The Importance Of Post Production Supervision On Your Productions!

The Importance Of Post Production Supervision On Your Productions!

The Importance Of Post Production Supervision On Your Productions!

Brad Carpenter
Brad Carpenter
11 days ago

Most people understand the concept of “Production.” They know cameras need to shoot footage to make a TV show but, for many, what happens between shooting and when the show airs is a mystery. That crucial, all-encompassing phase of the process is called “Post Production.” Even the term “Post” can be deceiving, because Post Production also involves participation during “Prep,” all the careful planning before shooting begins to make sure all the pieces are there for the final product. In short, Post Production includes a bit of everything from start to finish.

It's a complicated, nuanced journey. The dailies footage captured each day must be carefully processed, synched with sound, organized, edited, and refined through various versions of “Cuts.” Once picture “Locks,” the show moves into the finishing phase, where picture is perfected in color and with Visual Effects, dialogue gets cleaned up and clarified, Sound Effects and background voices get layered in, along with Composer Score, Licensed Music and credits. To make things even more challenging, all the episodes, each at different stages of development, must get completed and delivered in time for Broadcast.

The Post Production machine is an unwieldy beast that combines an army of engineers, an array of cutting-edge technology, and a flock of artists with a collective vision, passionate about achieving the best results with the time and resources available. It’s all managed by a tightly formed Post Supervision team, comprised of a Post Producer, a Post Supervisor, a Post Coordinator and Post PA.

What Is A Post Production Supervisor?

The Post Production Supervisor works closely with the Post Producer to make sure the whole process runs smoothly. The Post Producer designs the machine, assembles the parts, prepares it for lift off. The Post Supervisor keeps all the parts running until it’s time to safely land the beast and get the show on the air. Together the Post Producer and Post Supervisor ensure that the project stays on budget, meets deadlines, while also staying aligned with the creative vision of the various Directors, Executive Producers and Showrunners.

The Post Producer and Post Supervisor work closely with the Post Production Coordinator, who helps manage communications within the department, distribution of dailies and cuts, billing and cost reporting for Post, as well as the entire Credits compilation and approval process. The Post PA handles various tasks for the team, while also providing administrative support for the Coordinator. These roles all require strong organizational, technical and communicational skills.

I have personally worked my way up from PA to Coordinator, to Post Supervisor, to Post Producer, and have helped others do the same. Understanding the entire Post machine and how it works is crucial. Finding your place in the Post Supervision team and working your way up the ladder can translate into a long and meaningful career in the industry.

Learn more by clicking HERE or on my video below!

The Importance Of Post Production Supervision On Your Productions

Stage 32's New Post Production Supervision Certification Courses!

I’m Brad Carpenter, a Post Production Producer with over 20 years’ experience, bringing a host of notable shows to life, including “Nurse Jackie,” “Bored To Death,” Boardwalk Empire,” “Fosse/Verdon,” “Tokyo Vice” and “The Diplomat.”

Post Production may seem like a mystery, but it doesn’t have to be.

That’s why I’m teaching Stage 32’s new Post Supervision Certification Courses. In these courses, I offer up a complete overview of the Television Post Production process, I break down the intricacies of Post Scheduling and how it relates to Post Budgeting. I explain the various rolls of the Post Supervision team, and the dynamics between the Post Producer, Post Supervisor, Post Coordinator and Post PA.

Being part of the Post Production team that brings a project to life is what makes working on TV shows an amazing experience. The importance of acquiring this knowledge cannot be overstated. Our Stage 32 Post Supervision Certification courses give you the tools you’ll need to start a meaningful career in Post Production.

Who Am I?

I’m an Emmy-nominated Producer with over 20 years’ experience producing scripted television. I got my start as Post Supervisor on the original “Sex And The City” series for HBO. Since that auspicious beginning, I’ve worked on renown shows like “Nurse Jackie” for Showtime, “Boardwalk Empire,” “Bored To Death” and “Vinyl” for HBO.

I was especially thrilled to work on FX’s “Fosse/Verdon,” (17 Emmy nominations), starring Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell, with theatre legends Thomas Kail and Lin Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton”), Stephen Levenson (“Dear Evan Hanson”) and Joel Fields (“The Americans”).

From there I had the pleasure to work with singer/writer superstar Sara Bareilles, Exec Producers Jessie Nelson & J.J. Abrams on “Little Voice” for Apple+.

More recently, I’ve worked on two seasons of the acclaimed series “Tokyo Vice” for MAX with Executive Producers Alan Poul and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright JT Rogers, the heist-themed Limited Series “Kaleidoscope” for Netflix, starring Giancarlo Esposito, and two seasons of the Netflix sensation “The Diplomat,” starring Keri Russel, created by Debora Cahn (“West Wing” and “Homeland”).

My production company, Long Point Productions, is currently developing Urban Fantasy series “Ink Man,” and gender fluid Sci-Fi Fantasy Series “The Cure,” based on Storm Constantine’s fantasy novel series, “The Wraeththu Chronicles.”

Post-Production Supervision Certification Courses:

Stage 32 Partners with Bloomberg Original Studios to Train Global Production Teams

So What is Stage 32 Certification?

