In today’s gotta-have-it-now environment, production and post-production timelines keep getting tighter. Clients need impressive content faster than ever, with deadlines that can often seem laughable on paper. But for a post shop that thrives under creative pressure, these constraints can spark innovation. That’s exactly what happened when ArtClass tapped Sawtooth’s Chris Salters as an on-set editor for two Texas-based commercial projects.
Quick Approvals, Faster Delivery
ArtClass felt the budget and time crunch like everyone else in the industry. Their solution? Bring post-production to the set – a simple but powerful shift in workflow. When camera-to-cloud pipelines aren’t always feasible, having an editor on location creates immediate value through rapid turnaround and real-time creative collaboration. The benefits go far beyond time savings:
- Immediate validation that cuts work as planned (especially great for tricky in-camera transitions)
- Real-time client feedback and approvals
- Extends time for VFX development
- Reduced revision cycles
For VFX-heavy spots especially, this workflow gives effects artists more runway to polish shots or be more flexible with their time because the edit’s selects are happening in almost real time with production.
The On-set Editing Process
Success in on-set editing starts with solid pre-production. ArtClass demonstrated this through meticulously produced projects complete with detailed scripts, storyboards, and timing-critical animatics with scratch VO.
The key to maintaining efficiency lies in close collaboration with the production’s Digital Imaging Technician. Editing with proxy footage generated by the DIT is easier to work with in offline editorial, helping cuts coalesce quickly, even on a laptop. High resolution raw camera files later replace the proxies during final delivery.
From Concept to Delivery
TRICO “Cats & Dogs”
This VFX-heavy spot for TRICO wipers, showcased how on-set editing adds value especially during complex shoots. Shot over two days both on location and in-studio, the commercial featured the surreal concept of cats and dogs raining from the sky. If you’re imagining bungee-jumping dogs harnessed from a studio ceiling in front of green screens, you’d be on the right track.
While heavy compositing work meant the on-set edit served primarily as proof-of-concept, having editorial on location allowed the team to:
- Provide a solid foundation for the Nexodus VFX team to start compositing
- Give clients confidence in the creative direction
- Accelerate the final post-production timeline
Academy Sports & Outdoors / ESPN
ArtClass came back to Chris for a trip to the Texas Hill Country with an Academy Sports & Outdoors and ESPN collaboration. This series of six 15-second spots featured ESPN talent Laura Rutledge and required precise scene transitions for a seamlessly rotating camera effect. Having an editor on set meant:
- Immediate validation of complex scene transitions
- Real-time rough cuts for client review (including rough VFX)
- Faster handoff to VFX and ultimately faster client approvals
Business Impact
While not every production requires an on-set editor, the value becomes clear when quick turnaround is essential or client peace of mind. By integrating post-production directly into the shoot, clients benefit from:
- Faster approval cycles
- Reduced revision rounds
- Extended VFX development time
- Quicker delivery dates
- Increased client creative confidence
For creative teams in agencies or brands looking to maximize both efficiency and creative quality, on-set editing offers a compelling solution that transforms the traditional post-production timeline into a more fluid, responsive process.
