Post Production Management
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Film Production Management course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Avid #
Avid is a digital audio and video editing system used in post-production to edit and finish films, television shows, and other media. Related terms include Avid Media Composer, Avid Pro Tools, and Avid DS. In the context of post-production management, Avid is used for offline editing, where the editor assembles the footage into a rough cut.
Batch Capture #
Batch capture is a process used in post-production to capture multiple clips or footage from a tape or other source into a computer system. This is typically done using an edit decision list, which specifies the in and out points for each clip. Batch capture is an essential step in the post-production workflow, as it allows editors to work with the footage in a more efficient manner.
Color Correction #
Color correction is the process of adjusting the color and brightness of footage to achieve a consistent look and feel. This can include adjusting the exposure, contrast, and color balance of the footage. Color correction is an essential step in post-production, as it helps to create a cohesive visual style and mood for the film or television show.
Color Grading #
Color grading is the process of creative color manipulation to enhance the mood and atmosphere of a film or television show. This can include adding warm or cool tones to the footage, or creating a specific color palette to match the director's vision. Color grading is a key aspect of post-production, as it helps to create a unique and visually stunning look for the film or television show.
Compression #
Compression is the process of reducing the size of digital files, such as video or audio files, to make them more manageable and easier to store. This can include using lossy or lossless compression algorithms, which reduce the file size by discarding or preserving the data. Compression is an essential step in post-production, as it helps to reduce the storage requirements and make the files more easily transferable.
Cut List #
A cut list is a document that outlines the edits made to a film or television show, including the in and out points for each clip. This document is used to communicate the editor's vision to the rest of the post-production team, and to ensure that the final cut is accurate and consistent. The cut list is an essential tool in post-production management, as it helps to track the progress of the edit and ensure that the final product meets the director's vision.
Data Management #
Data management is the process of organizing, storing, and retrieving digital data, such as video and audio files, in a post-production environment. This can include using digital asset management systems, such as Shotgun or Aspera, to track and manage the data. Data management is an essential aspect of post-production, as it helps to ensure that the data is secure, accessible, and easily retrievable.
DIT #
A DIT, or digital imaging technician, is responsible for managing the digital workflow on set, including monitoring the camera settings, checking the footage, and ensuring that the data is properly backed up and stored. The DIT plays a critical role in post-production, as they help to ensure that the footage is properly captured and managed, and that the data is secure and easily retrievable.
DPX #
DPX is a file format used to store digital images, such as film scans or digital camera footage. DPX files are typically used in post-production to store and manage the footage, and can be easily imported into editing systems such as Avid or Blackmagic Design. DPX is an essential file format in post-production, as it provides a high-quality and flexible way to store and manage digital images.
Edit Decision List #
An edit decision list, or EDL, is a document that outlines the edits made to a film or television show, including the in and out points for each clip. This document is used to communicate the editor's vision to the rest of the post-production team, and to ensure that the final cut is accurate and consistent. The EDL is an essential tool in post-production management, as it helps to track the progress of the edit and ensure that the final product meets the director's vision.
Film Scan #
A film scan is the process of digitizing film footage, such as 35mm or 16mm film, into a digital format. This can include using film scanners, such as the Blackmagic Design Cintel, to scan the film and create a digital file. Film scans are an essential step in post-production, as they provide a high-quality digital version of the footage that can be easily edited and manipulated.
Final Cut #
The final cut is the final version of a film or television show, after all the edits have been made and the footage has been locked. This version is typically approved by the director and producer, and is used as the basis for the final delivery format, such as a DCP or HD master. The final cut is an essential milestone in post-production, as it marks the completion of the editing process and the creation of the final product.
HD #
HD, or high definition, refers to a digital video format that has a higher resolution and quality than standard definition video. HD is typically used in post-production to create a high-quality final product, and can include formats such as HDV, XDCAM, or ProRes. HD is an essential aspect of post-production, as it provides a high-quality and detailed image that can be easily edited and manipulated.
ISO #
ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, is a organization that sets standards for digital media, including video and audio formats. ISO standards are widely used in post-production, as they provide a common language and framework for working with digital media. ISO is an essential aspect of post-production, as it helps to ensure that the digital media is compatible and can be easily exchanged between different systems and platforms.
