Finishing (facility)

Department Function 

Responsible (from a post facility perspective) for multiple facets of the post production process often including Dailies Processing (see separate item), offline/creative editorial, online picture finishing (conform, color correction, titling, sound layback, VFX insertion), mastering, QC, and Duplication or Distribution.

Working in this Department

The Picture Post Production Facility is often the first and last step in the post production process, and manages the workflow and resources from many of the other creative and technical departments to create the final master of a feature, series, documentary or commercial project. This is a collaborative process that includes working with all levels of studio, production, and creative personnel to maintain and enhance the technical integrity and aesthetic look of the project. It requires a vast array of personnel with a broad range of skills from colorists, editors, artists, engineers, and technicians through project coordination, marketing and sales, and administration. It is fast paced, often working under tight delivery deadlines, but with an excellent team spirit that allows creative, technical and problem solving skills to be fully maximized.

Knowledge

Each production position requires the use of technical skills and strong communication. The main technical skills are: strong knowledge of Windows and Mac, understanding of camera and production terminology and file formats, knowledge of Avid and Resolve editing and color correction platforms, and how to send, receive and share files (i.e. Media Shuttle, Aspera, Frame io, etc ). A strong attention to detail visually, audibly, and with reporting is essential. Producers/Project Managers/Coordinators will have knowledge of established production and post production workflows and organizational structures. They must also have excellent people and communication skills to effectively organize, manage and maintain the workflow between production, studio, editorial/sound/vfx departments and the facility. Engineering/IT maintains the integrity of the production pipeline and coordinates with all levels to ensure compliance to studio standards and QC. Sales / Marketing executives work with producers and studios to develop and maintain new and existing relationships for business development as well as attendance at industry events (awards, conferences, panels) and onset at production to share production knowledge and capabilities. Administration and other support positions are crucial to the ongoing experience at the facility and often lead to continued progress/advancement in the industry. These positions include roles in reception, client services, project billing, vault/shipping and receiving, and accounting and include a mix of both experienced and entry level opportunities.

Job Roles

Post Houses hire both full time employees and contracted freelancers, depending on the needs of a given project:

Editorial / IO Assistant (Entry Level)

Shipping and Receiving/Vault (Entry Level)

Receptionist/Client Services (Entry Level)

Project Coordinator

Project Manager/ Finishing Producer

QC Technician

Finishing Editor

Colorist

Engineer/ IT Technician

Sales/ Business Development

Experience

Editorial / IO Assistant is an entry level position that is suited to film school graduates or other production workers wanting to enter post production. Strong editing and other production software skills required.

Finishing Editors and QC will require experience as a Creative Editor, Edit Assistant or Dailies operator to effectively manage the tasks required. (2-5 years prior experience)

Colorists are considered advanced operators with additional color correction skills gained either through work as a Dailies Colorist/DIT or Finishing edit and color work (usually with 2-5 years prior experience).

Post Coordinators will have some prior experience in post or production and strong skills with MS Office, along with an understanding of scheduling and technical workflow principles. Strong communication and ability to work under pressure required.

Producer/Project Managers will have prior experience as a Post Coordinator or Supervisor or other related position to help guide them through the technical workflow, scheduling and crisis management skills required.

Engineering and IT Technicians will have appropriate training from institutions and experience in the industry depending on level of position (usually 2-5 years of experience).

Administration positions include entry level opportunities for reception, client services, vault, shipping receiving, billing and others. A strong work ethic, ability to problem solve, and ideally some understanding of the industry organization are required.

Union or Non Union

These positions are all NON-UNION.