Previs Pro 3, the iPad-only storyboarding and previs app for filmmakers, has been released. The update introduces animatics, an AI-driven lighting system, and a free edition aimed at students and independent creators. The new animatics system lets users turn their storyboard frames into timed sequences, complete with sound effects and audio tracks. This makes it possible to test pacing and shot rhythm before production begins.

The addition of animatics also strengthens collaboration. Directors and editors can review not just static storyboards but moving sequences with timing and audio cues. That allows quicker iteration before camera equipment or crew are booked. The developer highlights that this feature is designed to export easily into editing suites for further refinement. Another key addition is “AI Light Grade.” The tool uses automated lighting analysis to adjust scene lighting within the app, designed to give quick previews of mood and exposure. The developer has not provided technical details on the underlying AI model.

AI Light Grade is integrated into the existing 3D environment system. It enables users to run quick test passes on scenes without manually adjusting every lighting parameter. While this promises speed gains, the company has not clarified whether the AI lighting is deterministic or adaptive, nor whether its results are intended only for previs visuals or can be matched to real-world set lighting. Not independently verified at press time.

Previs Pro 3 is also available in a new free edition. It includes a limited feature set, capped at 10 projects and 10 shots per project, but otherwise provides access to the main toolset. Paid versions remain available via subscription. The monthly price is $39.99, the yearly price is $179.99, and the lifetime price is $399.99.

The free edition is clearly targeted at students, hobbyists, or independent filmmakers who want to test the app without committing to a subscription. Its hard cap of 10 shots per project limits its usefulness for larger productions, where shot counts quickly run into the hundreds. The Pro tier removes these restrictions and adds unlimited projects, making it the only practical option for professional workflows.

Availability

Previs Pro runs exclusively on iPadOS. The app is distributed via the Apple App Store. No desktop or Android versions have been announced.

The rest of the toolset

Beyond the new features in version 3, Previs Pro’s core workflow remains unchanged. The app lets filmmakers build storyboards and previs sequences by combining 3D characters, props, and environments inside a touch-driven interface. It supports augmented reality (AR) location scouting, enabling users to preview shots on real-world sets using an iPad camera feed.

Previs Pro includes an asset library for characters, props, and vehicles, with pose controls and camera tools to define shot composition. Storyboards can be exported as images, PDFs, or video animatics for use in editing pipelines. For production planning, the app also provides tools to manage shot lists, camera metadata, and location data, making it possible to link previsualisation directly with scheduling and on-set reference.

As always, new tools should be tested carefully before relying on them in active productions.

The post Animatics, AI Lighting, and a Free Tier: Previs Pro 3 Expands Storyboarding on iPad first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Maxon One 2025 brings extensive new features to Cinema 4D, Redshift, Red Giant and Cineware. Of particular note is the introduction of ZBrush for iPad, which fully integrates touch control and Apple Pencil without limiting the performance of the desktop version.

Cinema 4D users will benefit from improved simulation capabilities, and Redshift offers new tools for controlling toon renderings and light refraction. However, each new feature should be tested carefully before use in current projects.

ZBrush for iPad

ZBrush for iPad allows artists to use the award-winning sculpting software on the go, modelling and painting their creations in real time. The mobile version includes many of the features of the desktop version, including over 200 digital sculpting brushes and a customisable user interface that makes working even more efficient. In addition, the latest iPad generation can handle meshes with up to 92 million polygons without compromising performance.

In addition, ZBrush for iPad offers the following functions:

• ZRemesher: Creates a new mesh with an even distribution of polygons while preserving the important details and texture of the surface.
• Sculptris Pro: Automatically adjusts the density of triangle meshes with each brush stroke, making modelling easier without technical limitations.
• DynaMesh: Retopologises the model during sculpting, allowing the digital “clay mass” to be stretched or enlarged without losing detail.
• Array Mesh: Enables real-time creation of duplicates of the geometry in different patterns and shapes.
• Dynamics System: Allows surfaces to be draped over other surfaces to create realistic effects.
• Live Boolean: Combines, subtracts or crosses different geometries to achieve unique results.
• PolyPaint: Facilitates simultaneous modelling and painting without the need to assign a texture map.

ZBrush for iPad is included in the Maxon One subscription or can be subscribed to separately. It offers artists full creative freedom on the go. A free version with limited functions is also available in the App Store. For beginners, ZBrush offers a free version with limited functions and 28 brushes. The paid version offers over 200 brushes and a comprehensive package of functions, which already has practically all the features known from ZBrush – minus a few little things that are to come soon.

ZRemesher, Live Booleans, Sculptris and Dynamesh are already included, ZModeller and the layer system will hopefully be coming soon.

Cinema 4D

Every Cinema 4D subscription renewal now includes Redshift GPU. Simulations and particle effects are easier to control with new tools (Art-Directable, as it is called in English). The Follow Spline modifier allows particles to be routed along vectors, which should please MoGraph people in particular. Finally run PArticles within the vector graphic!

Rigid Body simulations offer improved weight and force settings, while Pyro offers new ways to fine-tune visual effects. A new field driver tag lets you control procedural animations more precisely. Improvements in OCIO colour management ensure consistent colours and the exchange format supports integration with Substance 3D and USD workflows.

Redshift
Redshift 2025 enables GPU and CPU rendering, both photorealistic and stylised. Toon renderings have been enhanced with global contour options that allow precise control of lines and shading.

Brute force caustics allow you to detail light refractions through glass or gemstones. In addition, Redshift now offers procedural shaders as inputs for sprites and a new Volume Depth AOV pass for compositing clouds, smoke and explosions.

Red Giant
Red Giant 2025 brings new features to After Effects, including support for 3D objects and rigged animation features. Improvements to Particular Designer streamline preset handling and colour grading with the new Parametric Curve tool that can precisely control HDR video.

Cineware
Cineware 2025 improves Cinema 4D integration with After Effects and Unreal Engine. With performance optimisations and seamless integration, you can easily work between different host applications.

Capsules
Maxon Capsules expands its library with new scanned materials for Redshift. New additions include scans of outdoor materials such as rock and grass, as well as a large selection of plants from Laubwerk and textures for roof shingles from Fuchs & Vogel.

Maxon App
The Maxon App makes it easier to work on multiple computers by allowing you to quickly switch between licences without having to use the MyMaxon portal administration.

Prices and licences
Maxon One is available as a subscription. Prices vary depending on the chosen package and licence duration, but a monthly subscription of Maxon One costs €195 per month, an annual licence €1425. This package includes access to Cinema 4D, Redshift, Red Giant, ZBrush and other tools. Prices may vary slightly depending on VAT and any exchange rate adjustments. The ZBrush for iPad app is available in a free version with limited features; the full version can be purchased at any time.

Product documentation | Maxon

The post ZBrush for iPad and new updates for Cinema 4D first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.