Post-Production completes the magic

Lights, camera, and action are over. It's Post-Production time. Hopefully you got through your per scene shot sheet. Everything is in place and ready to edit. Soon you will be able to truly FADE OUT on the entire production process and gently ease into the business of filmmaking.

During Pre-Production you should have either selected your editor or at least have it down to a few to choose from once production is through. I would recommend having the editor in place prior to production. Why? For me, it's another set of eyes on the script and my shot sheet. Who knows, the editor may come up with a great shot idea for a cut.

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Also, I have the music score person already selected. They of course read the script and start getting ideas. We then go over the script, and I give them my ideas for the type of score I want for particular scenes and for the whole film in general. I want them to understand the mood and feel of the movie.

Here are a few things to consider during and on completion of Post-Production: Make sure to copyright the movie, have your credit list ready for the editor, do a title search, make sure your final script matches the actual movie scenes and dialogue, make two final masters; one with a mixed soundtrack and dialogue and the other with soundtrack and dialogue separate...etc.

There are many ways you can work with your editor. I like being involved in the editing. I know the scene order, which shots came out best by camera and acting. No reason for the editor to go through bad takes.

Just like working with the cameraman, I give the editor as much information as I can. I want to make sure they know what I really want. Then I ask them to make it better. Improve on my ideas or come up with ones I haven't considered.

Again we are back to allowing your department heads to have input into the total creativity process. Giving them more than a job. In fact, giving them ownership.

Post-Production can be a very scary time. You feel great when scenes smoothly come together and not so great when the scene looks just fine, but one more angle would have made it special. Damn!

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