Introduction: Stress-free post-production? What a naive idea!
We know that the idea of stress-free post-production may seem a little naive, especially if you've been through the process before. The reality is that unforeseen events, delays, and last-minute changes always arise. However, having a good schedule won't eliminate all stress, but it will make the process much smoother and more positive for the entire team. After all, the key is organization and flexibility .
In this guide, I'll show you how to structure the post-production of a 90-minute independent feature film. By following these recommendations, you'll be able to avoid many of the problems that usually arise and deliver your project on time, without having to tear your hair out along the way.
1. Main Photography and Dailies
Principal photography is where everything starts. On an independent project, this phase usually lasts between 18 and 30 days , depending on the number of locations, scenes, and complexity of the story. While you're at this stage, you'll want to have post-production planned out so that when the cameras stop rolling, the post-production team can get started right away.
Next comes the dailies , which is when the footage shot each day is processed for review. This process should take between 1-2 weeks , allowing the editing team to begin offline editing as soon as possible. Tip : The sooner you start offline editing, the better; don't wait until after shooting is finished before you start.
2. Second Unit Photography and Pick-ups
After reviewing your dailies, you may realize that you need to shoot some additional shots or correct details that didn't turn out the way you expected. This is when pick-ups or second unit photography come in. It's highly recommended to include a 1-week margin for this in your schedule, even if you don't think it will be necessary. It's better to be prepared, as having this phase scheduled will save you from potential interruptions at more critical stages of post-production.
3. Offline Editing: From Assembly to Picture Lock
Now we get into post-production. The Editor's Cut is the first complete assembly of the film, also called the assembly cut . Here, the editor puts together all the pieces of the shot material and builds the base story. This takes around 3-4 weeks , depending on the volume of footage and the narrative complexities.
Then we have the Director's Cut , where the director works hand-in-hand with the editor to shape the film according to their vision. This stage takes another 4 weeks , as the director will adjust pacing, tone, and other creative details.
The Producer’s Cut comes next. Here, the producers review the film with a more commercial eye. Their focus is not only on narrative, but also on commercial viability – length, pacing, and how the film will play in the marketplace. Tip : Learn the dynamics between the editor, director, and producer to estimate review and adjustment times. As the old saying goes, “You can’t rush art… Or can you?” This process typically takes 1 week .
Finally, we come to Picture Lock . While in theory it is the final cut where the edit is “locked down,” in practice there are always last-minute minor adjustments that come up. So, while Picture Lock is a nice intention, it always leaves room for changes. Don’t take it as something set in stone.
4. Editing Assistant Deliverables for Online Editing
Before you can move on to post-production, the editing assistant must prepare the necessary deliverables so that the rest of the post-production departments can begin their work. This includes online conform , which is when you start working with OCFs (Original Camera Files) instead of low-resolution proxies. This stage should not take more than 1 week , and is key to getting online editing started without delays.
5. Titles, Graphics and Visual Effects (VFX)
With the picture lock in place, it's time to add the titles and graphics . This includes the end credits and any other graphics that are needed. Depending on the complexity, this process can take anywhere from 1 week to 10 days .
VFX (visual effects) is another important aspect. If your project includes things like set extensions , screen replacements , or clean ups to remove visual errors, plan on 2-4 weeks for this stage. If the effects are more complex, adjust the schedule accordingly.
6. Online Conform: From Editing to Color Grading
Online conform is a crucial stage that converts the timeline from your editing software (like Premiere or Avid) into a format compatible with color correction software like DaVinci Resolve or Baselight . This is where you work with the original camera files (OCFs) in the highest quality. This process usually takes between 1-3 days , depending on the volume of material.
7. Color Correction: SDR vs. HDR
Once online editing is complete, the next step is color correction . This is where the colorist adjusts the tones, brightness, and contrast of each scene. A colorist typically colors between 2-4 minutes of film per day, so it’s crucial to keep this time in mind when planning your schedule.
