The post-production of any project is a technical mind field. Music, visual effects and colour grading are all being added, making this a vital stage in delivering a polished product for the viewers. From your favourite Harry Potter to this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert, a post-production team has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring everything together. The brain behind this stage of the process is the Post Producer.

Whether you are eager to pursue a career in post production or interested in hiring a Post Producer, we are here at Yellow Cat to answer any of your questions.

What is a Post Producer?

Post Producers focus on the phase in the video production process which includes everything that is done after filming. As a senior and experienced member of the post team, they take lead on the project. The Post Producer has a responsibility to oversee components and manage the team of operators to ensure the content is delivered successfully to the client’s brief.

A Producer may sometimes be able to take the project from pre all the way through to post. However, Post Producers can manage much more complex post productions as a result of their technical know-how and experience with complicated workflows involving large volumes of assets. Within this craft, you’ll have Post Producers that specialise within certain genres such as films, documentaries, TV series and commercials.

What are some of their responsibilities?

The exact responsibilities of a Post Producer vary depending on a variety of factors. This includes the scope of the project and whether the post is taking place in-house or in an agency. A few common responsibilities a Post Producer fulfils are…

• To understand and interpret the client’s brief to ensure the post-production is consistent with the initial creative vision
• To work together with a client, directors or company executives to determine how much budget the post-production team have
• To use their expertise to estimate a timeline and create quotes for projects, accounting for potential problems and setbacks
• To brief the rest of the post team on the project, including Editors, DaVinci Colourists, After Effects Designers, Flame Artists, Nuke Operators and Cinema 4D Animators
• To oversee the workflow of the operators to ensure deadlines are met
• To QC the finished work to ensure it matches the original brief
• To troubleshoot problems and complications as they arise and offer solutions
• To complete relevant admin to ensure video assets meet legal requirements ready for delivery

Who do Post Producers work alongside?

Typically Post Producers report to the Head of Post Production as well as working closely with the client. Post Producers oversee the rest of the department including…

• Offline Editors
• Edit Assistants
• Motion Graphic Designers
• Post Production Supervisors
• Sound Editor
• Audio Mixers
• Colour Graders
• QC Operators
• Online Editors

What makes a good Post Producer?

• Technical knowledge of post-production including software such as Adobe CC suites
• Strong problem-solving and organisational skills to ensure the project is delivered on time
• Calm under pressure as there are tight deadlines and budget restrictions
• Have a natural storytelling ability as well as an eye for detail
• An excellent communicator to brief and lead the team, while effectively dealing with feedback from the client

How do I become a Post Producer?

• Usually, you will have to gain at least 3-5 years of experience in the industry before getting to the level of a Post Producer as this role relies on the ability to solve complex issues. Most begin as a Runner and then move on to a role like a Post Production Coordinator and/or Post Production Supervisor.
• A lot of people study courses at university to get a good technical understanding of what is involved in the post production process. For example, BA (Hons) at Ravensbourne University in Editing and Post-Production. https://www.ravensbourne.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/ba-hons-editing-and-post-production.
• Alternatively, an apprenticeship offers the chance to work while training- effectively earn as you learn. Screen Skills is a great resource for advice regarding the best opportunities and how to apply https://www.screenskills.com/training/apprenticeships/where-can-i-find-an-apprenticeship/
• An entry-level role in TV and film can also be a great way to get your foot in the door at a Postproduction House. The UK Screen Alliance has a list of some of the best London-based companies https://www.ukscreenalliance.co.uk/directory/.
• If you’d like help breaking into the industry, contact us here at Yellow Cat for the latest job openings, advice on becoming a freelancer and CV support.

How do I book a Post Producer?

If you would like to enhance your project, here at Yellow Cat we have a wide network of talented Post Producers to suit all client needs. We have talents looking for permanent Post Producer opportunities as well as a rich talent pool for clients to hire freelance Post Producers from.