Stages of Documentary making - Part 3

image courtesy: mediacapital.in

Post-Production

Post production is organizing, cutting, coloring and editing the footage captured in production. Post-Production or editing  is the stage of production when the production team digs into the recorded video and audio footage and assembles it in accordance with the script. Graphics, music, sound effects, and visual effects are crafted and added, along with color correction, audio sweetening, and sound design and the promotion the masterpiece.

Major steps in post-production process are as follows:

Logging: This is the process in which the rushes or the visuals are transferred in to a hard disk or a system. The rushes are then categorized and stored. Categorization is done in a way the crew wish, eg. Camera1, camera2, Day1shots, Day2shots, close-ups, long shots, etc. This is done to make the editing easy and comfortable.

Locking the script: The final script is made with necessary add ups and improvements. There will not be a change in this script. The text for narration is also included in it.

Rough Cut: A rough cut of the film is done prior to the final editing. This is usually supervised by the assistant director. This rough cut video out will give us a rough view of the look and style of the documentary.

Sound recording: This process include the recording of all kinds of sounds needed. Recording of the narration is done here. The recording and design of background sound is also done in this stage.

Final editing and Mixing: Any drawbacks there are seen in the rough cut video will be nullified here in this stage of final editing. All necessary add ups will be placed in order. The shots will be arranged in the visual grammar. Better transitions are made. Coloring is done. Then the mixing of Natural sounds, Narration and the Background  music is done.

Then the output video will be exported for screening or publishing.

Distribution :This is the final stage, where the film is released to cinemas or, occasionally, directly to consumer media (DVD, VCD, VHS, Blu-ray) or direct download from a digital media provider. Press kits, posters, and other advertising materials are published, and the film is advertised and promoted. Most films are also promoted with their own special website separate from those of the production company or distributor. They may also participate in various film festivals all over the world.