Hollywood Production

After Warner's anniversary reception, Duke refocused his energy on the post-production of Independence Day. From mid-February to mid-April, he and Mike Dawson completed the rough cut and advanced to a fine cut of the film. However, with the CGI special effects still a long way from completion, the edited footage without them looked extremely rough.

Lucasfilm's Skywalker Sound also delivered the first version of the score. After listening to it, Duke discussed the piece with their lead and settled on the general tone of the soundtrack. This was only the initial version, however; Skywalker Sound still had to refine and expand upon it.

In addition, brands including the Molson Coors Brewing Company had joined the film's roster of advertising sponsors. During post-production, Duke had to figure out how to insert them into appropriate scenes.

At the end of April, Duke received another piece of news amidst his busy post-production schedule. After careful consideration, Warner Brothers and Twentieth Century Fox had finally accepted his suggestion. When Independence Day held its test screenings, no professional film critics would be invited. The massive public relations expenses saved by this move would instead be invested into the film's advertising and promotion.

At the same time, fulfilling a request from the producers, Duke worked with the special effects department to edit the film's first official trailer. It inherited Duke's consistent style—explosive and thrilling—and the aliens invading Earth briefly bared their fangs at the very end.

Before the Summer Season arrived, Warner Brothers and Twentieth Century Fox utilized their massive resources to blanket theater screens and television networks with the trailer. Many aspects of it caught the attention of moviegoers, especially the dialogue between the president and the alien at the very end.

"Can we live together in peace?"

The hideous alien appeared on the screen. "Peace? No peace!"

"What do you want us to do?"