Why "Fixing it in Post" is hazardous to Video Production

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all go back in time and correct our mistakes through careful editing? Who hasn't wished they could go back into the past to correct their stupid comments?

In the fun world of video production, we often have the luxury of being able to go back and fix mistakes (provided it's not a live production, no turning back time there!)

This means that on a shoot it is common for the director or cameraman to reassuringly say 'Don't worry. We'll fix it in post'.

For example, say the camera shoot was done on an overcast day, when a blue sky would look far more spectacular (or 'spekkie' as cameramen like to say). During post production, the edit suite can magically add a blue sky. And no one would be the wiser.

Or say the client realises that a logo on a working piece of equipment that was filmed is no longer appropriate. It needs to be deleted and a new one added. With a good edit suite and clever editor, this can also be achieved.

It all sounds great, doesn't it?

The problem is that fixing mistakes in the edit suite is an incredibly inefficient way to work. It is also a much more expensive option.

The 'don't worry, we'll fix it in post' mantra is often said by directors and cameramen that cannot be bothered spending the time on the day setting up shots correctly. Their sloppiness can make the editor's job very difficult and the end product mediocre.

For example, an accidental wobble in a camera shot can be rectified quite easily in the edit suite. The only noticeable difference would be a slight loss in picture quality. Yet, the extra time spent in post production quite often outweighs the cost of getting it right on the day.

Of course, you can't make a blue sky happen during a shoot, but that is one example where you pretty much have to correct in post production.

As for fixing up logos or even hiding a messy part of the factory floor, these can be expensive changes in the post production suite. Often they cannot be fixed to a good standard (unless you're using a $600 an hour suite) or they cannot even be altered (we can't claim supernatural powers!)

So, the moral of this story is ensure that your camera crew is not taking shortcuts when shooting. And if you are paying for the shoot, make sure everything is set up correctly beforehand and that everything is future proof.

I have to admit after a being in the video production industry for some years, I like to use my special powers in everyday life. Particularly, when I'm cooking a meal and I forget to use an ingredient. I reassure myself, "don't worry, I'll fix it in post".