POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR (In the Entertainment industry. What do they do?

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What does a Post Production Supervisor do?

Post Production Supervisors are responsible for the post production process, during which they maintain clarity of information and good channels of communication between the producer, editor, supervising sound editor, the facilities companies (such as film labs, CGI studios and negative cutters) and the production accountant. Although this is not a creative role, it is pivotal in ensuring that the film's post production budget is manageable and achievable, and that all deadlines are met. Because large amounts of money are involved, and most of a film's budget is spent during production, the post production period can often be difficult and challenging.

The Post Production Supervisors' role can be stressful and requires ingenuity, empathy and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure, while working long hours, to tight deadlines.

The role of the Post Production Supervisor varies according to the type of film and the budget. On big budget films using complex CGI (Computer Generated Images), work starts during pre-production. The Supervisor liaises with the CGI Company and makes sure the Producer is aware of all the creative and budgetary considerations. On smaller budget films they also advise on an overall picture of what can be realistically achieved. Most Post Production Supervisors also liaise with the Editor and Producer (and sometimes the Director), about the hiring of post-production staff (Sound Editors, Titles Designers, Mixers, etc.). The Supervisors work closely with the Production Accountant, supplying accurate information for the Cost Reports. These are prepared every three to four weeks and show how actual expenditure compares to the original budget.

Post Production Supervisors work with the Editor, Supervising Sound Editor, and Re-Recording Sound Mixer throughout post production. They usually continue to work on the production until all the elements needed for the completion of the film are delivered. This includes the music and effects version which allows the dialogue track to be replaced with different languages.

Because large amounts of money are involved, and most of a film's budget is spent during Production, the Post Production period can often be difficult and challenging. Some Post Production Supervisors may be involved on a number of films at one time, but usually work on three or four films a year. They are employed on a freelance basis, by the Producer, often also with approval from a Completion Bond Guarantee company. They usually work alone, but on larger productions may employ an Assistant.

Skills and Duties:

• Looking after the post production process…
• Liaising between the Producer, Editor, Supervising Sound Editor, Facilities Companies the Facilities Companies and the Production Accountant…
• Making sure that the film's Post Production budget is on target and that all deadlines are met...
• Have expert knowledge of the post production process…
• Have experience of film budgeting software…
• Have excellent communication/people skills…
• Be able to multi-task…
• Be able to motivate a team…
• Have financial and budget management skills…
• Be able to work to strict deadlines…
• Have good organizational skills…
• Have advanced problem solving skills…
• Be able to work well and make tough decisions under pressure…
• Know the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety laws and procedures…
• Be up to date with new technology…

SOME OF THE POSSIBLE JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES (That may apply or be required) 

• Comprehensive knowledge of production management and production techniques…
• Excellent knowledge of handling administrative functions and managing staff…
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills…
• Handling the tasks of creative production and development…
• Responsible for budget performance, content quality, and overseeing market share of assigned project… Familiar with applications such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, and Final Cut Pro…
• Excellent knowledge of operating production equipment like cameras, microphones, manual filming cameras, lighting equipment, ladders, and audio equipment…
• Handle tasks of writing, shooting, and editing contemporary programs and feature stories for various shows…
• Responsible for providing training sessions to segment staff in areas of shooting television segments and special features…
• Perform tasks of tapping on-site or off-site television programs and events…
• Handle responsibilities of editing video tape assignments using various editing software programs such as After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro and illustrator…
• Perform complete responsibilities of traveling to various locations for filming on-site events such as crusades and other special assignments…
• Assisting associate producers, producers, and production assistants in all aspects of the production… Tracking and reporting on production schedules and budgets for news shows…
• Planning, directing, and managing the creation and content…
• Assisting subordinates and conducting performance reviews…
• Coordinated the work of producers and created a unified end result…
• Tracked and met deadlines for projects, adjusted production schedules, and ensured projects are delivered on time…
• Maintained and updated content in master schedule and database… 

Other responsibilities may include: 

• Responsible for gathering and maintaining records of all pre-production details…
• Assigned tasks of assisting segment producer in script development and approvals…
• Handle tasks of shooting and directing interviews, casting and recording voice over talent…
• Responsible for managing all final deliverables, schedules and budgets…
• Coordinate with account managers, designers and editors in organizing various shows…
• Perform tasks of overseeing the management and creation of video shooting… 

From top to bottom, the chain of command runs: 

• Executive Producer
• Showrunner
• Co-executive Producer
• Line Producer
• Supervising Producer
• Producer
• Co-producer
• Coordinating Producer
• Consulting Producer
• Associate Producer
• Segment Producer
• Field Producer
• Edit Producer
• Post Producer

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Entertainment Careers, In Deed, Glass Door, Pay Scale, , Business Insider, Slate, Copy Blogger, USA Today, Merriam-Webster, Job Monkey,

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