How to Prepare Physical Post-Production Deliverables

When finishing up a post-production project, an important part is preparing the items that are part of the project for delivery. To maintain your credibility and professional reputation, make certain to account for, organize and ship post-production materials in a timely manner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Prepare the media for delivery. The media is the format in which you will deliver the finished project. Make sure you understand the client's wishes on which format to deliver the project. It may be an external hard drive, on DVD or CD. It is best to discuss this earlier in the project to include any media costs and delivery charges ahead of time.

2. Include a back-up plan, as well. Send one form of back-up to the client whether they request it or not. It can be a cheap and easy way to send the files, such as on CD. If there are technical difficulties then the client will have it on hand without having to contact you for an alternative source.

3. Send all paperwork needed. This may include invoices, contracts or unsigned releases. Keep everything well organized and clearly labeled. Remember that you need to have a signed release from every person or image in the film.

4. Return things used in the project that belong to the client. This may include their own footage used in final edits, their own audio tracks, images, materials and resources.

5. Package up everything you will return, along with an itemized list of everything in the package. This may not be the cheapest way to send things, but it will be easiest for you and the client to keep track of everything and to avoid conflict later. Use FedEx, DHL or Priority Mail to ship it all in one larger package. Ship the materials priority with proof of delivery and a signature requirement.