Potential for waste is very high at this phase of the production process. To change anything substantial at this point demands an earth-shaking reason to do so, as cost overruns will inevitably result.

Off-line edit/graphics: assembling and sequencing the images

Upon completion of shooting, the project moves into the editorial phase of the production. This phase of the process is where all the shots are sequenced together to make a final program and the editing decisions are made to create the final master; it's also the cheapest part of the overall editing process. Hourly rate costs are usually a third of the final on-line or master assembly rates, so this is the time to critique editing style, shot selection, and pacing.

With the advent of the latest generation non-linear off-line editing systems, it's a simple matter to re-cut and re-sequence a video program. These systems are similar to word processors; pictures and sound can be cut and paste at will. It's also easy and inexpensive for the client to change his mind at this phase of editing, provided those decisions don't require more shooting. As long as all the required

elements are at hand, re-cutting or re-sequencing is a fairly simple matter if you have the time and budget to do so.

The only downside to such an easy process is that a client may want to see endless versions of a particular program sequence. It's okay to try options but it's ultimately important to keep an eye on the objectives of the project and stay on track.

This is also the time when concepts for graphics, illustrations or animation are reviewed and approved. Graphics are usually created from a storyboard or sketch of the proposed piece, so during the execution phase there should be only minor adjustments to graphic elements.

If a program requires some type of animation, approvals must be obtained before any actual animation sequences are created. This is because it's simply not possible to see an animation sequence without creating all the frames in that sequence. When dealing with animation, intense scrutiny is required in the planning process because there is a high potential for waste should anything need to be re-created.