The Reality of ‘Fix It in Post’: Why Planning is Everything in Creative Production
Introduction: Why ‘Fix It in Post’ Shouldn’t Be the Default Mindset
In our previous posts, we’ve explored the realities of location scouting, the challenges of working as a lone wolf in the field on travel shoots, and how to adapt quickly when things go wrong. Whether it’s an unpredictable weather shift, an access issue at a shoot location, or a technical failure, we know that production teams thrive on problem-solving and working dynamically.
But while some challenges are unavoidable, there’s one production mindset that should never be the go-to solution: “We’ll fix it in post.”
No matter how tough the conditions or how many unforeseen problems arise, relying on post-production as a safety net can quickly become a costly and time-consuming mistake. Yes, great planning and execution can’t prevent every issue, but it should minimise the need for heavy post-production fixes.
This post dives into why planning should be prioritised over post-production problem-solving, and why even in the most high-pressure shoots, your mindset should always be about getting it right in-camera—not gambling on the hope that an editor can save it later.
“Don’t worry, we’ll fix it in post.”
It’s a phrase that gets thrown around far too often in creative production. Whether it’s a talking head corporate video, a fast-moving travel shoot, or a brand’s content piece, the idea that problems on set can simply be corrected in post-production has become a common crutch.
While modern editing tools are incredibly powerful, relying on post to fix poor lighting, bad audio, or colour inconsistencies isn’t just risky—it’s costly and time-consuming. The truth is, the best way to “fix it in post” is to avoid fixing it at all.
Why ‘Fix It in Post’ Is a Dangerous Mindset in Creative Production
Post-production is a critical part of the process, but it shouldn’t be treated as a safety net for avoidable issues. The idea that any problem can be solved with enough time in the edit suite leads to:
• Increased Costs – Every fix in post-production adds billable hours. Whether it’s colour-correcting improperly lit interviews or removing distractions from backgrounds, time spent on unnecessary fixes cuts into the project budget.
• Time Delays – Editing is already a meticulous process. If an editor is forced to compensate for poor lighting, bad framing, or unwanted background noise, delivery timelines get pushed further and further back.
• Compromised Quality – While many technical issues can be adjusted in post, they often come at a cost to the final image or sound quality. Overprocessed footage, unnatural-looking colour correction, or muffled audio fixes rarely match the quality of getting it right on set.
Let’s break down the most common mistakes left to post-production fixes—and how they can be avoided with proper planning.
1. Poor Lighting: A Common and Costly Fix
One of the biggest post-production nightmares is trying to correct bad lighting. If an interview subject is too dark, overexposed, or positioned under the wrong type of lighting, fixing the footage in post can only do so much.
🎬 Common Issues That Require ‘Fixing in Post’
• Overexposed highlights that can’t be recovered.
• Shadows that obscure facial features.
• Inconsistent lighting between takes, making colour grading a nightmare.
✅ How to Avoid It in Production
• Invest in a proper lighting setup. Even a basic three-point lighting system can drastically improve quality.
• Control your environment. If shooting near windows, be aware of shifting daylight and adjust accordingly.
• Use light meters and histograms. These tools help ensure correct exposure before the camera starts rolling.
The Bottom Line: If your subject is poorly lit, colour grading and exposure fixes in post can only do so much—and it often results in unnatural-looking footage.
2. Bad Audio: Almost Impossible to Fully Fix in Post
Unlike visuals, bad audio is far harder to fix in post-production. Background noise, echo, or microphone issues can ruin an otherwise perfectly shot video.
🎬 Common Issues That Require ‘Fixing in Post’
• Heavy background noise from air conditioning, traffic, or office chatter.
• Echo from shooting in large, empty spaces.
• Microphone rustling or clipping.
✅ How to Avoid It in Production
• Use quality microphones. A lavalier or shotgun mic will always outperform in-camera audio.
• Scout locations for sound. If possible, visit the location beforehand to check for disruptive background noise.
• Always monitor audio. Wearing headphones on set allows for real-time audio adjustments, preventing costly fixes later.
The Bottom Line: You cannot truly “fix” bad audio in post—you can only attempt to mask or reduce it, often at the expense of overall clarity.
3. Colour Inconsistencies: A Post-Production Headache
Whether it’s mismatched colour temperatures between shots or incorrect brand colours in a corporate shoot, colour correction in post can quickly become a costly process.
🎬 Common Issues That Require ‘Fixing in Post’
• Mismatched white balance causing unnatural skin tones.
• Clashing colour temperatures between shots (e.g., daylight and tungsten mix).
• Branding colours appear differently in various lighting setups.
✅ How to Avoid It in Production
• Set your white balance manually—don’t rely on auto settings.
• Match lighting sources to ensure a consistent colour temperature.
• Use brand colour references on set to ensure accuracy from the start.
The Bottom Line: Colour grading is part of every project, but fixing mistakes should not be the primary reason for post-production adjustments.
4. Poor Composition & Framing: When the Editor Has to Crop and Adjust
Shooting with poor framing forces the editor to crop, resize, or digitally adjust footage, often leading to lower quality and unnatural framing.
🎬 Common Issues That Require ‘Fixing in Post’
• A subject positioned too far off-centre, requiring heavy cropping.
• A cluttered or distracting background that should have been adjusted on set.
• Footage shot too tightly, leaving no room for adjustments in the edit.
✅ How to Avoid It in Production
• Frame the shot properly in-camera. Follow the rule of thirds and ensure subjects have enough breathing room.
• Check the background. Move objects, shift angles, or reposition talent to remove distractions.
• Shoot in higher resolution. If cropping is necessary, filming in 4K for a 1080p final output allows more flexibility.
The Bottom Line: Post-production cannot magically reframe a poorly composed shot without noticeable degradation.
5. Not Shooting for the Edit: Leaving Editors Without Options
One of the biggest frustrations for editors is receiving footage that wasn’t shot with the edit in mind. When production doesn’t account for how content will be assembled, the editing process becomes a puzzle missing crucial pieces.
🎬 Common Issues That Require ‘Fixing in Post’
• Not enough cutaways or B-roll to cover transitions.
• Lack of alternative takes, forcing awkward jump cuts.
• No consideration for aspect ratios (e.g., shooting too wide for a vertical social media crop).
✅ How to Avoid It in Production
• Shoot extra B-roll and cutaway footage to cover transitions.
• Film alternative takes to provide editors with flexibility.
• Plan for multiple formats. If delivering for social media, consider vertical and square crops.
The Bottom Line: Shooting for the edit ensures a smooth post-production process and avoids unnecessary workarounds.
Final Thoughts: The Best Productions Need Less ‘Fixing’
Post-production should enhance your footage, not rescue it. While editors can work wonders, relying on “fixing it in post” is a costly and inefficient mindset.
The key to a smooth, efficient production is getting it right before the camera even starts rolling.
✅ Invest in lighting and sound, and take time for the right framing when shooting.
✅ Shoot with the final edit in mind.
✅ Think ahead—because prevention is always cheaper than correction.
At the end of the day, the best post-production work isn’t about fixing mistakes—it’s about polishing an already well-executed shoot.
Because the best way to “fix it in post” is to never have to fix it at all. 🎬
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