Producing a feature-length motion picture requires a significant investment of both time and effort. However, even after all of the filming has been completed, the movie is still just halfway through the process to becoming a finished product. The remaining half of the process often takes place inside of a post production house, where a number of departments collaborate in order to combine video and sound into a successful motion picture.

Here are the initial steps you need to take to enter the world of post-production if you believe that this could be the correct career route for you.

Determine the area of the organisation in which you would like to work.

The majority of post-production companies organise their businesses (and, by extension, their personnel resources) according to the three primary divisions of production, editing, and sound. Depending on what you want your typical workday to be like, the first thing you need to do, which is probably something you’ve already done, is choose which of these options is the best one for you to pursue. Here’s a suggestion:

Production entails dealing with customers, monitoring the processing of projects, and supervising editing suites in addition to maintaining tabs on the logistics and workflow of production.

After beginning as a runner, your goal will be to become as active in the technical process as you possibly can. This will mean spending time in the control room and contributing to the process of troubleshooting. As you advance in your career, you will eventually be in control of the entire video side of the post-production process, during which you will work with editing suites such as Avid Media Composer.

Even though the level of competition in the sound department has increased as a result of technological developments, the best way to enter the field of sound design is to begin your career as a runner. After gaining relevant experience and proving your competence, you will be responsible for the curation of musical recordings and soundscapes for films. According to what Joe Herrington remarked, “Half of the power to tell a tale is sound.”

Do your homework and become ready.

After you have made a decision regarding your intentions for the future, the next step is to choose a business that is a good fit for you. There are post-production facilities that specialise in features, factual programming, entertainment programming, and commercial production. The demand for entry-level roles (often post-production runners) remains stable, despite the fact that the turnover rate for entry-level roles (typically apprenticeship programmes) is rather high.

You should therefore conduct study and ensure that you apply for every opportunity that is relevant to you. Be well prepared: the level of competition is high, and the selection process can take a long time; thus, it is to your advantage to be among the first to send a CV.

However, this does not imply that you should rush and end up delivering a CV that does not appear flawless. Preparation is the key, so review your CV for problems, get other people to verify it, and make sure that it reads properly. Include, if at all possible, a portfolio of your previous work, demonstrate all of your skills, and, even though it may seem irrelevant, add any experience you have had working with customers, as one of your responsibilities as runner will be to welcome guests and make sure they are comfortable. If you are able to do so, include this information in your application. Your curriculum vitae should not exceed one or two pages.

Be persistent in your job search; you may have to endure a number of setbacks before landing the position that would launch your dream career. In the meantime, keep sending emails, making calls, and seeking for chances.

Put up a lot of effort and learn on the job.

Your first work as a post-production runner is merely getting your foot in the door; from now on, you will have to earn your promotions by continually balancing the acquisition of new abilities with the demonstration of existing ones.

As a runner, your responsibilities will range from getting coffee and other refreshments to communicating with customers. You will also be responsible for managing raw footage and keeping editing suites clean and organised. Always carry out each of these responsibilities with enthusiasm and professionalism, and make the most of every opportunity that presents itself to gain new knowledge.

The kinds of predicaments that call for prompt problem solving are the ones that will get you noticed, and they might even help you get promoted to a higher position if one of those higher positions opens up. Therefore, you should always remain vigilant and proactive, offer assistance whenever it is required, and always be a team player.

If you make yourself available to your coworkers, they will undoubtedly be eager to teach you about the equipment and processes involved in post-production. These are the kinds of learning outcomes that you will need to progress in your profession, so make sure you take advantage of this opportunity!