Previz & Reference tools
Block it, board it, find the frame before the scout. Each tool links to its maker, with a checked price and, where we can source it, where it falls short.
6 tools
Prices checked by hand. If it costs money, it says so.
| Tool | Good for | Price | Where it falls short | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cine Tracer | Block lights and cameras in a game engine before the scout. | See price on Steam | Still Early Access on Steam since 2018, with "Mixed" user reviews (69% positive). source for Cine Tracer note (new tab) | Open site for Cine Tracer (new tab) ↗ |
| StudioBinder | Shot lists, storyboards and call sheets in the browser. | Free plan; Professional $99/mo (support page) | Free plan is 1 project, 10 contacts, 10 shots, and call sheets you can only send to yourself. source for StudioBinder note (new tab) | Open site for StudioBinder (new tab) ↗ |
| Boords | Fast storyboards and animatics to share with the director. | From $26/mo billed yearly (pricing page) | Free plan caps you at 5 active storyboards and 3 scripts. Solo is single-user only. source for Boords note (new tab) | Open site for Boords (new tab) ↗ |
| ShotDeck | Searchable movie frames, tagged by lens, light and color. | See pricing | Paid subscription only ($12.95/mo or $99.95/yr), with just a 2-week trial and no free plan. source for ShotDeck note (new tab) | Open site for ShotDeck (new tab) ↗ |
| set.a.light 3D | Virtual studio to plan and prelight setups in 3D before the shoot day. | From €99 BASIC, lifetime license (regular €129, pricing page) | BASIC caps you at 5 strobes and Full HD renders. Video export and continuous-light building need CINEMA (€269) or a paid add-on. source for set.a.light 3D note (new tab) | Open site for set.a.light 3D (new tab) ↗ |
| Previs Pro | 3D storyboards with real camera and lens data, plus animatics and an edit timeline. | Free plan; $39.99/mo, $119.99/yr or $359.99 lifetime (pricing page) | Free plan watermarks exports and allows 1 animatic per project. Apple only (Mac, iPad, iPhone). source for Previs Pro note (new tab) | Open site for Previs Pro (new tab) ↗ |