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