Last Updated 2 months ago
Definition
Fix it in post is a phrase used on film and television sets to imply that a problem encountered during production will be corrected later in post-production. The phrase can be used seriously, optimistically, or sarcastically, depending on context and tone.
While some issues can genuinely be addressed in post, the phrase is often used to acknowledge a compromise or unresolved problem on set.
Role of “Fix It in Post” in Film Culture
“Fix it in post” functions as both a practical statement and a cultural shorthand. It reflects the ongoing tension between production limitations and post-production capabilities.
On set, the phrase may be used to:
Move past a problem when time is limited
Defer a technical issue to post-production
Acknowledge a known compromise
Relieve pressure during a difficult setup
Mask uncertainty about how a problem will actually be solved
Because of its flexibility, the phrase has become part of the shared language of film crews.
What Can Actually Be Fixed in Post
Some problems are legitimately suited to post-production solutions.
These may include:
Minor color or exposure adjustments
Small continuity errors
Background cleanup or object removal
Sound cleanup or dialogue replacement
Stabilization or minor reframing
Modern post-production tools are powerful, and many issues that once required reshoots can now be addressed digitally with sufficient time and budget.
What Cannot Be Fixed in Post
Despite its popularity, “fix it in post” is often misapplied to problems that are difficult, expensive, or impossible to fix later.
Issues that are hard to fix include:
Poor lighting design
Incorrect camera angles
Unmotivated blocking
Missing coverage
Performance problems
Severe focus errors
Post-production cannot easily recreate intent, performance, or properly motivated lighting. Problems at the core of the image or story often require on-set solutions.
Sarcastic vs Serious Use
Tone matters when “fix it in post” is said.
Used seriously, it reflects a planned workflow where post-production has been accounted for.
Used sarcastically, it signals frustration, resignation, or skepticism about the plan.
The sarcastic use is common among experienced crew members who understand the limitations of post-production and recognize when the phrase is being used to avoid solving a problem properly.
Impact on Workflow and Budget
Deferring problems to post-production almost always shifts cost and complexity rather than eliminating it.
Potential consequences include:
Increased post-production time
Higher visual effects or sound costs
Creative compromises during editing
Strain between departments
Unexpected delays
What appears to save time on set may create larger problems later. For this reason, experienced productions are cautious about relying on post-production as a safety net.
Cultural Meaning on Set
Beyond its literal meaning, “fix it in post” has become a symbol of production culture.
It can reflect:
Schedule pressure
Budget constraints
Creative compromise
Overconfidence in technology
Fatigue or burnout
How often and how casually the phrase is used can be an indicator of how well a production is being managed.
Common Misconceptions
“Fix it in post” is often misunderstood when:
It is treated as a universal solution
Post-production limitations are ignored
Problems are deferred without a clear plan
The phrase is used to excuse avoidable mistakes
Post-production is not a replacement for good planning, lighting, sound, or direction. It is a complementary phase, not a cure-all.
Why “Fix It in Post” Matters
The phrase endures because it captures a real dynamic in filmmaking: the balance between what must be done now and what can be done later.
It matters because it:
Highlights the relationship between production and post
Reveals attitudes toward problem-solving on set
Encourages discussion about responsibility and planning
Serves as a cautionary shorthand for crew members
Reflects the realities of modern filmmaking workflows
Used wisely, “fix it in post” can be practical. Used carelessly, it becomes a warning sign. Understanding when the phrase is appropriate—and when it is not—is part of professional judgment on set.
Related Terms
[Post-Production] The phase of filmmaking that includes editing, sound, and visual effects.
[ADR] The process of re-recording dialogue after filming.
[Visual Effects (VFX)] Digital techniques used to alter or enhance imagery.
[Continuity] The consistency of visual and narrative elements across shots.
[Coverage] The range of shots captured to allow flexibility in editing.