- Post production is the final phase in film and program creation in which footage is edited, music and sound are mixed, and visual effects are incorporated.
- Some career options in post production include video editor and production coordinator.
- To get a career in post production, you will need to gain experience and build a portfolio of your work.
There are many professionals who play a crucial role in the post production of a film. Editors, sound designers, foley artists, and colorists are among the professionals who make a living by working with motion pictures. If you’ve desired having a film career, post production is a great path to take. You’ll get to apply various skills including communication, attention to detail, organization, and creativity. So, what exactly is post production, who is involved, and what should you keep in mind before it starts? Let’s explore.
What Is Post Production In Filmmaking?
Post-production is the final stage of film and program creation where footage is edited, sounds are mixed, and visual effects are integrated. Many crucial creative decisions that contribute to a production’s memorability are made in the editing room. The post production process is where films truly come to life—or even get rescued from potential failure.
What To Expect From The Post Production Industry?
Post production is an excellent career choice for film enthusiasts and offers a challenging yet rewarding work life for those passionate about cinema. It can also serve as a strong stepping stone into related fields such as film production, music production, or even a full-time career as a YouTuber. It’s important to keep in mind that having a respectful attitude and a willingness to learn goes a long way. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and a readiness to perform your role can help you advance within the film industry.
How To Get Into Post Production
Post production involves curating and editing film projects before they are finalized. If this career path intrigues you, consider seeking a job in post-production. There are multiple steps you should consider taking along the way if you want a better chance at landing a post production job.
1. Get A Degree
While not required, you should consider pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a college or university. An associate degree program offers hands-on education and traditional coursework (in-person or online) focusing on the fundamentals of post-production practices and software. A bachelor’s degree provides a more extensive education, covering theories, strategies, software, practices, and history over a four-year period. Majors include film, video, photography, screenwriting, and more. A degree will help you gain valuable insight and build connections from within the industry.
2. Start Getting Experience
Gaining experience while in college can be highly beneficial. Consider applying for an internship, as it can help you build a network that may assist you in finding a job after graduation. If you’re looking for options beyond an internship, freelancing is another avenue to explore. This allows you to apply what you’re learning in your courses while also potentially earning extra income. As with any career, you can’t work your way up the ladder without gaining experience!
3. Build A Portfolio Of Work
Creating your portfolio before graduating college can enhance your job search success. You can include coursework that you’re proud of, as well as personal projects you’ve completed outside of school. If you’re interning, consider asking your manager if you can showcase the work you’ve done there in your portfolio. Additionally, any freelance projects can also be included to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Your portfolio of work can help you stand out against other applicants.
4. Learn Post Production Departments And Roles
Before applying for post production jobs, take some time to identify the post production department you want to work in while considering your interests and skills. It would be advantageous to learn all of the post production job roles while pursuing your career in film but start with what interests you the most.
Production
In production, you’ll work directly with clients, updating them on the progress of post-production. You’ll also be responsible for creating and managing the workflow timeline for your team. This is a good path for those who are good team players and have a good eye for the overall product of a film.
Sound
In sound, your role involves selecting sound effects that fit the project. You’ll also be responsible for incorporating music and voice-over elements during the post production process. This is a good path for those who have a great ear and know what sounds fit well with the specific project.
Colorist
The role of a colorist focuses on ensuring the image appears exactly as intended or creating the intended emotion. The Colorist collaborates with the director (and occasionally the Director of Photography) to ensure that the overall color palettes align with their vision. Responsibilities include applying stylized grades, as well as basic white balance and color correction, to maintain visual style and continuity throughout each scene.
Visual Effects
Visual effects artists are tasked with creating the computer-generated imagery (CGI) featured in films. Their work can vary from basic effects, like adding text, to more intricate tasks, such as designing fully animated characters. To excel in this role, visual effects artists must be proficient in software like Maya, Nuke, or Houdini.
Editing
In editing, your main responsibility is to review all the footage or audio, make cuts, and address any technical issues. Being skilled in editing software can significantly enhance your success in this role. With the rise in content creation, this field is quite competitive as many people have become experts at editing.
5. Network, Network, Network
Networking with professionals in the film industry allows you to build relationships with others in similar roles. Cultivating these connections can open up new opportunities for you to explore and advance your career in post production. While taking the proper steps like gaining experience and getting a degree are important, it’s just as important to build a positive reputation among other like-minded people.
