Lead Previs Artist

Framestore Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects studio in London seeks a Lead Previs Artist to guide a team in creating cinematic sequences for film productions. Candidates should have experience in visual storytelling and leadership abilities, with a hybrid working model involving two days per week in the London studio. Key responsibilities include mentoring artists and collaborating closely with supervisors to align creative intent with technical plans.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior or Lead Previs Artist in production.
• Strong understanding of film production terminology and techniques.
• Ability to interpret creative direction and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Previs Artists, ensuring visual quality.
• Collaborate to interpret storyboards into previs sequences.
• Produce technical visualisation materials for production.

Skills

Cinematic composition

Camera language

Visual storytelling

Animation principles

Leadership skills

Tools

Techvis

Virtual Production planning

Job description

Framestore’s Preproduction Services division enables filmmakers and showrunners to make early-stage, creative decisions that can then guide their entire production. We have over a hundred creatives, technologists and producers working across concept art, previsualisation, virtual production, in-camera VFX, techvis and postvis.

Framestore combines talent and technology to bring life to everything we create. Driven by creativity and inspired by the future, we set out every day to reframe the possible.

The Role

As a Lead Previs Artist, you will bridge creative storytelling and technical planning, leading a small team of Previs Artists to design and deliver cinematic sequences that guide directors, supervisors, and producers through the early visualisation phase of production.

You’ll work closely with the Visualisation Supervisor and department leadership to define the look, pacing, and technical approach of previs sequences — setting standards for shot design, animation quality, and camera language. You will also collaborate with filmmakers and production teams to translate creative intent into executable technical plans through techvis and virtual production workflows.

This role requires equal parts artistic vision, technical proficiency, and leadership — mentoring artists, maintaining creative consistency, and ensuring that the previs supports both storytelling and production requirements.

Framestore offers a hybrid working model, requiring two days per week at our central London studio. Depending on project needs, this role may also involve on-set work for up to five days per week.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and support a team of Previs Artists, ensuring consistency of visual quality and creative intent.
• Collaborate with the Visualisation Supervisor, VFX Supervisor, and Director to interpret storyboards, scripts, and briefs into dynamic previs sequences.
• Establish shot composition, staging, camera animation, lensing, lighting and movement that capture cinematic intent.
• Produce or oversee the creation of technical visualisation materials (techvis and schematics) to support production planning.
• Ensure that previs sequences align with the technical and logistical parameters of live-action and VFX production.
• Liaise with editorial to refine sequence timing and continuity.
• Support Virtual Production and on-set teams with previs deliverables and updates as production evolves.
• Identify creative and technical challenges early and propose solutions that balance storytelling and production needs.
• Promote best practices in workflow, asset management and version control.
• Have a presence in the office or on set at least twice a week.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior or Lead Previs Artist in feature film, episodic or high-end commercial production.
• Exceptional sense of cinematic composition, camera language and visual storytelling.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, timing, and performance.
• In-depth knowledge of film production terminology, techniques and shooting methodology.
• Experience producing techvis and supporting Virtual Production planning.
• Ability to interpret creative direction and communicate effectively with supervisors and directors.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide a team through shifting creative direction and production deadlines.
• Ability to translate CG cameras and animation into real-world setups and communicate those clearly to production.

Accessibility Statement

Our London studio is fully accessible, with step-free entry, accessible toilets on all floors, and quiet spaces available. We are committed to supporting disabled colleagues and providing an inclusive workplace for everyone.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the linked application form or email your resume and portfolio to [e-mail] with the subject line: Lead Previs Artist - London

We review all applications manually and do not use artificial intelligence to screen candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let us know - we are happy to accommodate your needs.