Audiovisual post-production is a key moment in any project, whether it is a real image film, animation or VFX, the chapter of a series, an advertisement or a music video. In the industry and in FX ANIMATION we consider it our own specialization, since it requires an exclusive training in techniques and work methods as well as in vanguard software. 

But, do you know exactly what it is? We’ll tell you.

What is audiovisual post-production?

On a general level, audio postproduction is the set of processes and techniques that are carried out once the shooting or production is finished until the final result is achieved. However, this definition is very broad: we are going to delimit these phases.

In FX ANIMATION Barcelona 3D & Film School we consider within the specialty of postproduction the next stages:

• Editing and editing: 

In a very brief way, this is the process (on the one hand mechanical and on the other narrative) in which all the visual material filmed in the raw is taken and ordered. The aim is to tell the story according to a script or the director’s will and to give it continuity to tell a story thanks to the juxtaposition of scenes.

• Compositing, 3D integration and other visual aspects: 

In postproduction, 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: 

Refers to the correction and gradation of both color and light. It is a very important part within postproduction, since it has a direct impact on the setting that is being sought, the sensations that are to be transmitted and the way in which the story will be perceived.

• Sound: 

Everything related to the dialogues, atmosphere, effects, music and, of course, the integration and mixing of this set, is a fundamental part of audio postproduction. 

Sound also requires an editing process, including the need for dubbing or additional voices of the actors if problems arise. The optimal mix and combination of all channels is vital for a good audiovisual project.

Studying audiovisual post-production, a necessary specialization

The post-production professional is, in short, the one in charge of gathering all the material (either real image and/or CGI) to give the final finish 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 at their disposal to cover the quality standards required in the working world and have a competitive profile.

In this sense, the work in this field has changed completely thanks to the digital transformation and the appearance of the non-linear editing system, which allows working in different points of the project without altering the rest.

As if this were not enough, software that emerged for specific aspects (for example, DaVinci Resolve and color-grading), have been adding functionalities and have become powerful non-linear editing programs, capable of integrating the different stages of audio postproduction.