Navigating the world of post production

Essentially, you’re the client, and the post house is your service provider, handling everything from booking suites to finalizing the post.

When you kick off a new production, you’ll be introduced to a Post Producer. This person is your go-to for everything—booking the suites your editors need, scheduling final post sessions, and handling crucial tasks like exports and ingests. In short, they’re your lifeline.

Here’s a tip from the trenches: never underestimate the importance of a solid relationship with your Post Producer. While I won’t delve into the horror stories of what can happen when things go awry, let’s just say that a great Post Producer can be the difference between a smooth post process and a chaotic one. Keep your communication clear, positive, and regular. Whenever your schedule shifts or you need additional resources, they’re the person who can either make or break your post production experience.

Now, a quick reality check: you’re not their only client! Post houses juggle multiple productions, so it’s crucial to be mindful of their working hours and capacity. Unlike the endless hours you might be pulling with your Editors, Directors, and Production team, Post House staff like Colourists, Dubbing Mixers, and Online Editors typically work standard 8-hour days. The same goes for Edit Assistants and Post Producers. So, be sure to get your requests in during their working hours to avoid any bottlenecks.

Working with a post house is a fantastic way to keep everything under one roof, streamlining your production pipeline. Just remember, you’re sharing that roof with other clients, so being organized, communicative, and considerate goes a long way in ensuring your post production runs smoothly.

In conclusion, post houses offer a wealth of services that are invaluable to your production. By understanding their structure and respecting their workflow, you can maximize your post production experience and avoid unnecessary headaches. Happy posting!