Contrary to what the job title suggests, a Post-Production Supervisor – or Post Supe as it’s colloquially known – does not solely begin working once principal photography has wrapped. Rather their responsibilities lie over the entirety of a production's lifecycle, oftentimes starting before the first snap of the clapperboard.
An essential role, sitting at senior level within the below the line talent roster they use their leadership skills to keep the project on track, ensuring it’s delivered to the big or small screen on time and within budget. The skills required to do this are developed and honed over several years before they get to this stage.
For Paula Crickard, her career began by volunteering with Northern Visions in Belfast, where she was always “helping at their events, running on their shoots, making tea and doing whatever they needed me to.” After several months dedicating herself to the non-paid role, “they suggested I make a film about something close to my heart.” Seizing upon this opportunity, “as a young lesbian in ultra repressive Northern Ireland, I knew that’s what I needed to speak about. Thanks to Dave and Marilyn Hyndman I made the first documentary about being gay and Irish,”. The documentary went on to win awards and became a pivotal point at which she was able to propel her career in the industry on both sides of the Atlantic.
Aleksandra Czenczek also took her fledgling career overseas, coming to London in 2004 for an internship in a production company after graduating from film school in France. Initially thinking it was going to be a temporary stay, telling us “It was supposed to last five months, but when it ended, I was lucky to be offered a job as a junior VFX artist in another company.”
“The company I worked for was commissioned to work on a series with David Attenborough. My team won an Emmy Award for our work on David Attenborough's First Life series.”
Now experienced industry professionals, their day-to-day work has grown and evolved as Jackie Vance explains that she “oversees post from pre-production, helping set up workflows, scheduling, deals, hiring and post house.” Although, her remit can vary from that depending on whether “you take a budget from a line producer, or work with them on the budget, or even do it yourself!
Back on this side of the pond, Paula has since co-founded HaZimation, a transmedia company based in Belfast and London, which produces games, animation and live action. Harnessing her experience, to transfer the skills she’s acquired over the years, Paula states that her “current role is a culmination of everything I have done as a producer and post production up to now. As Post-Production Supervisor I have strong tech knowledge and at the same time, a strong business sense to meet the deadlines and understand what producers need to make the film successful.”
Even though their job titles imply that there would be a shared similarity in the work that they undertake, the responsibilities that each of them detailed falls over a wide spectrum. Aleksandra’s work as a freelance VFX on-set supervisor sees her do hands-on VFX supervision on film and HETV productions that require visual effects.
“On set I’m working closely with the Director and DOP and advise them on the shots set ups and offer the creative solutions that can be achieved on the production budget. Highlighting potential shots issues for post-production, which can be amended while shooting.”
Reflecting on their journeys to where they are now, and what advice they’d give to someone aspiring to work in their fields, Jackie recognises that approaches to breaking into the industry have changed from things like door-knocking when she started in 1987, but other aspects will always be relevant. It’s going to be key to “build relationships, it’s down to the liaising and communication”, as well as stressing the importance of “keeping up with technical processes, and advancement in technologies.”
Giving her advice, Aleksandra highlights that “everyone has their own path, and that's the most challenging thing in this industry. What works for some people doesn't work for others.”
“The most important thing is to stay persistent, be willing to constantly learn and be open to all possibilities, even if they're out of your comfort zone. It gets easier and easier as we go along.”
