Post-production is the final stage of film/video production where all the captured footage, audio, and effects are refined and combined to create the polished final product. It is often the longest phase of production, as it requires detailed editing, sound design, color correction, and visual effects.
Key Stages of Post-Production
1. Ingesting & Organizing
Raw footage is transferred from cameras to secure storage.
Editors organize clips, audio, and metadata into structured folders.
2. Video Editing
Cutting and arranging clips to form the narrative.
Adding transitions, titles, and visual pacing.
Rough Cut → Fine Cut → Final Cut.
3. Sound Editing & Mixing
Removing unwanted noise.
Syncing dialogue and ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement).
Adding Foley (footstep, door creak, ambient sounds).
Background score and sound effects are layered.
Final sound mix balances dialogue, music, and effects.
4. Color Correction & Grading
Correction: Ensures all shots match in brightness, contrast, and color.
Grading: Adds a creative look or mood (e.g., warm, dark, cinematic tones).
5. Visual Effects (VFX)
Adding CGI, animations, green screen compositing, explosions, or digital set extensions.
6. Motion Graphics & Titles
Intro sequences, lower thirds, credits, and animated text.
7. Final Rendering & Export
The finished film is exported in the required formats (Cinema DCP, TV broadcast, YouTube, OTT streaming, etc.).
8. Distribution Prep
Subtitles, dubbing, and closed captions.
Different versions for cinema, TV, and online.