Post-production: History and Key Facts

Post-production, also known simply as post, is part of the process of filmmaking, video production, audio production, and photography. Post-production includes all stages of production occurring after principal photography or recording individual program segments. Contrary to the name, however, post-production may occur at any point during the recording and production process.

The traditional first part of the post-production process, non-linear (analog) film editing, has mostly been replaced by digital or video editing software, which operates as a non-linear editing (NLE) system. The advantage of non-linear editing is the ability to edit scenes out of order, thereby making creative changes at will. This flexibility facilitates carefully shaping the film in a thoughtful, meaningful way for emotional effect.

Once the production team is satisfied with the picture editing, the editing is said to be locked. At this point, the turnover process begins, in which the picture is prepared for lab and color finishing, and the sound is spotted and turned over to the composer and sound designers for sound design, composing, and sound mixing.

Laypersons unfamiliar with post-production are often frustrated to discover that an eagerly awaited film shooting right now will not be released until several months or years in the future. Post-production work requires anywhere from six months for a small film to over a year for a film laden with visual effects.

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