Making changes to video footage is not as simple a process as photoshopping still images. Let me repeat that. Making changes to video content is not the same as making changes to a still image.
It’s worth a repeat because the phrase, ‘we’ll fix it in post’, seems to have become the default position rather than a last resort.
Yes, of course film editors can and do use photoshop for a number of reasons. But unlike a still picture which can be manipulated, it is a lot more difficult to do on a moving image.
The reason is video is shot in 25fps – frames per second. This means any changes have to be made to each frame. Then, of course, if the frame is moving, the changes have to follow that movement.
Does this matter and if so, why? It matters because the time it takes your film editor to ‘fix it in post’ is time which is costing you money. As a video production company this makes a difference to the bottom line. Your budget will depend on the number of days you have booked your film editor, camera crew, producer etc. But if you are delivering material which needs to be digitally improved in the edit suite then you’re simply passing on the problem to someone else.
Of course, there are many occasions when photoshop is needed to enhance or manipulate still images – by which I mean make them look better to fit in with the high quality video footage. I don’t mean adding your head, or anyone else’s onto a perfect physique.
But as a general rule ask yourself this. Why was the shot you needed not taken on location? Why did you not take the time to get it right before delivering the material to your film editor? Why should the person in that role do all the work?
Have a clear idea of what you want the final edit to look like and plan your filming around that. Don’t expect other people to correct your mistakes. Filming is about being part of a team and even if you are editing the footage yourself, you’ll make your life a whole lot easier if you don’t have to fix it in post.