the film editor
TRANSCRIPT
THE FILM EDITORUnderstanding the Creative Media Sector Job Roles in the Film Industry
OVERVIEW
Works closely with the Director to craft the finished film
Works in an edit suite for long hours
Runs a team of assistants and trainees on big productions
SKILLS NEEDEDTo do this role, you will need to:
Have technical aptitude
Have wide experience of the post production process
Be familiar with a variety of computer editing equipment
Understand dramatic storytelling to create rhythm, pace and tension
Be creative under pressure
Have imagination and an understanding of narrative
Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Have highly developed aesthetic visual awareness
Be able to lead a team
Have patience and attention to detail
Have good organizational skills
Understand the requirements of relevant health and safety laws and procedures.
WHAT DOES THE EDITOR DO?
Editors select the best takes and edit them together to create scenes. In some cases, an improvised line or an actor's interpretation of their role may create some on-screen magic that can be developed into a new and exciting scene.
During the post production period, the Editor and the Director work closely together, refining the assembly edit into the Director's Cut, which must be approved by the Producers, until they achieve picture lock or Fine Cut (when the Director and/or Executive Producer give final approval of the picture edit).
QUALIFICATIONSYou don’t need a specific qualification. But if you are considering taking a film production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for a career in film.
HOW DO I GET IN?Traditionally, you could go from being a Runner to a Trainee, Second Assistant, First Assistant and eventually to become an Editor. However, with digital editing, 2nd Assistants are now only employed on very big budget films.
If you can work with an Editor as an Assistant, you may be allowed to carry out the assembly edit of some sections of the film. If you can become an experienced Assistant, you may also work as an Editor on short films, which will enable you to showcase your talents.
WHERE FIND OUT MORE?
Websites:
BKSTS - The Moving Image Society - organises events, courses, and new equipment demos, and publishes: Cinema Technology, and Image Technology;
BECTU - the trade union represents Editing & Post Production personnel;
Shooting People - a forum on filmmaking
Publications:
Editing and Post-production (Screencraft series published by Focal Press) by Declan McGrath;
In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective of Film Editing (Silverman-James Press) by Walter Murch
The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Film editing (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004)
Screen Daily - online industry news service and weekly publication, Screen International
Variety - a weekly publication for the film, television, music and interactive entertainment industries
American Cinematographer
Famous Editors