What Does a Film Editor Do?
Firstly, I found many outlining descriptions of the role of a Film Editor, some of which support each other, while others highlight important tasks of the role that may not usually be considered of an editor.
A useful description of a Film Editor's main tasks are stated as...
"The Editor works closely with the Director, crafting the daily rushes into a coherent whole. To ensure that the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end, each shot is carefully chosen and edited into a series of scenes, which are in turn assembled to create the finished film." [1]
This is a very accurate description of my post-production task of working with the Director to cut the film, building to a finalised, smooth end result.
Editing in Production
However, it's important to remember that a Film Editor's job doesn't start only once the post-production phase of a film begins. As I will be creating quick cuts of the daily rushes both during and after shoot days, the importance of undergoing this task as an Editor is highlighted below...
"The editor comes into the process once production has begun, making a rough assembly of shots while the film is in production. In this way, adjustments or additional shots can be undertaken during the production phase. If a needed shot must be pursued once the crew has been dispersed and the set has been dismantled, the cost will be much greater." [6]
I feel that this important time and money-saving process during production can potentially be overlooked when describing the role of a Film Editor.
Editing in Post-Production
Gathered from the same source as the above quote, a thorough description of a Film Editor's role in post-production is then presented...
"The editor's primary role, however, takes place in the postproduction phase. Once production has been completed, sound and music are added during this phase, as are special effects. Aside from shortening the film, the editor must find a rhythm for the film; working closely with the director and sometimes the producer, the editor presents options, points out areas of confusion, and identifies redundant scenes. The winnowing process is an intuitive search for clarity and dynamism. The film must speak to as wide an audience as possible. Sound, sound effects, and music are all added at this stage." [6]
This is also a very exact description of not only the long, intricate process that an Editor undergoes during post-production, but also who within the production team they will be collaborating with most during this phase; the Director and Producer.
Similarly, Creative Skill Set describes the process of developing the cuts of a film, and the ways in which the Director and Producer play a key role alongside an Editor during this time...
"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)." [1]
While these two production members will consistently be overseeing and approving my work, I will also be working alone throughout post-production, allowing for an outside look at the film without being told what do to by the Director or Producer throughout the editing process.
Tasks & Skills
In an insightful list of tasks conventionally undertaken by a Film Editor, many of my tasks can be seen...
Aside from editing on site, this is a very accurate representation of my tasks in the Major Project, however much more in depth research into these tasks will be conducted separately.
Another helpful piece of information that I found among my research of the role, was a list of skills that are typically required of a Film Editor, these are...
I think that this list is a great confirmation of my ability to be a Film Editor, as my passion for editing and drive for creating finished projects to a high standard, along with all of my past work, proves that I've improved all of these skills over time.
The Importance of an Editor
Not only did I want to look into the generalised descriptions of a Film Editor and the tasks that they take on, but I wanted to highlight the importance of the role. As I know from experience that an editor is more than just a button pusher, and that they play a key role in the quality of the final product.
An example of this is as follows...
"A motion picture or television production is given final form in the hands of the editor. It is this individual who takes photographed material and edits it together to tell a complete story. It is not a simple matter of tacking one scene to the next.The film editor plays a dynamic and creative role in the storytelling process." [3]
I feel this is another reason as to why it's important for me to work independently, with the Director & Producer instead reviewing the cuts so far and providing feedback, until reaching the final cut stages. As it will allow me to use my creative abilities and editing skills to tell the story.
Tying in with the required skills of an editor, a great description of the importance of an editor's work can be described below. Explaining how the ways that an editor views the project can have a positive effect on the final product, as previous visions and attachments to the film wouldn't get in the way...
A useful description of a Film Editor's main tasks are stated as...
"The Editor works closely with the Director, crafting the daily rushes into a coherent whole. To ensure that the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end, each shot is carefully chosen and edited into a series of scenes, which are in turn assembled to create the finished film." [1]
This is a very accurate description of my post-production task of working with the Director to cut the film, building to a finalised, smooth end result.
Editing in Production
However, it's important to remember that a Film Editor's job doesn't start only once the post-production phase of a film begins. As I will be creating quick cuts of the daily rushes both during and after shoot days, the importance of undergoing this task as an Editor is highlighted below...
"The editor comes into the process once production has begun, making a rough assembly of shots while the film is in production. In this way, adjustments or additional shots can be undertaken during the production phase. If a needed shot must be pursued once the crew has been dispersed and the set has been dismantled, the cost will be much greater." [6]
I feel that this important time and money-saving process during production can potentially be overlooked when describing the role of a Film Editor.
Editing in Post-Production
Gathered from the same source as the above quote, a thorough description of a Film Editor's role in post-production is then presented...
"The editor's primary role, however, takes place in the postproduction phase. Once production has been completed, sound and music are added during this phase, as are special effects. Aside from shortening the film, the editor must find a rhythm for the film; working closely with the director and sometimes the producer, the editor presents options, points out areas of confusion, and identifies redundant scenes. The winnowing process is an intuitive search for clarity and dynamism. The film must speak to as wide an audience as possible. Sound, sound effects, and music are all added at this stage." [6]
This is also a very exact description of not only the long, intricate process that an Editor undergoes during post-production, but also who within the production team they will be collaborating with most during this phase; the Director and Producer.
Similarly, Creative Skill Set describes the process of developing the cuts of a film, and the ways in which the Director and Producer play a key role alongside an Editor during this time...
"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)." [1]
While these two production members will consistently be overseeing and approving my work, I will also be working alone throughout post-production, allowing for an outside look at the film without being told what do to by the Director or Producer throughout the editing process.
Tasks & Skills
In an insightful list of tasks conventionally undertaken by a Film Editor, many of my tasks can be seen...
