Film post-production coordinator

Role and missions

As the name suggests, the film post-production coordinator is responsible for coordinating the film project during the post-production phase. They plan and monitor each stage.

After reading a script, they are able to estimate the time needed to edit a film.

Their first task is to draw up estimates based on the producer’s and director’s specifications and to propose a complete post-production budget.

He then draws up a picture and sound post-production schedule, taking care to ensure that the production does not impose excessively tight deadlines for budgetary reasons.

Sometimes he may be asked to manage invoicing and the salaries of temporary workers.

Working as part of a team, they must keep to the budget and schedule despite the imponderables inherent in post-production.

Diplomas and training

There is no specific training to become a film post-production coordinator, although it is strongly recommended that you take a course in image and sound. The 3-year cinema training course offered by CinéCréatis, with the option of specialising in the final year, provides a solid foundation of skills. Then you need to work your way up through the ranks, starting as a production manager or editor.

Skills and qualities required

Film post-production coordinators need to be versatile in order to manage several projects at the same time.

They must be organised and efficient, particularly in times of crisis. Being able to withstand stress and pressure is an essential quality for this job, as are good interpersonal skills. The film post-production coordinator juggles with the director, the production team and the technical post-production team, and knows how to be diplomatic.

Based on a script, this professional is able to optimise, evaluate and readjust the budget required for post-production. To do this, they must be able to estimate costs and master all the workings of the film programme production chain.

As well as having a good knowledge of digital cameras and editing software, they must have a thorough understanding of copyright and image and work rights, so as to be able to draw up the various contracts.

Careers and career opportunities

Once they have proved themselves, film post-production coordinators often work as salaried employees in an audiovisual production company. As an essential link in the film team, they are increasingly sought after by post-production studios and production companies. Over the years, they can hope to become post-production directors.

Salary expectations

The salary of a film post-production co-ordinator varies enormously depending on the responsibilities they are given and the size of the project they are working on.

On average, an entry-level post-production coordinator earns around €2,400 gross per month.