Post-Production

With all scenes now filmed and transferred to the computer via Firewire, now comes the unenviable task of editing the scenes and putting them together as a feature.

Dan had been editing the individual scenes all throughout the filming process as and when the shoots were completed; now it was a case of piecing them together and getting the transitions as smooth as possible. This also gives us a chance to take a look at the film as a whole and check that the story pacing is all right and if any scenes seem out of place. A scene on its own may look fine, but might seem wrong when put next to the scene either before or after it, so it then becomes a matter of re-editing the scene and putting it back so that it gels properly.

And, although most of the necessary sounds and bits of dialogue were present on the actual day, some environments resulted in poor sound quality- the best examples being Shoreham Airport and Chichester Golf Course where the wind was blowing directly into the microphone. Automatic Dialogue Replacement (ADR) sessions will need to be organised to gain fresh, clean dialogue from the actors performing their lines in synchronisation with themselves on screen. This also gives us the chance to change performances or add in additional lines.

Raw sounds need to be collected too; either as additions, improvements or re-recordings. This includes everything from footsteps in a corridor to fire alarms and car skids.

Aside from putting together the film itself, lots of other things are happening around it. The public screenings are currently being organised, the backstage footage is being drawn together and edited into a documentary, posters and card flyers have been printed and are awaiting distribution around the area and arrangements for the premiere are being made. We’re also looking into potentially broadcasting the title song on local radio.

There’s probably something we’ve missed, too.