Post-producers put the finishing touches on movies after filming is complete.
The responsibilities of a post-production supervisor are generally related to ensuring that the various tasks required during the final stages of a film or television production are completed on time and within budget. This can be done in a number of ways, although a supervisor is usually responsible for supervising editors and other team members involved in post-production. These supervisors typically conduct ongoing budget review, and schedules and budgets are updated or modified as needed. Although a post-production supervisor does not work directly on a film or show, they are often in direct contact with directors and artists working on a project.
A post-production supervisor is someone who oversees the aspects of production that take place after principal photography on a film or television show. Many different types of work are typically done during post-production, including video editing, sound engineering and editing, and finishing and adding computer graphics (CG) special effects. A post-production supervisor works with the various artists and professionals who complete this phase of production to ensure they are on time. This schedule is critically important to ensure that the efforts of editors and others working on these projects are properly timed for optimal productivity.
One of the most important duties of a post production supervisor is to oversee the production budget and make sure that different departments do not exceed their funds. Post-production is one of the most time-consuming and expensive phases of production, although a great deal of financial resources are often spent during principal photography and production. This means that a post-production supervisor may have to find ways to ensure tasks get done even without optimal funding. This supervisor may need a director or editor to change aspects of a film to accommodate changes that result in finances, such as the inability to complete some effects shots.
Most of the work done by a post production supervisor involves managing time and people. These two elements often come together, as the artists working on a film or television show, such as directors and editors, may be more involved in the artwork and less aware of the practical requirements of a production. A post-production supervisor often helps these people strike a balance between artistry and practicality to ensure the final work remains creatively successful and meaningfully delivered. This can be difficult and therefore post-production coordinators can also be hired to work directly with editors and other professionals on a day-to-day basis and then report back to the supervisor.