Fix It in Prep, Not in Post

Production decisions that save hours in the edit later

There’s a saying in filmmaking: “We’ll fix it in post.”
And yes — modern editing software can do incredible things.
But at Philip M Russell Ltd, where we film science experiments, 1:1 lessons, organ performances, sailing trips, and corporate videos, we’ve learned that the fastest, cleanest, and most professional results come from fixing problems before you press record.

Good preparation saves far more time than clever editing ever can.

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Why Pre-Production Matters

When you get the basics right on set, you avoid:

• colour mismatches

• noisy audio

• blown-out lighting

• shaky camera work

• confused multi-camera sync

• messy backgrounds

• incorrect framing

• repeated takes

• endless attempts to “rescue” footage

Post-production should be about polishing — not surgery.

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1. Sort Your Lighting First

Bad lighting destroys footage long before you reach the timeline.
Good lighting creates:

• clean skin tones

• accurate scientific colours

• fewer shadows on lab benches

• better detail for organ consoles and sailing kit

• less noise = easier colour grading

We always test lighting with a colour checker and reference chart before filming.

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2. Get the Audio Perfect at Source

You can boost volume in the edit — you can’t un-record distortion.

Fix in prep by:

• placing microphones correctly

• using the Tascam CA-XLR2d on the Canon R5C

• monitoring levels with headphones

• running dual-system audio where needed

• recording backup audio on a second mic

• eliminating hum (DI boxes, clean power)

If audio is clean in-camera, editing becomes effortless.

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3. Frame and Set the Background

A messy background wastes time in post cropping, masking and stabilising.

Before recording, check for:

• stray cables

• bright signs

• cluttered lab benches

• people walking into frame

• reflective metal that catches light

• unwanted posters or branding

One minute of tidying saves 20 minutes of editing.

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4. Lock Down Camera Settings

Mixed exposure or colour settings across cameras create headaches.

Fix in prep by:

• matching white balance

• setting identical frame rates

• locking shutter speed

• turning off auto exposure

• using the same picture profile

• shooting a colour checker plate

Then sync everything with Tentacle Sync or a clapperboard — instant multi-cam alignment.

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5. Record the Extra Shots Now

Every editor knows the frustration of “I wish I had one more cutaway.”

Fix in prep by capturing:

• close-ups

• wide establishing shots

• reaction angles

• B-roll of equipment

• slow-motion variations

• safety takes

You always need more footage than you think — shoot it now, not later.

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6. Script or Outline the Structure

Even if you don’t script word-for-word, having a clear structure (like Hook → Teach → Sum) avoids rambling takes.

When filming lessons or experiments, this reduces:

• long pauses

• repeated mistakes

• excessive trimming

• awkward transitions

And viewers get a cleaner, clearer teaching video.

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7. Label Everything Before You Start

This applies to:

• batteries

• SD cards

• audio files

• camera angles

• take numbers

• lenses

• props

It avoids confusion later and speeds the edit enormously.

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The Takeaway

The best edits start long before the footage hits the timeline.
A few smart decisions at the start of filming minimise the need for colour rescue, noise reduction, stabilisation, masking, trimming, or reshoots.

Fix it in prep — not in post — and your videos become faster to edit, easier to manage, and far more professional.