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Which tasks are completed during film postproduction?
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motion-picture technology
Director Steven Spielberg holding the movie camera, assisted by camera operator Michael Chapman, during the filming of Jaws (1975).
Postproduction is the final phase of filmmaking, occurring after the shooting process is complete, during which the raw footage is prepared for public presentation. This stage is often more time-consuming than the filming itself.123
Key tasks completed during postproduction include:
- Picture Editing: Editors assemble the footage into a coherent narrative. This begins with a rough cut, which is refined through multiple stages into a fine cut, balancing factors such as performance quality, continuity, and rhythm.43
- Sound Editing and Mixing: Because much of a film's audio is not recorded during photography, sound editors select and devise music, sound effects, and nonsynchronous dialogue. These elements are then combined with the original dialogue during a mixing (or rerecording) session to create a balanced master sound track.536
- Visual Effects: Additions or adjustments to the image that could not be achieved during filming are created. These range from titles and optical effects to elaborate computer-generated imagery.437
- Finalization: All visual and audio elements are combined to create a master copy, which is then ready for distribution and theatrical release.32