How are proxies defined in the context of post-production footage?

Proxies, in the context of post-production footage, are defined as temporary placeholder files. This means they are lower-resolution versions of the original footage that are created for the purpose of making the editing process smoother and more efficient. Using proxies allows editors to work with smaller file sizes, reducing the strain on computing power and speeding up playback during the editing process. The editor will eventually replace these proxies with the high-quality footage during the final stages of post-production to ensure the final output maintains the highest quality possible.

The other definitions do not accurately capture the essence of proxies. High-quality final versions refer to the completed product of a film, while offline footage generally pertains to footage that is not immediately available for online editing. Visual effects templates do not encompass the role of proxies, as they are separate tools used for integrating effects into footage rather than serving as placeholders during editing.