Creative Post Workflow The Road to Empire

“Fix It in Post” Tests Power of Color Correction and Forces ADR on Location

“Fix It in Post” is an old adage used on production (usually one meant to be reassuring when used by producers, a mocking inside joke when the crew says it). In most cases, it's better, and cheaper, to get it right on set than to try to do it in post. But on The Road to Empire, like many independent films, there was really no other option. The production funds were scant which meant compromises in locations, shooting and audio. Often the locations like inside a hospital, restaurant and airport could not be locked down so the production had to shoot while business at those locations continued, often with only a few hours to shoot an entire scene. DP Tobias Datum had little time to light, and only two assistants, and the production sound team was at the mercy of the outside world. But despite all this all, the editor, colorist, VFX and sound artists were able to fix it in post and without skyrocketing costs. In fact the entire film cost $60,000 with only a small part of that used for production.

But the challenges were just beginning after the Super 16mm film was in the can and the compromises made during production had to be faced head on, and still with very little money. This meant spending a lot of time in the DI and doing over 2,000 lines of ADR on location. Yes, ADR on location. But more on that later.

Access to the last 90 days of content is always free. Paid subscribers can access older stories as part of their membership.

* Already a member? Sign in.