LTO #
LTO, or Linear Tape-Open, is a data storage format used to store and archive digital data, such as video and audio files. LTO tapes are widely used in post-production, as they provide a secure and reliable way to store and archive large amounts of data. LTO is an essential aspect of post-production, as it helps to ensure that the data is secure and can be easily retrieved and restored.
Media Management #
Media management is the process of organizing, storing, and retrieving digital media, such as video and audio files, in a post-production environment. This can include using media asset management systems, such as Shotgun or Aspera, to track and manage the media. Media management is an essential aspect of post-production, as it helps to ensure that the media is secure, accessible, and easily retrievable.
Metadata #
Metadata is information that is attached to digital media, such as video and audio files, to provide context and description. This can include information such as the filename, date created, and description of the media. Metadata is an essential aspect of post-production, as it helps to provide a clear and concise description of the media and makes it easier to search and retrieve.
Offline Editing #
Offline editing is the process of editing a film or television show using a low-resolution version of the footage, typically in a non-linear editing system such as Avid or Adobe Premiere. This allows the editor to create a rough cut of the film without having to work with the full-resolution footage. Offline editing is an essential step in post-production, as it helps to create a rough cut of the film and allows the editor to experiment with different editing styles and techniques.
Online Editing #
Online editing is the process of editing a film or television show using the full-resolution footage, typically in a non-linear editing system such as Avid or Blackmagic Design. This allows the editor to create a final cut of the film, with all the edits and effects in place. Online editing is an essential step in post-production, as it helps to create the final cut of the film and prepares it for delivery.
Post #
Production: Post-production is the process of editing, visual effects, and sound design that occurs after the filming of a movie or television show. This can include tasks such as editing, color correction, and sound mixing, and is typically overseen by a post-production supervisor or producer. Post-production is an essential aspect of film and television production, as it helps to create the final product and prepare it for delivery.
Pre #
Production: Pre-production is the process of planning and preparation that occurs before the filming of a movie or television show. This can include tasks such as scriptwriting, storyboarding, and location scouting, and is typically overseen by a producer or production manager. Pre-production is an essential aspect of film and television production, as it helps to plan and prepare for the filming process.
ProRes #
ProRes is a video codec developed by Apple, used to compress and store digital video footage. ProRes is widely used in post-production, as it provides a high-quality and flexible way to store and manage digital video footage. ProRes is an essential aspect of post-production, as it helps to reduce the file size and make the footage more manageable and easier to edit.
Proxy #
A proxy is a low-resolution version of a video or audio file, used to represent the full-resolution file in an editing system. Proxies are typically used in offline editing, where the editor can create a rough cut of the film without having to work with the full-resolution footage. Proxies are an essential tool in post-production, as they help to reduce the file size and make the footage more manageable and easier to edit.
RAID #
RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a data storage system used to store and manage digital data, such as video and audio files. RAID systems are widely used in post-production, as they provide a secure and reliable way to store and manage large amounts of data. RAID is an essential aspect of post-production, as it helps to ensure that the data is secure and can be easily retrieved and restored.
Sound Design #
Sound design is the process of creating and editing the audio elements of a film or television show, including the dialogue, music, and sound effects. This can include tasks such as foley recording, sound mixing, and audio editing, and is typically overseen by a sound designer or audio engineer. Sound design is an essential aspect of post-production, as it helps to create a rich and immersive audio environment that enhances the overall viewing experience.
Storyboard #
A storyboard is a visual representation of a film or television show, typically created during pre-production to plan and visualize the filming process. This can include sketches or drawings of the scenes, as well as notes and descriptions of the action and dialogue. Storyboards are an essential tool in post-production, as they help to plan and visualize the filming process and ensure that the final product meets the director's vision.
Visual Effects #
Visual effects, or VFX, is the process of creating and editing the visual elements of a film or television show, including the CGI, compositing, and animation. This can include tasks such as 3D modeling, texture mapping, and rendering, and is typically overseen by a visual effects supervisor or artist. Visual effects are an essential aspect of post-production, as they help to create a rich and immersive visual environment that enhances the overall viewing experience.
XDCAM #
XDCAM is a digital video format developed by Sony, used to capture and store digital video footage. XDCAM is widely used in post-production, as it provides a high-quality and flexible way to store and manage digital video footage. XDCAM is an essential aspect of post-production, as it helps to reduce the file size and make the footage more manageable and easier to edit.