There's a common misconception about the filmmaking process. Often, people imagine that most films are completed in front of a camera. However, in reality, most films aren't made on set but in the editing room on a computer screen.
The filmmaking process has three stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. During pre-production, the focus is on planning the “hows,” specifically how production is going to create the assets (digital files such as video files and audio files) for the post-production stage. The production stage is where the assets, like video footage and dialogue, are recorded. Once everything is recorded, the production sends the assets to editors, who combine and refine the captured assets into a completed film.
But just how important is the post-production phase? Can’t you just capture exactly what you need in production? Let's discuss.
What is the purpose of post-production?
The post-production stage is more than rearranging clips and adjusting sound levels. Video editors are storytellers. They construct the film's narrative flow, its tone, its pacing and even its thematic message. They are the ones physically constructing the film, and although they have the script and director's vision as blueprints, they also have to make many creative decisions themselves. So, while the post-production stage is important because it's the stage where everything is tied up together, it's also the stage where the narrative is finalized.
The key stages of post-production
Footage arrangement
The first step in post-production is creating the film's first rough cut. Essentially, to make the rough cut, the editor goes through the footage, takes all the best takes and arranges them together. It will be rough around the edges, but it will lay down the structure of the video. From there, the editor refines the rough cut into the final cut. They focus on the pacing and the narrative flow and remove the last bit of unnecessary footage from the cut.
Sound design
Sound design in filmmaking is the process of creating the audio and soundtrack for the needs of the film. This involves everything from balancing dialogue audio levels to adding background music to set the tone or incorporating voice-overs into the final cut. Effective sound design has the power to both immerse viewers into films and make them feel specific emotions. For example, the classic American thriller "Jaws" (1975) instills approaching danger, manipulating the audience's emotions to feel genuine fear with its iconic soundtrack.
Text graphics
Whether introducing the film's title or running its credits, editors will add titles with graphics whenever appropriate. Adding text graphics is an important step because it can add context without having to spend time narratively providing that context. Typically, documentaries will use more text graphics throughout the project, such as introducing those being interviewed. However, cinematic films can use text graphics, too, like showing an SMS conversation between two characters.
Exporting
Once the film's all together, the editing team will render and export the film from the post-production software. Exporting is the process of putting a completed film into a specific file format. The format chosen will depend on where the film will be viewed. Editors will export films meant for theaters and films meant for YouTube differently. Favorite file formats among editors include MP4, AVI and MOV.
The tools needed in post-production
Editing device
In the early days of video editing, editing equipment was extremely expensive and required specifically trained editors to use the equipment. Over time, as cameras digitized the filming process, the editing process became digital as well. Anyone with a desktop, a laptop or even a mobile device can edit video. Now, the editing device needed will depend on the project's parameters. For example, it currently isn't realistic to edit an A-list film on a smartphone. But editing a YouTube video or a low-budget film on your phone is possible and, oftentimes, the go-to for many filmmakers today.
Ultimately, whatever device is used will need access to some kind of video editing software.
Video editing software
Like editing devices, productions will require different video editing software depending on the scope of the project. Professional Hollywood productions have been known to use Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. These are paid options and offer advanced editing tools. However, there are more novice- and beginner-friendly options for smaller productions or social media videos. Some are even free.
Storage
Video files take up a lot of storage. Thankfully, editors have a few options to choose from when storing their files. Most commonly, editors will use high-speed external storage (like SSDs) to store their files, as opposed to storing footage directly on their editing device. This helps ensure a smooth editing experience. Recently, more and more online cloud storage solutions have popped up. Cloud storage allows editors to store their files online and access them from anywhere with an internet signal. Additionally, others can access the files as well. This approach is massive for collaboration, especially on projects with big crews and remote collaborators.
How video editing impacts social and behavior change communication videos
Post-production is the critical phase of the filmmaking process. But beyond cinema, the post-production process significantly influences how messages are received and acted upon by audiences. By crafting a compelling narrative, editors can create videos that can effectively teach viewers and leave a lasting impact on them.
In this digital age, where videos are a primary medium for communication, the role of post-production has never been more important. Whether it's for education, entertainment or advocacy, the post-production process ensures that every video has the potential to be impactful and, ultimately, transformative.
