What to approve before final CGI rendering

The best time to change a CGI project is before the final render. A structured approval process catches the important decisions while they are still easy to adjust: first the object and the idea, then the camera and movement, then the finish.

Why does approval order matter?

Final-quality rendering turns scene data into finished frames. At that point, a small-looking change can affect many shots or require a sequence to be rendered again. The earlier previews are there to move decisions upstream, when the team can still respond without discarding finished work.

The order should follow dependency. There is little value polishing reflections on a product whose geometry is still changing. Colour grading cannot rescue a camera move that hides the feature the film needs to explain.

1. Check geometry, labels and product accuracy

Start with the facts. Does the silhouette match the approved design? Are seams, buttons, ports and moving parts present? Is the current packaging artwork in place? Are logos, labels and small printed details facing the right way?

Review against drawings or product reference, not memory. If the supplied CAD has changed, issue a clearly named revision and explain what moved. A marked-up frame is often faster than a paragraph when one detail is wrong.

2. Approve materials under representative lighting

Material colour is only part of the decision. Gloss, roughness, transparency, texture scale and the way edges catch light all affect what a surface appears to be. Paint, glass, rubber and brushed metal need different evidence in the frame.

Ask to see important finishes in the lighting the final shot will use. A neutral material test can help with accuracy, but the campaign image still needs its own approval. The McLaren 720S study demonstrates how paint, glass and reflected environment work together across automotive images.

3. Review lighting for hierarchy as well as beauty

Lighting should direct attention. Check that the defining shape reads, the key feature is clear and dark materials retain enough separation from the background. If a reflection is attractive but obscures a logo or control, it is not helping the shot.

Consistency matters across a sequence, but consistency does not mean every angle uses an identical rig. Lights may need to move with the camera so that form remains legible.

4. Lock the camera and composition

Confirm focal length, angle, movement and framing before final output. Look at the shot in every required aspect ratio, with any proposed type or interface elements visible. A composition can feel balanced on a clean preview and cramped as soon as campaign copy arrives.

For animation, review the edit as an edit. Watch it at normal speed, with the intended soundtrack if one exists. Individual frames can be beautiful while the overall sequence feels slow, hurried or repetitive.

5. Approve animation and simulation in motion

Low-resolution previews are designed for timing decisions. Check when each action begins, where the eye is meant to go, whether mechanical movement feels intentional and whether simulated motion supports the idea rather than distracting from it.

Simulation usually needs a clear approval point because late changes can alter the behaviour through the whole shot. Judge the shape and timing first; fine surface detail and compositing come later. Read when simulation earns its place in CGI for a fuller explanation.

6. Place typography and graphics before the master is finished

Supply final copy as early as possible. Confirm spelling, legal lines, logo versions, safe areas and the time text needs to be read. If graphics will be added elsewhere, share a guide frame so the CGI composition leaves the right space.

Check clean versions too. Removing type can expose an empty composition that needs a different crop or camera.

7. Confirm the delivery specification

Final approval includes the files, not only the picture. Confirm resolution, frame rate, duration, colour handling, compression, audio, still formats, transparency where needed and the naming of each version.

A master, social cut-down and presentation file may need different output settings. Write the delivery list down and tick it off. Memory is a poor version-control system.

Put the plan into practice

1. Define the outputList the shots, formats and uses before deciding how much to build.
2. Agree the reviewsSeparate the look, movement and final delivery checks.
3. Keep the assets usefulPlan variations and future versions before the final render.

CGI approval FAQs

What is the last sensible point for a camera change?

Before final-quality rendering. The exact point varies by project, but camera and timing should normally be locked in an animation or layout review.

Should every stakeholder review every stage?

Only when they are responsible for that decision. Product specialists may need to verify accuracy early; brand and campaign teams may be more involved in direction, graphics and final finish.

What makes feedback actionable?

Name the shot and frame, describe what is wrong, explain the intended result and consolidate comments into one agreed response.

Need an approval plan built into the schedule? Talk to KUBIK about the project.