakers can look forward to seamless virtual production experiences without unexpected surprises along the way.