The Magic of Post-Production!

My Experience at Piyush Shah’s Session

Movies are more than just great performances and gripping stories. A huge part of what makes them impactful happens after the cameras stop rolling. I recently attended a session on post-production by Piyush Shah, Founder and Director of Bandish Studios, organized by the Center of Excellence for Media, Pune Management Association and Department of Communication and Journalism. The session was an eye-opening experience, revealing the behind-the-scenes magic that transforms raw footage into cinematic masterpieces.

Session by Piyush Shah

Breaking Down the Cinema Workflow

Piyush Shah started the session by explaining that filmmaking is an umbrella activity, where multiple teams collaborate to create the final product. He divided the process into three stages—pre-production, production, and post-production, emphasizing that post-production is where the technical and artistic aspects merge to refine a film’s storytelling.

Since cinema is an audio-visual medium, he stressed the need to separate audio post-production from video post-production, ensuring both are handled with precision. He highlighted the importance of script planning, especially for sound design, explaining how elements like point of view, intensity, and metaphorical values influence how audiences interpret a scene.

The Role of Sound

One of the most intriguing parts of the session was the discussion on sound design. Piyush Shah explained how an artist’s distance from the mic can set the environment for the audience, making them feel either deeply immersed or detached. He introduced us to sync sound recording, its challenges, and the importance of detailed notes for maintaining continuity.

Other key aspects of sound covered in the session included:

• Dialogue Editing – Refining speech clarity and removing background noise
• Foley & Foley Libraries – Creating realistic sound effects using physical props
• Audio Mixing – Enhancing sound layers for a rich auditory experience
• Theatrical vs. OTT Sound Mixing – Adapting audio for different platforms like cinemas and streaming services

Crafting the Visual Experience

Moving beyond sound, the session delved into the visual side of post-production. Piyush Shah discussed:

• Editing – The art of selecting and arranging clips to create rhythm and pace
• VFX and CG – Using computer graphics to enhance storytelling
• Color Correction – How adjusting colors impacts the audience’s subconscious experience

He demonstrated before-and-after clips, showing how minor tweaks in lighting, shadows, and textures can completely change the emotional tone of a scene. This made me realize that post-production is not just about fixing mistakes—it’s about enhancing the storytelling experience.

Final Touches

The session also covered final elements like subtitling, packaging, and background music. Music, Piyush Shah explained, is divided into two parts:

• Songs – Usually composed before shooting
• Background Score – Added during post-production to enhance emotions

Today, filmmakers also rely heavily on 2D animation, graphics, and illustration to create dynamic content. He emphasized that one person in post-production often takes on multiple roles, from editing and sound design to visual effects and packaging.

Another student Vijay Rahane, sharing his experience.

My Takeaway 

Attending this session changed the way I look at cinema. As someone focused on storytelling through words, I had never considered the technical and artistic complexity of post-production. Watching raw clips evolve into polished cinematic scenes made me appreciate the invisible hands shaping what we see on screen.

Post-production is where the real magic of filmmaking happens, bringing together sound, visuals, and emotions to create an unforgettable experience. This session was an eye-opener into the depth of creativity and technical expertise required to make a film truly impactful.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Have you ever thought about the work that goes into editing, sound design, or VFX? Let’s discuss in the comments!