Visual Lock (AKA “Picture Lock”) is final stage in the film editing process.  Achieving VizLock, the editor, director, and producer agree that no further changes to the visual content are permitted.  Only after Visual Lock is declared may work begin on other post-production tasks (such as sound design, color, graphics, and visual effects).

Screen your ROUGH timeline for the creative team.  Add COMMENT MARKERS to the sequence to indicate feedback and intended improvements. 

Duplicate your ROUGH timeline. Rename it with the proper sequence nomenclature as shown:

REVISE the sequence as indicated, necessary, and possible.

Add precisely-timed PLACEHOLDERS for titles, credits and effects shots.  Include END CARD and SILENT BLACK. 

DELETE empty video tracks.  LOCK remaining video tracks.

Check AUDIO TRACKS for consistent organization and labeling. 

SCHEDULE MULTIPLE SCREENINGS for your professor/executive producer before the syllabus deadline.  VizLock is importantly unlike other assignments in that it is a conferred designation – not merely a student submission.  Only when your work is deserving of the label, your professor will duplicate and rename your sequence to indicate that you have achieved VISUAL LOCK.