6. Keep Learning
If you want to set yourself apart, continue to learn more about the film industry. Try practicing your skills between jobs to enhance your post-production abilities. You can do this at home if you have the right equipment, or you can take online or in-person classes to expand your existing skills or learn something new. Reading industry related articles and news is another great way to stay on top of the industry.
Who Typically Hires For Post Production Jobs?
Film studios, media companies, agencies, and individual projects are the ones who hire others for their post-production needs. They either have an in-house post production team, hire each role on a freelance basis, or outsource to a fully staffed post-production company or “house”. Keep an eye on the film studios that you would like to work for to see if they post any new jobs. You can also look for post production jobs on sites like Indeed and LinkedIn.
Types Of Jobs Available In Post Production
Production roles are the backbone of the film industry, and those who have post production jobs are truly the unsung heroes of entertainment. There are many careers within post production to choose from and all of them have their own skill sets and requirements. If you’re interested in a career in this field, consider one of the following options.
Production Assistant
A production assistant, commonly known as a PA, typically works on movies and television shows. Their tasks are varied, ranging from assisting with catering to helping move equipment. Administrative duties are also part of the role, such as answering phones, operating copiers and faxes, and running errands for the production team. Additionally, they play a key role in making sure actors arrive on time for hair, makeup, and costume fittings. Identifying potential challenges and communicating these issues to the team to facilitate problem-solving is also included in this role.
Video Editor
Video editors do much more than just cut footage; they are essential to the art of storytelling. Collaborating closely with the director and cinematographer, editors transform raw footage into a cohesive narrative through precise cuts and thoughtful arrangement. Their work involves more than just assembling clips; they establish the tone, pacing, and structure of scenes. The work of a skilled editor often goes unnoticed, yet this subtle craft is crucial as it shapes the overall impact of the final product.
Production Coordinator
Post production coordinators operate in the motion picture, television, advertising, and radio industries, serving as liaisons between key personnel and various departments. Their responsibilities include scheduling meetings, preparing paperwork, and organizing workflows to ensure that all deadlines are met. Coordinators also manage and track all source material, audio, film elements, and production assets. Those employed by television and film studios typically enjoy greater stability than freelancers who move from project to project.
Film Colorist / Color Grader
Film Colorists are experts in color design and the enhancement of motion pictures during post production. They possess current knowledge in both creative and technical image manipulation, along with an awareness of contemporary and historical color trends and styles. They understand narrative elements and have a keen sense of dramaturgy. Additionally, they are familiar with film production workflows and the processes of various departments, such as production design, costume, and makeup.
Sound Engineer
Audio engineers, also known as sound engineers, are responsible for creating new sounds, recording voices, and mixing audio to ensure everything blends seamlessly. They ensure that an actor’s voice aligns with their dialogue during post production. The post-production industry encompasses television, film, video games, and commercials. An audio engineer utilizes software to mix and master audio tracks, as well as to incorporate additional sound effects. If they’re working without an assistant, setting up equipment for a project may also be part of their core responsibilities.
VFX Artist
A visual effects artist, commonly known as a VFX artist, plays a vital role in the filmmaking process. They create and integrate computer-generated imagery (CGI) into live-action footage, making it essential for films where capturing certain scenes with traditional methods is impractical or impossible. VFX artists collaborate closely with the director and production team to enhance the film’s visual narrative, enabling filmmakers to achieve effects that wouldn’t be possible on set.
Lightning Technician
As a lighting technician, you’ll be involved in various types of productions, both in studios and on location. Your role will be to help create the right atmosphere to enhance scenes and elicit responses from the audience. Typically, you’ll work as part of a team, as the job often involves heavy lifting and positioning lights at heights. While setting up lights, switching them during production, and managing cables, it’s essential to remain aware of health and safety regulations.
About Boiling Point Media
As a fresh film production and visual effects studio based in Oklahoma City, Boiling Point is the go-to place for filmmaking, cutting-edge film technology, and virtual production. We enjoy collaborating with passionate individuals and projects, fostering strong relationships, and empowering emerging artists to gain valuable experience and develop their skills. We also help businesses cut through the noise to connect with our advertising agency. From initial design concepts to full-scale custom development, and all the marketing and brand support you’ll ever need, you WILL reach that boiling point with our wide range of services!
Learn more about Boiling Point Media by getting familiar with our company and the films we’ve produced. Along with film, check out the marketing services we provide through our advertising, marketing, and production agency. Reach out by filling out the contact form, seeing us in person, or sending a message online.
Contact Boiling Point
Contact Boiling Point Media today to learn more about how to get a job in film post production.
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