In modern 3D feature animation, the storyboard is often followed by a more refined step called Pre-Visualization (Pre-Vis), where the 2D panels are turned into rough, quickly rendered 3D animation using basic character models and sets. The storyboard artist’s work forms the direct basis for this Pre-Vis, which allows the director to confirm timing, camera paths, and complex staging in a 3D environment before committing to final animation polish. The success of the Pre-Vis phase depends entirely on the clarity and precision of the initial 2D storyboards.

Our advanced students are trained to storyboard with the 3D pipeline in mind, consciously using perspective and framing that are easily translatable into a digital 3D space, anticipating potential issues like gimbal lock or camera clipping. This integration of 2D vision and 3D pipeline awareness makes our graduates indispensable, as they can effectively bridge the gap between the initial hand-drawn concept and the final computer-generated execution.