Stage 32 Certification is a professional training initiative designed to provide real-world, industry-driven education that is recognized by film commissions, studios, production companies, and financiers worldwide.

The Two Types of Stage 32 Certification

Master Certifications: Master Certifications are comprehensive tracks that include multiple courses covering a full mastery of a particular discipline. To earn a Master Certification, you must complete all required courses in the track and pass an exam for each.

Current Master Certifications Include:

Individual Certifications: Individual Certifications are focused single-course certifications on specialized skills. After completing the course, you will be tested and receive an official Stage 32 certification badge upon passing.

Current Individual Certifications Include:

Stage 32 Partners with Bloomberg Original Studios to Train Global Production Teams

What Happens After You Get Certified?

Once you complete a Stage 32 Certification, you will:

  • Be included in a global database searchable by industry professionals, film commissions, and studios.
  • Receive a certification badge on your Stage 32 profile, which is visible to over 1.2 million members worldwide.
  • Gain credentials to display on your social media, resume, and LinkedIn profile.
  • Be recognized as a qualified industry professional, making it easier for you to get hired and advance your career.

Get Certified. Get To Work. Start By Clicking Here!

If you have any questions about Certification please email our Head of Certification, Sam Sokolow, directly at Certification@Stage32.com.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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About the Author

Brad Carpenter

Brad Carpenter

Producer, Screenwriter

Brad Carpenter is an Emmy-nominated Producer with over 20 years’ experience producing scripted television. Brad got his start as Post Supervisor on the original “Sex And The City” series for HBO. Since that auspicious beginning, he’s worked on renown shows like “Nurse Jackie” for Showtime, “Boardwal...

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6 Comments on Brad's Article

Gael MacGregor
Music Supervisor, Singer, Voice Artist, Musician, Playwright, Content Creator, Voice Actor, Narrator, Songwriter, Author, Publisher
While music is noted as a post-production aspect, if a filmmaker does the smart thing, and brings on the music supervisor during the PRE-production phase, we can almost always save you time, money, and headaches BEFORE you start shooting. One film on which I worked had filmed a sequence with the actor singing a song at the window of his lady love. When I saw the scene and the $15,000 they paid for it, I just shook my head. There was a song in the public domain that would have been *perfect* in that spot, and would have cost them nothing. When their budget didn’t allow for a famous big band era recording in a pivotal scene, I let them know that because they spent all that money they didn’t need to, they couldn’t afford the big band recording they wanted, and we had to put in a library track (which was good, but not with the recognizability they sought). And when i sang the PD song that could have been used for the actor to sing, the director agreed that it would have been perfect. So bring us on early. We will do a music breakdown, get you temp music, that should you decide it really fits a spot perfectly can be licensed within your budget. You won’t be putting in music you can’t afford as you shoot, so we won’t be dealing with the dreaded “temp love,” which is the bane of every music supervisor’s existence. And we’ll save your production money, time, and effort.
10 days ago
Brad Carpenter
Producer, Screenwriter
Agreed. It's crucial to get a Music Supervisor on board before shooting begins, especially if you intend to have a character sing something on camera! That's one of the aspects I talk about when involving the Post Team in Prep.
4 days ago
Pamela Jaye Smith
Author, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Acting Teacher, Script Consultant, Story Analyst
Thanks for clarifying the many facets of Post, Brad. I learned how to be a better director and writer from the editors and post experts I worked with, whether at Universal Studios or on independent projects. A favorite take-away from one editor was, "That's a good idea. But if you didn't shoot it, I can't cut it in". A thought-out shot list going into Production can sure make a lot of difference.
10 days ago
Pamela Jaye Smith
Author, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Acting Teacher, Script Consultant, Story Analyst
You are most welcome, Katrina. Best of luck with all that, and please do keep us posted here at Stage 32.
5 days ago
Katrina Bills Smith
Actor, Author, Production Assistant, Screenwriter, Voice Actor, Assistant Director, Casting Assistant, Creative Executive, Executive, Publisher, Talent Scout
Greetings, I'm inspired to produce a line regarding future endeavors . Thanks again for the inspiration. 
6 days ago
Ashley Smith 23
Creative Executive, Script Consultant, Producer
Brad, this was an incredibly informative and inspiring read. You’ve done a brilliant job pulling back the curtain on a phase of production that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. Your personal journey through the ranks from PA to Post Producer adds so much weight to this blog. It’s a reminder that careers in this industry are built brick by brick, and that mastering the craft means understanding the big picture and the smallest details. For anyone looking to carve out a long-term path in the business, your new Stage 32 Post Production Supervision Certification courses are an invaluable resource. Thank you for being so generous with your insights and for creating a roadmap for the next generation of Post professionals. Excited to keep learning from you!
10 days ago
Jordan Smith 16
Cinematographer
Thanks Brad!
10 days ago
Thank you, Brad
10 days ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
This sounds like an incredible opportunity, Brad! I used to think Post Production was only the phase after a movie/show was done filming, but I’ve learned that Post Production starts in Pre Production like you said. Thanks for teaching these Courses! I’m sure they’re going to help out tremendously!
10 days ago
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