"Your work as an editor will involve:
- Receiving a brief, and maybe an outline of footage and/or a shot list, script, or screenplay;
- Assembling all raw footage, with camera shots either recorded or transferred onto video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer;
- Inputting uncut rushes and sound, and synchronising and storing them into files on the computer;
- Digitally cutting the files to put together the sequence of the film and deciding what is usable;
- Creating a 'rough cut' (or assembly edit) of the programme/film and determining the exact cutting for the next and final stages;
- Reordering and fine-tuning the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video" [2]
Aside from editing on site, this is a very accurate representation of my tasks in the Major Project, however much more in depth research into these tasks will be conducted separately.
Another helpful piece of information that I found among my research of the role, was a list of skills that are typically required of a Film Editor, these are...
- "A keen eye for detail and a critical mind;
- Creativity and a passionate interest in film and video editing;
- Patience and concentration;
- The ability to listen to others and to work well as part of a team;
- A high level of self-motivation, commitment and dedication;
- Organisational and time management skills;
- The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines;
- Communication skills, both written and oral." [2]
I think that this list is a great confirmation of my ability to be a Film Editor, as my passion for editing and drive for creating finished projects to a high standard, along with all of my past work, proves that I've improved all of these skills over time.
The Importance of an Editor
Not only did I want to look into the generalised descriptions of a Film Editor and the tasks that they take on, but I wanted to highlight the importance of the role. As I know from experience that an editor is more than just a button pusher, and that they play a key role in the quality of the final product.
An example of this is as follows...
"A motion picture or television production is given final form in the hands of the editor. It is this individual who takes photographed material and edits it together to tell a complete story. It is not a simple matter of tacking one scene to the next.The film editor plays a dynamic and creative role in the storytelling process." [3]
I feel this is another reason as to why it's important for me to work independently, with the Director & Producer instead reviewing the cuts so far and providing feedback, until reaching the final cut stages. As it will allow me to use my creative abilities and editing skills to tell the story.
Tying in with the required skills of an editor, a great description of the importance of an editor's work can be described below. Explaining how the ways that an editor views the project can have a positive effect on the final product, as previous visions and attachments to the film wouldn't get in the way...
"Editors must be very diplomatic because often the vision of the director will be very different from those with a financial stake in the film, usually the producers. When disputes regarding the film's look arise, it can be the editor's job to create a middle ground that all parties are comfortable with." [4]
Types of Production Editing
Slightly more relative to my research on the role for future use in my career, I found a number of areas in film and television that a Film/Video Editor may work on. One article on the topic provides a list of varying productions that editor's often work on, including...
- "Commercials;
- Corporate training videos;
- Feature films;
- Music videos;
- Television programmes" [2]
While so far I have only worked as an editor on films and promotional videos, I'm very interested in working on commercials, music videos and television programmes in the future. In order to gain a broad scope of experience and face varying challenges.
The article from above also lists the typical employer types that take on Film/Video editors...
- "Animation companies;
- Broadcast companies;
- Film companies;
- Independent production companies;
- Post-production companies/facilities;
- Video/computer games companies." [2]
Again, when starting out in the industry, I'm extremely interested in gaining experience wherever I can. It's very interesting to learn how broad the areas of film and television are when considering where I could eventually become an editor.
Becoming an Editor
In another area of my research, I found it very interesting to learn about the career paths that editors tend to follow and build towards, along with the requirements for becoming an editor in the industry.
Career Ladder
In my research, many sources provided similar information on the ways that an editor can actually progress to become a professional editor. Firstly, I found the outlining job titles that one may undergo before being able to become the main editor of a production...
"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." [1]
Similar to the above career path description, another source lists similar roles, but with the additions of job titles such as Digitiser and the possibility to one day move to a management position.
"In post-production or broadcasting companies, progression may be from runner, digitiser or assistant editor to senior editor. Larger employers provide well-structured career paths. Experienced in-house editors may ultimately move to management roles." [2]
Lastly, further down the line as an editor, one article describes the exciting progression that an editor can face, especially when working for a media organisation as opposed to freelance work...
"Once you’ve taken your first tentative steps into the world of film and video editing as an assistant editor, you will progress into a fully-fledged film/video editor role. If you work in-house for a large media organisation, there may even be scope for progressing into a senior editor position." [5]
It's intriguing to learn the tasks and job roles that I will likely be undergoing in my career path. Along with providing me with an interesting consideration of working as an editor for a media organisation in the future, and maybe even moving on to management in the distant future.
Career Ladder
In my research, many sources provided similar information on the ways that an editor can actually progress to become a professional editor. Firstly, I found the outlining job titles that one may undergo before being able to become the main editor of a production...
"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." [1]
Similar to the above career path description, another source lists similar roles, but with the additions of job titles such as Digitiser and the possibility to one day move to a management position.
"In post-production or broadcasting companies, progression may be from runner, digitiser or assistant editor to senior editor. Larger employers provide well-structured career paths. Experienced in-house editors may ultimately move to management roles." [2]
Lastly, further down the line as an editor, one article describes the exciting progression that an editor can face, especially when working for a media organisation as opposed to freelance work...
"Once you’ve taken your first tentative steps into the world of film and video editing as an assistant editor, you will progress into a fully-fledged film/video editor role. If you work in-house for a large media organisation, there may even be scope for progressing into a senior editor position." [5]
It's intriguing to learn the tasks and job roles that I will likely be undergoing in my career path. Along with providing me with an interesting consideration of working as an editor for a media organisation in the future, and maybe even moving on to management in the distant future.
Overall, I think that my in depth research into the role of a Film Editor has been extremely insightful and helpful for learning more about my main role in the Major Project. It's also been a good basis for the rest of the editing research that I will conduct.
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