Post-Production
Editing is the most time consuming stage of documentary film making. Editing is assembling all of the footage to create the documentary. On average it will 3-6months to turn around a project once shooting is completed. However, CFTWF does not set a firm schedule for this and reserves the right to work at its own pace. We do not rush the process as our team is working pro-bono and we are at the mercy of their schedules.
As mentioned before, we do not create a script until the production is completed. This makes our job a hundred times more difficult. We think its worth it.
sHere are the stages of Post Production:
Just a reminder:
*It is unethical for benefactors or those who are profiled to contribute to the editorial content and direction of the film. Our films are unbiased and neutral. Some may feel they must have editorial control of the documentary. We insist on a "hands-off" approach by all parties during editing of the documentary. This is why our formula works. You have trusted us to capture the story, now let us put it together the way we best know how. Obviously, we want to make sure the story is captured effectively and accurately. We will address inaccuracies, if any. There will be times when we need input on aspects of the documentary for accuracy, cultural sensitivity, translations and the like. The time required is minimal and involves no more than reading a script sent electronically via email and or clicking on a quick time movie file of the rough cut through our private password protected video website.
**Before final edit can begin, we will request what is a called an approved “CG list”. Everyone who participated in the production of the project will complete a form to indicate how they want to be identified on screen. Sounds easy enough, but is not. Spelling, punctuation, titles and acronyms must be accurate. Producing CGs and graphics is very time consuming, labor intensive and expensive. We will be creating the CG exactly as submitted and will not make changes to them once they are ingested into our system.
***Final edit approval is presented in which minor changes (for accuracy) can be made. These changes are not editorial.
Project Completion
*Digital files will not be released until licensing agreement is signed and received by CFTWF.
**CFTWF will provide the following format of digital files:
.mov
h.264
.mp4
For a fee, we will produce a DCP or provide files to create DVDs (only a screening version no chapters).We do not produce DVDs or create DVD masters. You will need to tell us PRIOR to the beginning of production that you want this provided.
*** The digital press kit will include elements to upload to your website, social media, to print for your events and to distribute to media. We do not manage social media for the film, no do we create or send out press releases on your behalf. You will have our press releases to use as a template and will need to coordinate with CFTWF PR team for only the premiere. If possible we will create a movie poster but it is not guaranteed.
****CFTWF does not fund screenings of the film. Our agreement requires our team be invited to all screenings. The crew, producer and director will make every effort to attend the event and comp tickets must be provided to press and our crew. Some screenings will require travel expenses to be covered. We strongly suggest this event planning to begin as soon as you sign the LOC and we urge your organization to have underwriters to cover the cost of the event. Although not required, we suggest having the screening event in a theatrical venue instead of a conference space. Most theaters will reduce the cost of rental for non profits and have reduced rentals on week nights.
The Premiere!
- Logging: transcribing all footage. Time frame is 2 weeks to 6 months.
- Translations: Double/triple translate all foreign language interviews. Time frame is 2 weeks to 6 months.
- Develop workflow format: Transfer footage and organize edit set up in NL digital system. Time frame is 2-3 weeks.
- Conceptualization of storyline: Producer and Director determine storyline based on interviews and footage acquired* . Time frame is 2 week to 4weeks.
- Script writing: Utilizing transcripts, producer creates base script and fact checks. Time frame is 1-3 months.
- First rough-cut edit: Once first pass script is produced, a rough cut is edited. Time frame is 3-4 weeks.
- Rough cut and script approvals and revisions*: Time frame is 2-4 weeks
- Final rough-cut and script revisions: Time frame is 2-4 weeks
- CG /Graphics production**: Time frame is 2-4 weeks
- Full Edit begins: Script, rough cut, CG/Graphics approved for full edit to begin. Time frame is 4-8 weeks.
- Full edit revisions/approval: Time frame 2-6 weeks.
- Music approval: Music director receives approved final edit to begin music composition. Time frame 2-8 weeks
- Sound Design: Sound designer cleans up audio, enhances, adds music to final edit. Time frame 2-4 weeks
- Colorization: Video color is enhanced and adjusted for final print. Time frame 2-4 week.
- Final edit approval***
- Print: Final master produced, digital files produced and press kit prepped. Time frame 4-6 weeks.
Just a reminder:
*It is unethical for benefactors or those who are profiled to contribute to the editorial content and direction of the film. Our films are unbiased and neutral. Some may feel they must have editorial control of the documentary. We insist on a "hands-off" approach by all parties during editing of the documentary. This is why our formula works. You have trusted us to capture the story, now let us put it together the way we best know how. Obviously, we want to make sure the story is captured effectively and accurately. We will address inaccuracies, if any. There will be times when we need input on aspects of the documentary for accuracy, cultural sensitivity, translations and the like. The time required is minimal and involves no more than reading a script sent electronically via email and or clicking on a quick time movie file of the rough cut through our private password protected video website.
**Before final edit can begin, we will request what is a called an approved “CG list”. Everyone who participated in the production of the project will complete a form to indicate how they want to be identified on screen. Sounds easy enough, but is not. Spelling, punctuation, titles and acronyms must be accurate. Producing CGs and graphics is very time consuming, labor intensive and expensive. We will be creating the CG exactly as submitted and will not make changes to them once they are ingested into our system.
***Final edit approval is presented in which minor changes (for accuracy) can be made. These changes are not editorial.
Project Completion
- Licensing and distribution: Licensing agreements are finalized by CFTWF. *
- CFTWF will create a press kit which contains press release samples, high resolution digital pictures and graphics, event poster samples.***
- CFTWF will assist to organize a premiere or screening of the film/film festival and contest entry. ****
*Digital files will not be released until licensing agreement is signed and received by CFTWF.
**CFTWF will provide the following format of digital files:
.mov
h.264
.mp4
For a fee, we will produce a DCP or provide files to create DVDs (only a screening version no chapters).We do not produce DVDs or create DVD masters. You will need to tell us PRIOR to the beginning of production that you want this provided.
*** The digital press kit will include elements to upload to your website, social media, to print for your events and to distribute to media. We do not manage social media for the film, no do we create or send out press releases on your behalf. You will have our press releases to use as a template and will need to coordinate with CFTWF PR team for only the premiere. If possible we will create a movie poster but it is not guaranteed.
****CFTWF does not fund screenings of the film. Our agreement requires our team be invited to all screenings. The crew, producer and director will make every effort to attend the event and comp tickets must be provided to press and our crew. Some screenings will require travel expenses to be covered. We strongly suggest this event planning to begin as soon as you sign the LOC and we urge your organization to have underwriters to cover the cost of the event. Although not required, we suggest having the screening event in a theatrical venue instead of a conference space. Most theaters will reduce the cost of rental for non profits and have reduced rentals on week nights.
The Premiere!