Video Production - Stage 3: Post-Production

During the editing phase, the client’s role is to ensure that the ‘story’ be told correctly, and not too carry the burden of making creative decisions.

By the time the video reaches post-production, it is too late to change ideas about how you want certain elements within the video portrayed. Changes to the script or existing footage may lead to extra filming or recording requirements, all of which delay production and inflate the video production cost.

Further to this, it is important that the client have rough edits signed off at each step within the post-production phase.

For the recording of the voice over, the client should be present to check all technicalities in the script. Leaving these kinds of elements up to the director or engineer's discretion may lead to mistakes and inflated costs.

The editor will make a rough-cut of visuals and voice-overs in sync, but will be devoid of all effects and techniques, colour matching and graphics. The music that a director intends on using may also be included.

The choice of music is based on certain criteria: relevant to the type of production, providing value to the video and not overshadowing the voice artist.

A good editor draws the viewer into the story of the video while the viewer is oblivious to the editing component. It is this kind of skill in the craft that takes editing to the level of an unobtrusive art form.