Preparing Your Film for Audio Post

Preparing Your Film

Simple guidelines to help ensure your project arrives ready for professional sound work.

Preparing your film properly for audio post-production helps ensure a smooth workflow and the best possible final result. The following guidelines outline the most common delivery formats and materials we request before beginning work on a project. If you’re unsure about any of these steps, don’t worry, we’re always happy to guide you through the process.

1. Picture Lock

Before audio post-production begins, your film should be picture locked. This means no further changes will be made to the edit, shot order, or timing.

Even small changes to picture timing can require significant adjustments to the soundtrack, so locking the edit ensures sound work can be completed efficiently.

2. Export an AAF or XML

Your editor should export an AAF or XML file from the editing software (such as Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro). This allows us to reconstruct the timeline in the audio workstation and access the individual dialogue, music and sound effect tracks used in your edit.

If exporting an AAF or XML isn’t possible, please provide separate audio stems for dialogue, music and sound effects. These should be exported at the same start time so they remain properly synchronised with the picture.

3. Provide a Reference Video

A reference video of the current cut should also be included. This allows us to confirm sync and ensure the audio work matches the intended edit.

Typically this will be a QuickTime file with the guide mix included.

4. Include Original Audio Files

Whenever possible, please include the original production audio files recorded on set. These often provide higher quality material than the compressed audio embedded in the edit timeline. Working from the original recordings allows for more precise dialogue restoration and mixing.

Please ensure files are clearly named and organised where possible. Well-labelled audio files (for example by scene, take or character) help us locate key moments quickly and maintain an efficient workflow during post-production.

5. Guide Tracks

If your edit already includes temporary music, sound effects or ambience, please leave these in place.

These guide tracks help communicate the tone and pacing of the film and can be useful reference points during the sound design process.

6. Reference Material

If there are particular films, sound styles, or music cues that inspired your project, feel free to share them. These references help us better understand the sonic direction you’re aiming for.

6. Delivery Materials

AAF or XML timeline export

Reference video of the current cut

Original production audio files

Guide tracks (music / temp sound design)

WAV audio stems (48kHz / 24-bit)

Notes or reference material

Files are typically shared using Google Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer.

Don’t worry if you’re unable to meet all of these requirements. Every project arrives at a different stage, and we’re happy to work with what you have. Simply get in touch and we can guide you through the best way to prepare and deliver your files.

Need help preparing your project?

If you’re unsure about exporting files or preparing your timeline, we’re happy to assist. Simply get in touch and we can guide you through the process.