Which term is the editor-producer verbal agreement that the current edit will not change in timing?

• A. Final Cut
• B. Picture Lock
• C. Freeze Frame
• D. Rough Cut

Answer: (B)

Locking the edit is the moment when the editor and producer agree that the current cut’s timing won’t change. This is the point where the picture is considered fixed, allowing post teams to proceed with sound design, music, dialogue edits, color, and visual effects without worrying about shifting the edit length or order. The term used for this stability is picture lock, precisely capturing that no further changes to the timing of the edit will be made. While a final cut can imply the project is finished, it’s picture lock that communicates the specific timing stability needed to move into the next post stages.