So, the cameras have stopped rolling, the lights are packed away, and the interviews are in the can.
Now what?
This is where the magic really starts.
Post-production isn’t just about cutting out the awkward silences and adding a bit of music. Some of the most powerful elements of video come after the shoot, through a range of techniques that sound complex (because they are) but deliver serious value.
This guide breaks down key advanced post-production techniques in plain English – including motion tracking, rotoscoping, motion graphics, and colour grading – and explains how they can take your video from good… to unforgettable.
Motion Tracking
What is it?
Motion tracking is the process of digitally following the movement of an object, person or camera within a shot – and then using that movement to attach something else to it. That “something” could be text, a graphic, a blurred face, or even a replacement for a logo on a wall.
How is it done?
Motion tracking starts with software identifying a point (or several points) on screen that are distinctive – like the corner of a sign, or someone’s glasses. The software follows the movement of that point frame by frame. Then we anchor other elements (like a name label or animated line) to that point so it moves with the footage, not over it.
Why is it complicated?
Imagine trying to follow someone’s lapel badge in a handheld shot as they walk through a building, with changing lighting, motion blur, and other people walking in front of them. You need to make that label track perfectly – frame by frame – and if the original tracking data isn’t clean, it needs fixing manually.
When is it used?
- Adding titles or labels that follow people as they move
- Placing digital signs or stats onto real-world environments
- Replacing branding or signage in post
- Creating dynamic explainer overlays in live-action scenes
Example: In a video for engineering company Omron, we used motion tracking to attach animated content to moving robots. This allowed us to deliver extra information about their capabilities in real time, helping viewers connect the technical detail with what they were seeing on screen.
Why it adds value
Motion tracking increases engagement by combining live footage with dynamic info. It stops the viewer tuning out, improves message clarity, and gives your video a premium, high-tech feel.
Rotoscoping
What is it?
Rotoscoping is the process of manually separating part of a shot – like a person or product – from the background, frame by frame. It lets us isolate that element and manipulate it independently.
How is it done?
We draw outlines around the subject in each frame, or use AI-assisted tools to track the outline over time. This creates a mask, like a digital cut-out, which can be layered or edited separately from the rest of the footage.
Why is it complicated?
Even a 10-second shot at 25fps means 250 individual frames. If the subject is moving, hair is flowing, or lighting is changing, that mask has to be updated constantly. It’s detailed, time-consuming work – but when done well, it’s seamless.
When is it used?
- Removing backgrounds when green screen wasn’t used
- Blurring or replacing backgrounds
- Creating stylised, layered graphics using live-action elements
- Masking out objects to add effects behind them
Example: For AIM Commercial Cleaning, we used rotoscoping to place bold words on screen, then had them wipe away as someone walked past. It made the messaging feel more dynamic and prominent, while tying the visuals directly to the action in the footage.
Why it adds value
Rotoscoping gives you maximum creative control over your footage. You can layer in extra information, isolate important moments, or elevate simple shots with cinematic polish.
Motion Graphics
What are they?
Motion graphics are animated graphic elements – icons, text, illustrations, UI elements – that move on screen to support or enhance what’s being said.
How are they created?
Designers build static graphics (often in tools like Illustrator or Photoshop), which are then animated in software like After Effects. These animations can be anything from subtle text fades to full-screen infographics in motion.
Why is it complicated?
Great motion graphics aren’t just visually appealing – they also need to match your brand, time perfectly with the edit, and complement rather than distract from your footage. It’s a mix of graphic design, animation, storytelling and restraint.
When is it used?
- Explaining stats, data or processes
- Visualising services or software tools
- Reinforcing brand elements with style
- Breaking up talking-head footage with visual interest
Example: In a training video for an auto body repair company, we animated icons and step-by-step instructions to appear next to a presenter, making it easier to follow without needing to rewind.
Why it adds value
Motion graphics help translate abstract ideas into visuals your audience can absorb instantly. They make your message clearer, more engaging, and more shareable.
Colour Grading
What is it?
Colour grading is the process of adjusting the colours, contrast, and lighting in your footage to give it a cohesive, cinematic, or brand-aligned look.
How is it done?
Using professional grading software like DaVinci Resolve, we tweak everything from brightness and exposure to skin tones and shadows. This is different from basic colour correction – grading adds a look or mood.
Why is it complicated?
Different cameras, lenses and lighting setups produce different colour profiles. If we filmed in natural light and under LEDs in the same shoot, we need to match those shots precisely. Plus, grading decisions affect how viewers feel – so creative judgement matters.
When is it used?
- Creating a warm, trustworthy look for corporate interviews
- Matching footage from multiple cameras
- Giving branded films a stylish, modern feel
- Making animations blend better with live-action
Example: For a project with Santander, we filmed inside a car workshop where the lighting varied dramatically – harsh fluorescents in one area, softer light in another. Through careful colour grading, we balanced everything to look consistent and polished, giving the final video a slick, high-end finish.
Why it adds value
Colour grading helps your video feel intentional and professional. It shapes how your brand is perceived and helps build emotional connection with your audience.
Other Advanced Post-Production Techniques Worth Knowing
Compositing
Combining multiple layers of video or graphics into a single shot. Example: putting a person in front of a virtual background or placing 3D elements into real footage.
Audio sweetening
Cleaning up dialogue, reducing noise, adding EQ and compression to make voices sound crisp and consistent.
Speed ramping
Altering the speed of footage mid-shot (e.g., fast > slow > fast again) to create dynamic movement or highlight key moments.
Time remapping
Adjusting timing in creative ways, like syncing movement to music or stretching out impactful moments for emphasis.
Match cutting
Cutting between two visually similar shots for fluidity or dramatic effect – often used to link scenes or ideas seamlessly.
Summary: Why It Matters
Advanced post-production is where good videos become great. These techniques might happen behind the scenes, but they play a front-line role in viewer engagement, message clarity and brand perception.
They help:
- Explain complex ideas with ease
- Make your video feel higher-end
- Reinforce your message through style and clarity
- Stand out in a sea of samey content
You don’t need to know how to do them – that’s our job – but understanding what’s possible helps you get the best from your video budget and your production team. And having an agency partner that can deliver all of these elements means that you have way more options to make your content more engaging than just using the footage alone.
