In this guide
This is our final instalment in our series explaining each step of the video production process. In earlier episodes, I covered pre-production and production. In this video, I’m going to talk about the final stage in the filmmaking process: post-production.
Post-production starts once we’ve got all of the footage for your video shot, and we head into the edit suite.
Steps involved in Post-Production
Our first step is to put together what’s known as the rough cut. This is the first edit of your video. To use the metaphor of building a house, the Rough Cut is where we create the structure: the walls, the roof, and the windows. And then, we invite you in to have a look. You get a clear picture of where things are heading, without the finishing touches like paint, curtains and appliances.
This is an important phase because it means we can check in with you as the process unfolds. You can confirm that your video is what you expected, and you have an opportunity to provide feedback and suggest changes.
Refine the fine cut
Based on your feedback, we move to the fine cut. This is where we refine the video with elements like music, graphics, and colour grading. You can review it again and provide feedback within the agreed review rounds. Our video editing principles guide explains the decisions behind the edit.
Mix the sound
At this stage, we mix the dialogue, music and other sound for the finished video.
We’ll make the final changes covered by your agreed scope before you approve the finished video.
Approve and deliver the final versions
Once you approve the video, we export the agreed versions. These typically include a web-ready file and a high-resolution master for archiving. Confirm any additional formats, captions or platform-specific edits in the delivery plan.
Video Marketing & Distribution
If you’ve commissioned Dream Engine to take care of the video marketing component, we will then help you with distribution through channels like YouTube and email marketing. We monitor video analytics and provide you with reports, so you can review how well your video is performing against the agreed measures, such as watch time, clicks or tracked enquiries.
The production process runs from the initial brief through planning, filming, editing and delivery. Agreeing on each stage helps everyone understand what needs to happen and when.
When you’re ready to talk about your video, get in touch, and I’ll help you get started.
Editing and delivery
Post-production: frequently asked questions
Review, refine and deliver the video.
What happens during post-production?
Post-production is where the story is shaped and polished. It includes organising footage, building the edit, tightening pacing, cleaning audio, adding music, colour grading, motion graphics, captions (if required), and exporting versions for different platforms.
What is a rough cut?
A rough cut is the first structured version of your video. It focuses on story, structure, and key messaging, without the full finishing elements like colour grade, final music, sound mix, or graphics.
What is a fine cut?
A fine cut is the next stage after feedback on the rough cut. The edit is tightened and refined, and finishing elements such as music, graphics, and colour grading are introduced so the video starts to feel close to the final result.
How many rounds of feedback are included?
The included review rounds are set out in your quote or project scope. They may cover a rough cut, fine cut and final review. Consolidate feedback from your team at each stage and discuss any additional changes before work proceeds.
Can we sit in with the editor for final changes?
A supervised edit session may be arranged so you can review adjustments with the editor. Discuss availability and whether the session is included in your project scope.
How long does post-production usually take?
The schedule depends on the volume of footage, editing complexity, graphics, versions and time needed for feedback. Agree on review dates and a delivery deadline before editing begins.
What files will we receive at the end?
Typically you will receive a web-ready version for your website and social channels, plus a high-resolution master for archiving. If you need platform-specific versions (LinkedIn, YouTube, internal systems), those can be supplied as part of the delivery plan.
Do you help with distribution and video marketing?
Yes. If you engage Dream Engine for video marketing support, we can help plan distribution, publish videos to the right channels, and review analytics so you can measure performance.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne video production company established in 2002. Over the past two decades, he’s produced hundreds of videos for businesses, government departments, universities and healthcare organisations across Australia. Ryan specialises in helping organisations explain complex ideas through clear, engaging video content, with particular experience in corporate communications, training and education.
