A Job Well Done

Yesterday, I attended the offline edit of the commercial we filmed last week. An offline, for those not in the advertising biz, is the term for the initial editing of a commercial. That means, the takes are just chosen and put together. There is no special effects, transitions or color grading at this stage. So what you see of the ad is pretty bare, basic and a bit rough. Me, my art director Itsy and our account person Mona went over to the production house. While we were waiting, we experienced more of the customary hospitality, in the form of a Sukhothai-esque Thai lunch. Pandan Chicken, bagoong rice with tasty sweet-sour-savory flavor, beef tenderloin and clam chowder was for the taking. But my favorite at that moment was without a doubt the flawlessly made Leche Flan. You could really taste that they didn't scrimp on the eggs on this dessert. I had two pieces and wanted more, actually.
When we finally saw the edit, I was initially disturbed by how jarring the takes were. Fortunately, we saw a good edit, and we were pleased. After us, it was client's turn. It took about two hours for them to get to the premises, but luckily, they approved our recommended edit right away. No problems. Great! Now the rough edit of the offline can go on the the online, which means more polished editing, scoring of the music and application of visual effects and color grading.
We ended the session with a merienda/early dinner of pasta with marinara or puttanesca sauce, garlic bread and roast chicken. I downed ice cold glasses of Coke to celebrate the end of another stage of the job. Barring any delays, the commercial would be airing within the month. That left a good taste in my mouth. Or was it the chicken? Whatever.