The more production savvy we are, the better filmmakers we become. As directors, it is our job to know every heartbeat of our story; the preparation needed for executing our vision; and the intricacies of bringing it to its final conclusion, in a way that will illicit an emotional response from our audience. That means that we must not take our foot off the pedal once we wrap. Being present, aware, in control, and maintaining our focus during post-production is vital.

Sometimes our film is made (or lost) in the edit. The technical steps of post production can seem overwhelming, especially coming off the heights (or lows) of wrapping a picture. But if we don’t have a good understanding of the post production steps, it could be challenging to bring our vision to a strong finish, and ultimately to a wider audience.

Stacia Crawford is a Director/Producer/Writer/Actress who, last year alone, directed two feature films which premiered on Netflix and Lifetime. As a producer she has helmed five feature films with Mar Vista Entertainment (premieres on Hallmark, Lifetime, CMT), in addition to several independent feature films. In television, Stacia co-directed/produced various unscripted series for NBC/Esquire, The History Channel, A&E, AMC, Spike, Logo, Pivot, Blaze TV, MTV. She also produced several web content shows, most notably for My Space. Prior to directing/producing, Stacia started her career as an actress/writer and can be seen in several feature films, including cameo roles in films that she’s directed. As a writer, she has written two novels (KIT TEN, THE SPACE BETWEEN) and co-created four original dramatic television series, (DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, WILDCATTERS, AMERICAN CAESAR, and SENESCENT) all currently in development.

In a clear, expansive, yet easy to digest presentation, Stacia will help all filmmakers understand exactly how to handle and navigate the post-production process. She will begin by teaching you what to look for when hiring your entire post-production team. From there, she'll discuss the difference between all the post production positions - some sound quite similar, but do completely different jobs - and...do you need them all? Stacia will then dive into scheduling including the level of cuts for the film, and how long each part of the process (sound, coloring, etc) should take. She will discuss pick up shoots, fixing lighting and audio mistakes, and how to protect for footage errors. She'll even get into key art and what to include in your trailer!

This is a comprehensive webinar designed to keep you deeply immersed in the post-production process carrying with you the knowledge that will keep your team on board with finalizing your vision.

Praise for Stacia from her previous Stage 32 Next Level Webinar:

She explained what is the Director's job was very very well and broke it down step by step!

-Sharlene R.

Stacia did a great job. She was great!

-Tracey A

If you are thinking of going into the industry it was amazing, hit all the points, and she went above and beyond when she expanded on a lot of her points...like making sure you get your insert shots (which I've been a victim of.). Overall she was great, clear and to the point.

-Ryan H.

Stacia was great. A lot of good information in a clear and concise manner.

-Angel N.

Great information!

-Liz H.

It was interesting to hear from other filmmakers' perspective. I learned a lot about the Director's position, as it relates to Film & TV. I came into this webinar because of my interest in knowing more about the producing/directing side of the industry, and man Stacia really did go in and cover a lot. My mind was soaking up information left and right. Another great webinar!

-Shayne W.

• What to look for when hiring the post team: Post-Production Supervisor, Editor, Composer, Colorist, Music Supervisor, Sound Mixer (and/or Designer & Editor) and VFX Compositor
• Difference between positions ie: Sound Mixing vs. Sound Editing; VFX vs. SFX, Editing vs. Compositing
  • VFX are digital, created on a computer in Post-Production. SFX are practicals (props, make-up, animatronics, pyrotechnical, etc.), created on set during production
  • Editors piece the total story together; Compositors make sure the visual effects are right on each shot (as needed)
  • Sound editing is about collecting the sounds needed for a film. Sound mixing refers to what is done after they are collected

• What materials to include in the DCP to the above people (Digital Cinema Package = like a packing crate for post production)

• The differences between editing for features and editing for film. 

• The levels of cuts, schedule for each step, and who contributes: 

  • String outs
Rough Assembly
Director’s Cut
Fine Cut
Locked Cut
SFX Pass
ADR Sessions
Color Pass
Mix down (Foley, ADR, music cues, songs, levels) Final Cut
Titles
Deliverables (ie: closed captions, formats, EPK’s etc) 

• What is generally required for distribution delivery 

• How to protect for footage errors while on set (in camera)
• Options to take if you have bad sound, or need pick up shots
  • Can you fix 
lighting or audio mistakes with Color Mix, SFX and sound design? 

• What’s involved in Pick Up shoots? 

• What is an EPK and Key Art? How important is it for Distribution? 

• Who Cuts a Trailer? What to include in a Trailer
• Q&A with Stacia

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to understand exactly how to handle and navigate the post-production process.

All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to understand exactly how to handle and navigate the post-production process.

Producers looking to learn how to create a female-driven story that only you can tell.

Actors looking to learn how to understand exactly how to handle and navigate the post-production process.