Previs Pro vs Shot Designer

Previs Pro is a 3D previsualisation tool for filmmakers planning virtual sets, character placement, camera angles, and editorial timelines. Its simulation follows real-world optics rather than working as a flat drawing canvas. It imports screenplay files from Final Draft, Fountain, Open Screenplay Format, Fade In, and Celtx. Export options include PDF, JPEG, PNG, MP4, and NLE; the NLE export is a Final Cut Pro 7 XML project compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. The free plan permits one animatic per project and watermarks exports. Annual, Monthly, and Lifetime plans provide unlimited projects, scenes, shots, and animatics, with AI generation charged by use. Annual costs $9.99 a year, billed $119.99/year; Monthly costs $39.99 a month; Lifetime costs $359.99, paid once. Previs Pro runs on iOS and macOS, with no Windows or Android version or roadmap. A purchase works on up to five personal devices using the same Apple ID.

Shot Designer is a camera-blocking tool that brings diagrams, shot lists, storyboards, animation, a Director’s Viewfinder, and team sharing together. It can move cameras automatically when characters are repositioned in a diagram. The shot list and diagram stay linked, so edits to one update the other. Users can animate characters and cameras in real time to preview scene rhythm, while the Viewfinder supports major camera formats and records the lens used for a shot. Other tools include set and lighting designers, imports for production drawings, templates, and a prop and furniture library. The Free plan saves the current scene but allows only one scene at a time and omits file management, export, and sync or team sharing. Pro costs 19.99 USD once and adds those management and sharing features, Scene Freeze, and PDF, JPG, and Excel export. Shot Designer runs on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. The maker positions it for directors and directors of photography.