If your project is SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) , the process will be quicker than if you're working in HDR (High Dynamic Range) . This is because HDR monitors can go up to 1000 nits of brightness, meaning colour sessions are shorter to protect the colourist's eyes. Therefore, an HDR project can take longer to complete, so make sure you factor this into your planning.
8. Test Screenings: Test Projections
Test screenings are a great way to get feedback before finalizing your project. They allow you to see how your audience responds and make adjustments before final delivery. Plan on 1-2 weeks for this phase, depending on how many tests you want to do and the time needed to make changes.
9. Sound Postproduction: Sound Design, Dialogue Editing, ADR and Final Mix
Sound is a critical aspect of any film. First comes sound design and dialogue editing , which takes 2-3 weeks . Here all ambient sound is adjusted, dialogue is cleaned up, and the soundscape is designed.
Then there is ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) . Although some sound problems are only discovered during post-production, an experienced professional can anticipate the need for ADR simply by reading the script. ADR takes between 1-2 weeks depending on the needs of the project.
Finally, we get to the final mix , where all the sound elements (dialogue, effects, music) are combined into the final mix. This should take between 1-2 weeks .
10. Music: Original vs. Licenses
If you are working with original music , the composition and recording process will take approximately 1 week . However, if you choose to use licensed music, it is essential that the music supervisor begins negotiating the rights from the shooting phase. This way, you avoid delays that may impact post-production.
11. Deliverables: DCPs, DCDM and Master Files
Once your film is ready, it’s time to create the deliverables . This includes the DCPs (Digital Cinema Packages) for theatrical releases, which can take 2-3 days . You’ll also need to generate the DCDM (Digital Cinema Distribution Master) , which serves as the master version from which the DCPs are made. Also, be sure to make an LTO archive copy of all critical files: OCFs, project files, VFX exports , and more. This will ensure that all of your footage is safe and available for the future.
12. Distribution and Archiving
The final stage is distribution. If your film is going to theaters, make sure the DCPs are ready and distributed ahead of time. If it will be released on OTT platforms (Netflix, Amazon, etc.), prepare the files according to the requirements of each platform. Also, plan a staggered schedule for release at festivals and other media.
Tips and Recommendations
Here are some key tips to optimize the process:
• Gantt Chart : Organize the stages in a Gantt chart to visualize the sequence and dependencies of each phase.
• Maintain fluid communication with your vendors : Make sure you are in contact with sound studios, VFX and other suppliers to define realistic delivery times.
• Managing expectations : Be clear with the team about expectations and actual times to avoid misunderstandings and surprises.
• Plan time buffers : Include time margins to cushion potential delays. This is key to meeting final deadlines .
• Update and communicate changes : Any changes to the schedule must be reflected in a new version of the schedule. Distribute the updated schedule to all departments and vendors, highlighting the changes.
Conclusion: Organization is Key to Successful Post-Production
The success of your feature film post-production will depend on how well organized you are and how you handle changes to your schedule. As you adjust timing and phases, be sure to incorporate changes throughout the workflow and communicate updates in a timely manner to the entire team. Each version of the schedule should be dated and distributed to the appropriate vendors, noting the parts that have changed. Good project management will ensure that those small waves don’t become a tidal wave that sinks your schedule and budget.
Post-production doesn't have to be chaotic. If you need help organizing your schedule or solving bottlenecks, don't hesitate to contact me . Together we will get your project to the finish line without any setbacks.
FAQs
1. How long should post-production take for a 90-minute feature film?
Between 3 and 6 months , depending on the complexity of the project.
2. Who is responsible for creating the post-production schedule?
The Post Production Supervisor is responsible for creating and managing the schedule. It is their job to coordinate all departments and ensure that each phase is completed on time, keeping all teams aligned with deadlines.
3. What steps are critical to avoid delays in post-production?
Make sure you have a detailed and realistic schedule , are in constant communication with all departments, and plan time cushions to cover any eventualities.
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