Visual Post Production

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  • This course is open for 12 weeks
  • 11 lesson series
  • 3 hours, 53 minutes of video

In the Visual Post-Production Course, Emmy-winning television and film editors take you inside the process and psychology of film editing.

Learn how to properly shoot your footage on set to maximize your options in the editing room, when to cut from one shot to the next, how to choose your shot selection, how to work with the editor, and how to create the most emotion in each scene. We will take you step-by-step through the editing process itself, from developing a workflow and managing your data through the assembly cut, rough cut, fine cut, online process, and color grading.

Learn how to conduct test screenings, manage producer feedback, and deliver a final product that meets both technical demands and the director’s vision.

The lessons
  • The Psychology of Editing

    Learn when to cut, how to determine whether you should cut or not, the hierarchy of story-telling importance when editing, what to show or not show, and how to use psychology to craft a scene the invokes powerful emotions.
  • Data Management and Workflow

    Learn how to develop a system for organizing the footage from set to post, how to develop a workflow that keeps the process smooth and conflict-free, how to conduct post-production meetings, the role of the post-production supervisor, standard techniques for labeling and managing footage, and data handling techniques.
  • The Assembly Cut

    Learn how to approach the assembly cut, how to manage music and sound effects, what should or shouldn’t be included, and how to address issues of pacing, story, and character development.
  • Stock Footage

    Learn how to use stock footage, how to understand a licensing agreement, where to find stock footage, how to manage the technical requirements, and what your rights are when distributing your production.
  • How to Shoot and Edit a Dialogue Scene

    Learn to shoot dialogue on set, advanced techniques for manipulating the pacing and emotional intensity of the scene, how to work with changing background ambience, and techniques to improve actors' performance.
  • How to Shoot and Edit Action

    Learn how to edit action for proper flow, continuity, and pacing, techniques for compressing time, revealing only the essentials to keep the story moving forward and advanced editing techniques.
  • The Rough Cut

    Learn how to approach the rough cut, determine what moments work, how to re-structure the story, and ultimately create a movie that stands on its own- divorced from the script.
  • Test Screenings and Feedback

    Learn how to prepare for and conduct a test screening, how to choose the right test audience, what questions to ask after the test screening, and how to filter the responses into usable comments that can improve the story.
  • The Fine Cut

    Learn techniques for perfecting every single frame of your movie before locking the picture edit, how you will know when the movie is done, the implications of locking the picture, and the process of prepping the film for audio.
  • Offline/Online Editing

    Learn how and when to work in an offline environment, how to transition to an online cut, and techniques for ensuring the process goes smoothly.
  • Color Grading

    Learn the color grading process, how it differs amongst formats, the balance between technical and artistic grading, how to protect yourself from the “fix-it-in-post” mentality, and how to get the look you want.