POST PRODUCER (In the Entertainment industry. What do they do?

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What does a POST PRODUCER do?

A Post Producer is the integral person for film and TV that does the actual editing, dubbing, and other post production duties when the shooting and taping are complete.

Post Production Producer are responsible for the post production process, during which they maintain clarity of information and good channels of communication between the producer, editor, supervising sound editor, the facilities companies (such as film labs, CGI studios and negative cutters) and the production accountant. Although this is not a creative role, it is pivotal in ensuring that the film's post production budget is manageable and achievable, and that all deadlines are met. Because large amounts of money are involved, and most of a film's budget is spent during production, the post production period can often be difficult and challenging.

The Post Production Producers' role can be stressful and requires ingenuity, empathy and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure, while working long hours, to tight deadlines. Some Post Producer may be involved on a number of films at one time, but usually work on 3 or 4 films a year. They are employed on a freelance basis, by the producer, often also with approval from a completion bond guarantee company. They usually work alone, but on larger productions may employ an assistant.

Any production would not be the same without the post producer. Post production is a huge portion of the production process as it is when editing, title credit creation, audio mixing and color correction occur in a TV show, movie or commercial. The post producer is responsible for overseeing the completion of all of these elements. This same position is often also referred to as the "associate producer/post," according to Filmmaking-Careers.com.

Skills

Post producers edit scenes from TV shows, movies, documentaries and commercials to make them flow in the correct order seamlessly. This can be an especially lofty task since scenes are typically shot out of order. They may have to make scenes that were shot days apart when weather conditions were completely different look as if they occurred 10 minutes apart in the film or television show. Therefore, these professionals must have a knack for detail and be creative in order to piece together these scenes and make them look natural. They should be patient as editing requires significant amounts of time. Also, they should be able to work well individually and as part of a team. Post producers should be able to delegate tasks effectively since they are the leader of the entire post production side of the project.

Duties

Post producers facilitate the post production side of a music video, film, TV show, commercial, documentary or other project. They must take video footage, decide what is usable and cut it together on a computer. They cut out errors in sound in video in order to make the video flow more naturally. Also, they add in music, effects and titles. Advanced software allows them many other options when editing that give the production a certain effect, such as stabilizing an image or color tinting a clip, according to JobMonkey.com.

The role of the Post Producer varies according to the type of film and the budget. On big budget films using complex CGI (Computer Generated Images), they start work during pre-production, liaising with the CGI Company and ensuring that the producer is aware of all the creative and budgetary considerations and how they may impact on the post production period. On smaller budget films they also advise about any limits that may need to be applied to the shoot, as well as providing an overall picture of what can be realistically achieved in post-production. Most Post Production Producer also liaise with the editor and producer (and sometimes the director), about the hiring of post-production personnel (sound editors, titles designers, mixers, etc.).

During the post production process, they work closely with the production accountant, supplying accurate information for the cost reports, which are prepared every 3-4 weeks and show how actual expenditure compared to the original budget. Post Production Producers work with the editor, supervising sound editor, and re-recording sound mixer throughout post production, making sure that each different stage of the process is delivered on time and within budget. They usually continue to work on the production until all the elements needed for the completion of the film are delivered, including the music and effects version which allows the dialogue track to be replaced with different languages.

Work Environment

Post producers typically work long hours. Since they are the final stage of production, they are under huge pressure to make deadlines on time. Therefore, this can be a very stressful job and many may have to work nights or weekends close to deadlines.

SOME OF THE POSSIBLE JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES (That may apply or be required)

·         Comprehensive knowledge of production management and production techniques…

·         Excellent knowledge of handling administrative functions and managing staff…

·         Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills…

·         Handling the tasks of creative production and development…

·         Responsible for budget performance, content quality, and overseeing market share of assigned project… Familiar with applications such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, and Final Cut Pro…

·         Excellent knowledge of operating production equipment like cameras, microphones, manual filming cameras, lighting equipment, ladders, and audio equipment…

·         Handle tasks of writing, shooting, and editing contemporary programs and feature stories for various shows…

·         Responsible for providing training sessions to segment staff in areas of shooting television segments and special features…

·         Perform tasks of tapping on-site or off-site television programs and events…

·         Handle responsibilities of editing video tape assignments using various editing software programs such as After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro and illustrator…

·         Perform complete responsibilities of traveling to various locations for filming on-site events such as crusades and other special assignments…

·         Assisting associate producers, producers, and production assistants in all aspects of the production… Tracking and reporting on production schedules and budgets for news shows…

·         Planning, directing, and managing the creation and content…

·         Assisting subordinates and conducting performance reviews…

·         Coordinated the work of producers and created a unified end result…

·         Tracked and met deadlines for projects, adjusted production schedules, and ensured projects are delivered on time…

·         Maintained and updated content in master schedule and database…

Other responsibilities may include:

·         Responsible for gathering and maintaining records of all pre-production details…

·         Assigned tasks of assisting segment producer in script development and approvals…

·         Handle tasks of shooting and directing interviews, casting and recording voice over talent…

·         Responsible for managing all final deliverables, schedules and budgets…

·         Coordinate with account managers, designers and editors in organizing various shows…

·         Perform tasks of overseeing the management and creation of video shooting…

From top to bottom, the chain of command runs:

·         Executive Producer

·         Showrunner

·         Co-executive Producer

·         Line Producer

·         Supervising Producer

·         Producer

·         Co-producer

·         Coordinating Producer

·         Consulting Producer

·         Associate Producer

·         Segment Producer

·         Field Producer

·         Edit Producer

·         Post Producer

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Entertainment Careers, In Deed, Glass Door, Pay Scale, , Business Insider, Slate, Copy Blogger, USA Today, Merriam-Webster, Job Monkey, Film Making Careers

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