Audiovisual post-production: what it is and why it requires specialization

Audiovisual post-production is a key moment in every project, whether it be a live-action film, animation, VFX, a TV series episode, an ad, or a music video. In the industry and at FX ANIMATION, we consider it a distinct specialization, as it requires exclusive training in both techniques, work methods, and cutting-edge software. But, do you know exactly what it consists of? Let's tell you.

What is audiovisual post-production?

In general terms, post-production is the set of processes and techniques that are carried out once filming or production is completed until reaching the final result. However, this definition is very broad: we will delimit these phases.

At FX ANIMATION Barcelona 3D & Film School, we consider the following stages within the post-production specialty:

• Editing and montage: very briefly, it is the process (mechanical on one hand and narrative on the other) in which all the raw visual material filmed is taken and organized. The goal is to narrate the story according to a script or the director's will and give it continuity to tell a story through the juxtaposition of scenes.
• Compositing, 3D integration, and other visual aspects: during post-production, the composition of different layers of images and the integration of 3D elements are carried out. This also includes chroma processing, digital effects to simulate camera movement, rotomasking, particle generation, or the integration of Motion Graphics, among other techniques.
• Digital color grading: this refers to the correction and grading of both color and light. It is a very important part of post-production as it directly impacts the setting being sought, the sensations to be conveyed, and how the story will be perceived.
• Sound: everything related to dialogues, ambient sounds, effects, music, and, of course, the integration and mixing of this set, is a fundamental part of post-production. Sound also requires an editing process, even the need for dubbing or additional voices of actors if issues arise. Optimal mixing and combining of all channels are vital for a good audiovisual project.

Studying Audiovisual Postproduction, a Necessary Specialization

The postproduction professional is ultimately responsible for gathering all the material (whether real image and/or CGI) to provide the final finishing and composition of the audiovisual project.

Audiovisual postproduction is a very complex process that requires highly specialized professionals who are up to date with all the tools available to them to meet the quality standards required by the professional world and maintain a competitive profile.

Indeed, work in this field has completely changed thanks to digital transformation and the emergence of non-linear editing system, which allows working on different parts of the project without altering the rest.

Moreover, software that initially emerged for specific purposes (for example, DaVinci Resolve for color grading) has been adding functionalities and turned into powerful non-linear editing programs capable of integrating different stages of post-production.

The post-production professional must master every software present in the industry, so they can adapt to work in any production company or studio. For this reason, the Advanced Master in Post-Production and Compositing by FX ANIMATION, in addition to covering all the aspects we have seen before, trains students in programs such as:

• Premiere Pro: Adobe's software dedicated to editing, one of the most popular programs in the film, television, advertising, and internet industry.
• DaVinci Resolve 15: the latest edition of the most integrated software in the industry for the digital color grading phase.
• Pro Tools: the key tool for music editing, as popular in the film industry as in music thanks to all its possibilities and optimal results.
• After Effects: another star program by Adobe thanks to its versatility for compositing, animation, and Motion Graphics. It also includes a simple non-linear editing system.
• NukeX: compositing software that has become essential in the industry over the last two decades. Giants like Disney, Dreamworks, Weta, or ILM use it in their productions. FX ANIMATION students also learn to master its Cara VR plug-in.
• SynthEyes: an application for camera tracking, stabilization, or virtual set generation, among other aspects, created in 2003 and currently a standard in the industry.

As you can see, post-production requires intensive training in different areas and its own specialization. If you want to pursue a professional career in this field, the Advanced Master's in Post-Production and Compositing by FX ANIMATION starts on March 4, including hands-on training in leading companies in the industry for students who successfully complete the program.

Get in touch with us to receive all the information you need: we're starting in less than a month!