Post production

Post-production is the fastest growing area of the audio visual industry in London. It includes everything that happens to a film, television programme or advert after the cameras stop rolling to make it ready to be shown to the public. In the industry this area is often referred to simply as “post”.

After something has been shot (filmed at a studio or on location) the post-production process will usually involve editing the pictures and grading them (adjusting the colours). It may also include adding visual effects, titles, animation and (if it’s going to be shown in cinemas) making a finished print for projection.

The picture editing (deciding what to use in which order) is normally completed first. Then any effects are added or the picture is altered. Another part of the post production industry is also important at this point – sound. The amount of work put into sound often surprises people. Taking the original sound recorded during filming, adding sound effects and music, and mixing it all together properly can take as long as getting the picture right.

Click here for useful links on film and television related courses and careers.

Working in post production

Experience from study at a London college can be helpful for finding work. Many people working in this area start as runners. As much of the work involves sitting in front of very expensive computers, it is the job of the runners to make sure everything they need to do their job is brought to them as soon as they need it. This includes tapes, disks and most of all – refreshments!

click here if you are interested in becoming a runner...

The important thing about being a runner, is that you also learn about how the company works, and can use the equipment when it’s free, to learn how it works. As you become more experienced, you can move up to a more senior role. In fact, in any post production house, many of the senior staff started this way.

Click here to find out more about what it’s like to work in more senior roles.

Many of the larger companies have open door recruitment policies, which means you are always able to apply for a runners job. If they have nothing available at the time they will keep your details on file in case something becomes available.

As well as larger companies, there are many smaller companies who specialise in certain parts of the post production process. The traditional way of getting work in these is to go in and hand them your CV (and smile!).

Click here for useful links on key and smaller employers in post production companies.