Post-production comprises the set of processes applied to an audiovisual piece to give it its final form, once the objectives of exposition and narrative have been achieved. This phase may be very subtle and aimed at providing a simple finish, as in the case of naturalistic cinema; but it can often become the defining feature of the piece, without which it would not fully make sense.
In this course we will examine post-production processes in general, in order to understand how audiovisual works evolve as they pass through each of their stages. We will also explore several commonly used techniques, with the aim of enabling students to apply them to their own projects.
Titular Professors
No prior knowledge required
The course aims for students to understand the role of post-production in shaping the final meaning of an audiovisual piece. Students are expected to master the key stages of the process, from the most subtle adjustments to the creative interventions that define a work’s style. They will learn to apply common post-production techniques through practical exercises and personal projects. Additionally, students will develop visual judgment and autonomy when making narrative, aesthetic, and technical decisions in professional contexts.
1. EDITING
1.1. Basic principles of audiovisual editing: continuity, rhythm, structure.
1.2. Specific considerations for editing different genres and formats.
1.3. Basic editing workflows in DaVinci Resolve.
2. VFX
2.1. Commonly used VFX techniques (integration, 3D creation, tracking, graphics).
2.2. The VFX pipeline in professional productions.
2.3. VFX workflows in Fusion.
3. COLOR
3.1. Stages of color correction: development, correction, matching, look creation.
3.2. Basic technical considerations for color grading.
3.3. Tools and color?grading workflows in DaVinci Resolve.
4. SOUND
4.1. Use and purpose of sound in audiovisual works.
4.2. Tools and processes for sound post?production and mixing in Fairlight.
The teaching methodology is based on face to face sessions divided into two parts:
Theoretical technical explanation of each topic, moving from general conceptualization to examples of historical and contemporary applications, possible creative variations, and finally the procedures required in the corresponding software.
A practical exercise designed to apply the concepts learned and practice the techniques. Some of these exercises are submitted as part of the course evaluation.
Additionally, a virtual learning environment is provided with supplementary resources, including documents to expand conceptual aspects and video tutorials detailing the procedures.
Ordinary Call
Assessment consists of two components:
Continuous assessment (moderately significant activities):
Through the submission of in class exercises designed to practice each of the phases presented.
Final project, weighing 60% of the final grade.
Continuous assessment weighs 40% of the grade (10% each).
Extraordinary Call
If recovery is required, there are two possible options:
Correcting the errors identified in the evaluation of the final project.
Creating a new final project.
In both cases, if pending continuous assessment activities are submitted together with the recovery work, the final grade may increase by up to 1 additional point.
Use of AI Tools
Use of generative AI tools is strictly prohibited.
Use of AI tools integrated within software applications to assist with native processes (e.g., DaVinci’s audio automixer) is permitted.
The assessment criteria are detailed in the rubric provided to students at the start of the course.
Murch, W. (2003). En el momento del parpadeo: un punto de vista sobre el montaje cinematográfico.
Marimón, J. (2022). Montaje cinematográfico, El. Del guion a la pantalla (5.a edición). Edicions Universitat Barcelona.
Jackson, W. (2016). VFX Fundamentals: Visual Special Effects Using Fusion 8.0. Apress.
Música y sonido en los audiovisuales. (2012). Edicions Universitat Barcelona.
In each unit, additional bibliography and learning materials will be provided if necessary