Professional post production

O

odonnelly99

Active member
I'm not sure if this is in the right place, but here goes. A question that has been popping up in my head lately is: What are the advantages of having professional post production done on your digital film?

Now, I have plenty of friends who are very experienced in editing and I'm sure they would do a great job. But, if having it done by a professional company would result in a more polished product, I'd be willing to go that route.

Probably dumb question, but any takers?
 
Put it this way, the pro editors who have Oscars have guys who come in and do the finnishing.

The Finnishing...
 
The differences are literally quite massive. It's like burning a dvd by yourself as opposed to getting it professionally pressed.

However, when it comes to editing, only you and the people who worked with you will truly have the understanding and attachment to the actual story and vision of the movie. Keep this in mind when selecting a "professional" editor. If you're gonna hover over the editor's shoulder and tell him/her when to cut and where, you might as well edit the movie yourself and have professional post prod do everything else.
 
First rule I adhere to is be honest with your skills and now what you can or cannot do to reach the production value you are setting for the entire movie.

Then, what you look for in an editor is not someone who knows how to push a button. The craft of editing comes with experience and understands rhythm, pace that is particular to the story and the material before them. It is knowing how to make a performance better when it is weak, or tone one down when it is not needed. How to engage an audience at key points that move the story forward. Knowing what to keep and throw away. It is about challenging the material to be better than what it is. It is like a marriage with the director - and the movie is the kid you raise. It is about how you communicate with each other, brutal honesty and trust on what is working, what is not working, and how you can take it there. Every director will tell you that the best part of the filmmaking process is the editing. This is the first time the reality of what has been written, shot, recorded, performed comes together.

Then my last rule is, just because your tools allow you to do something, does not mean that you should be the one doing it.

Michael
 
Yes! Thanks for all the replies, fellas.

I've put so much work into all the other aspects of this film and I don't want to skimp on post production.

Anyone have any good recommendations for people/companies in Pittsburgh or near?
 
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