Post production is one of the most important stages of production.
Post production is one of the most important stages of production.
So you�ve written, recorded and filmed your project. All the hard work must be nearly over, right? There�s only the post production process to get through now� but what does post production exactly involve?
Post production is where the footage recorded during the production stage is transformed into the final edit of your project. Post production editors work with the script to display the scenes recorded in the order that they�re in according to the script and storyline.
Other processes usually undertaken at the post production stage are inserting sound effects and background music into the project. Inserting these elements in the post production stage is important because during the production process it�s best to focus on the visuals, dialogue and acting as other sounds can always be added seamlessly to the project during post production.
Computer generated images (CGI) and some special effects (SFX) are created during the post production process. Some special effects like explosions and car crashes etc can be created during the production process, but visual effects are created during the digital post production process. More and more people are deciding to create their special effects during post production, not production as it gives the film maker more control and can come in at a lower cost.
Once you have completed the first draft of your project in post production, it�s time to show your project to a test audience. This is an important part of post production because you can gauge the audiences reactions to your project and change the film, TV show or advertisement accordingly. Perhaps the editing was slightly off in one part and did not have the intended effect upon the audience? Or maybe there was a sub plot that the test audience deemed superfluous to the rest of the film? Test screenings are important but it�s also important not to get caught up in the process of repeated test screenings. Getting caught up changing the film based on test audience screenings is often referred to as �post production hell�. There�s a fine line between necessary and useful post production and �post production hell�.
Once you have a final edit that you are happy with there is still more to organise in the post production process. Scheduling publicity events, creating promotional material, drawing up contracts with distributors are all part of the final stages of post production. Post production is also when your project is produced in different formats like DVD and supplementary media are created (eg soundtrack albums).
