Why Does Post-Production Take So, Darn Long?! An Explanation!

I often have people asking me “So, how’s Wayward coming along? Surely it’s almost done! It’s been months!” And, while I love talking about Wayward and my journey to its completion, I thought it might be helpful for my non-filmmaker friends and supporters to give them a peek into this long stage of filmmaking known as Post-Production!

Step One: Organization

After Wayward wrapped in late August of 2019, I began the process of sorting through the hours and hours of footage and audio files that we collected and continued with the file organization that was started on set. The film was shot completely out of order. And, every shot had multiple takes. This amounted to hours and hours of information. We even had one scene that we shot on day 1 and then reshot on the last day!

Step Two: Assembly Cut

Next, I took the footage and assembled all of the best takes of each shot into an Assembly Cut, going directly by the script. This can end up being quite a bit longer than the final cut. This stage is the most disjointed as there are no transitions between scenes...just scene to scene, shot to shot.

Step Three: Rough Cut

At this stage, the footage is chopped, reassembled and rechopped. There are hours spent looking at a single minute or less of film, attempting to cut it in just the right way to elicit the emotion that is desired. This stage is trial and error. Many people say that the story is made in the edit, and that is absolutely the case. A slight tweak can completely change an element of the story! I am currently in the Rough Cut stage with Wayward. I am working on Rough Cut Number 2! I have had a few trusted advisors take a look and give me notes. I am continuing to edit and send the edits out for notes as I progress. This is also the stage that I will be shooting a few “pick up shots” to help the story advance.

Step Four: Fine Cut

After we have worked out the kinks and the elements of story and picture are set, will be the Fine Cut where I will tighten transitions and work to polish the cut so that it shines! They will be added and then... At this point we will call it “Picture Lock!” Yay! The story portion is done!

Step Five: Music

Scoring the film is very important! Wayward has a recurring song that is heard throughout being sung, played on musical instruments and even whistled. But, other music will be used throughout to make up the final score.

Step Six: Final Sound Editing and Mixing

During this step, Foley (sound effects) will be gathered or generated and put in the film. Any ADR (dubbing) will be gathered and inserted. All of these sounds (music, dialogue, sound effects, ambiance) will be on separate tracks in the editing software. At the final mix, the editor goes through and adjust all of the levels and combines the tracks!

Then, the film is FINISHED!

Each film is unique in its time spent in Post-Production. Some films make it through this stage very quickly. Others spend lots of time in this stage.

I am hopeful for a Springtime announcement! Until then, if you need me you will most likely find me sitting at my computer editing away!