After principal photography, the next stage of production is known as the post-production stage, most notably this stage involves the entire editing process (which includes several stages alone).
The workflow type described here will refer to digital editing, not the traditional editing technique (cutting and splicing film manually).The digital revolution has changed the post-production process immensely and has opened up new alternatives and changed the order of the entire post-production process. Never before has editing film or video been less time consuming, more affordable, and less cumbersome.
Most major film studios shoot footage using film cameras and then edit the footage with a computer, a process called Telecine. After the raw film is processed and developed, it’s digitized (scanned into digital bits) and then captured into an editing software system, such as Final Cut Pro or Avid. With video, the process is simpler and quicker and is simply captured into the editing system from the tape or device in which it was initially recorded on.
Capturing and File Management
Whether the footage is digitized from film or video, capturing and digitizing footage into a computer is the first stage of the post-production process. Because audio may be captured independently from video, the process for capturing and file management varies.
The audio is synced to the images for editing. (Images are usually kept in separate folders from the audio files.) It is always wise to keep film/video and audio labeled and organized accordingly, both during principal photography and during post-production.
During production, create an ordered list of each take and shot of the film/video and audio, by recording the timecodes (video) or frames (film) of the takes and/or the reel or tape number. Time referencing aids in editing, synchronization and identification of the files. Above all else, organization and file management will surely help you later!
During post-production, digitized images are labeled accordingly, marking timecodes and reel numbers for easy access. Plus, sound files, such as foley effects or music should be labeled for easy access. Once the footage is captured, labeled, and stored in the right folders, the editing process may begin.
Editing
To reduce time restraints and overload, the editor is usually already on board and working off the dailies while the production is in principal photography.
The first stage of the editing process is known as the rough cut. The rough cut consists of images taken from the best shots from each scene, all arranged in consecutive order, with a coherent timeline based on the narrative. The shots may include master shots, medium shots, and close ups--whichever was shot based on the shot list. The rough cut is usually much lengthier than the final cut, but serves as a sketch as to how the narrative will flow.
The next stage is known as the fine cut. During this stage, the editor goes back and trims (a process called trimming) each scene by seconds or even frames. The fine cut should flow seamlessly, between images or shots. After this stage and after the director and/or producer have approved the fine cut, the film/ video is locked, meaning no more changes are made and the film/ video is ready to move to the sound editor, foley artist(s) and music composer.
Keep in mind, each of these editing stages may take several steps alone just to perfect the fine cut. For instance, say the editor completes a fine cut, shows it to the director, who requests changes. After completing those changes, it is then shown, this time to a producer, who wants other changes made. Thus the process goes back and forth until all parties are satisfied. This may ultimately be a very grueling and time consuming process and often causes many disagreements; therefore it is imperative that the director and editor form a great working relationship.
After the film is locked, an edit decision list (aka EDL) is created. The EDL may either be a text document or generated by the editing software itself and is used as a reference to the image’s source - reels (in film) or disk storage (video).
Sound
Once the image is completed, the supervising sound editor oversees the entire process of mastering of the sound. Various audio crew members and/or perhaps sound studios are hired to work on one or all of these stages: sound, mixing, and composing.
Besides sound clips being synced with the images, this is also the stage when, if any audio problems occurred during production, actors are called in for voice recordings in a studio, a process known as automated dialogue replacement (ADR) (aka. post-synchronized dialogue).
To synchronize vocals, the actors are placed before a projection of the image while their voice is recorded and lip synced to the image. This is also the stage when foley artist or sound effects from a sound effects library is mixed. Then, background and location noise is added. If any needed, sound filters, such as audio compressors, are added to any of the audio files.
After all the audio files have been independently mastered, the dialogue, sound effects, and background/ location noise are placed on separate tracks: one for dialogue and the other for sound effects and/or background noise.
Next (or independently from the other audio stages), the music composer writes and orchestrates a custom-orchestrated soundtrack. This is a different crew altogether and often times is a different studio. (Musical scoring may actually be developed before principal photography begins.
Such was the case with “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977). ) The musical soundtrack is recorded and stored on a separate track apart from the other audio tracks. This is so that the dialogue may be dubbed into different languages for international distribution, without interfering with the music soundtrack.
Visual Effects
If any visual effects are needed, such as computer generated imagery, a visual effects artist or visual effects studio is hired for this step. This step may be performed independently or once the film is edited, depending on the effects needed. Visual effects are not only a post-production procedure or technique, they must be well planned before principal photography begins and are considered during principal photography.
Color Grading
This is a time consuming process which may take several steps until each shot is consistent (in the past it was more time consuming since the film had to be photo-chemically treated.). Color grading, also known as color correction, is a technique that ensures the color and brightness of the film is consistent throughout the entire project. With film today, this process may be completed by professionals called colorists, either just before the raw footage is digitized or digitally on a computer.
Film Credits
Open/ End Credits are added, specified from the billing (a list incorporating the film’s title, key crew members (e.g. director/ DP/ producer) and actors, and arranged in the order at which they appear during the credits). This may be done by a separate individual and/or company that specifically focuses on creating credits.
Final Stages
In film, the answer print (the first version of the film) is created from combining the final image with the final soundtrack and a master copy is produced. This is the version that gives the filmmakers an idea as to the timing of scenes and how the narrative flows. Another answer print will be made until the film is satisfactory. (Answer print is so called because the printed version needs an ‘answer’ from the producers before being accepted.)
For digital video and/or small budgets, this stage may involve a simple DVD or tape for viewing until all parties are satisfied with the final version.
Usually, several test screenings or pre-release screenings are arranged for audiences to view the answer print. Due to audiences’ opinions and ideas, the director may decide to make more changes if necessary.
In film, the final answer print is turned into an internegative which is then turned into the positive release print. In video, the final answer print is used to create a master copy from an interpositive.
Then, on to the next stage - distribution/ sales.
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