By Amanda Yates, Producer
Safety Warning: Please note post-production is not a magic wand. It will not repair, recreate, nor replace any content or the quality of what was captured during production. Excessive or inexperienced use may result in poor quality. Use responsibly.
“We’ll fix it in post.”
Legend has it that every time this phrase is uttered aloud, an editor dies… inside. The power of post can only do so much. Proper preparation and efficient production are crucial to achieving any video project’s full potential.
You know that phrase about pigs and lipstick? The same thing applies to the production process. Insufficient or low-quality content discovered in post can negatively impact the messaging, deliverable, and due date. But you can save everyone the headache and set yourself up for success. Post-production should be used to amplify the content − not generate it. And that includes…
B-roll!
It’s no A-roll, but it’s just as important! A-roll is strictly content for storytelling, meaning voiceover and soundbites; the b-roll is everything else you see on screen. The day of production is the best opportunity to collect the most impactful visual representations for emphasizing content. It’s important to provide your editor with ample footage that offers a variety of shot options with enough consistency to be used throughout the entirety of the video. This includes a variety of angles of the same thing! Think close-ups, reverse shots, over the shoulder and POV. Never underestimate the power of natural sound. When in doubt, overshoot!
Yes, stock footage is a useful tool and can be used to cover or supplement b-roll. However, relying too heavily on “Plan B” will result in a very generic product.
Critique
Returning to the edit with a critical eye or sharing with a teammate may open doors you didn’t know were there. It’s easy to get sucked into a project, have a clear vision, and just execute. At 4media group, our projects often see an extra oomph from these internal reviews. By approaching this collaboration with an open mind, teammates build off each other to explore the potential for any project.
It’s the Little Things
These are the flourishes that give each project a life of its own. Do a split screen, add some music or NAT (natural sound) pops… maybe insert some stats or even a full animation. Be adventurous and have fun with experimenting – you never know which detail will really stick with a client. While unleashing that creativity, remember to limit the fanciful flourishes. Too many graphics, effects, or extras can make the product clunky.
Put a Bow on It
Each project, client, and production are unique, but the process applied to every project should be similar every time. When your process is buttoned up, it frees the entire team to work together and offer those creative insights.
Hiring seasoned professionals throughout the process will give you the polished end project you are looking for. The adage “You get what you pay for” rings true in post!