Definition of Locked Picture

I recently talked with two PBS series producers about syncing up our definitions of documentary jargon. Before our editor began cutting 30 hours of footage, we wanted to have similar expectations, for example, about the purpose and length of a Rough Cut.

That conversation led to my 4-part blog series on post-production terms. Today is Part 4. I invite you to check out previous definitions and add your two cents!

Part 1: Definition of Assembly Cut

Part 2: Definition of Rough Cut

Part 3: Purpose of Fine Cut

Locked Picture means just that:  from now on there will be no more changes to the video part of your film or to the length of your timeline.

After picture is locked, the final video (master archival, final animation, final graphics) and audio (final composed music, final narration) are overlaid. Color correction and sound mix follow!

See also Stages of Post-Production.