Editor

An Editor is one of the key Head of Department on feature films. They are responsible for a number of things such as;

v  First Assistant Editors

v  Second Assistants

v  Trainees

v  Bigger productions

Being an Editor is crucial as without an Editor to focus carefully on editing and to make sure each shot or cuts flow effortlessly throughout the film and this will ensure and reinforce the story. It will be a series of scenes which have been edited from selected singular shots which have eventually assembled to create a finished film. This job is highly creative as well as challenging and time consuming. It means working closely with the Director and working unsociable hours which can be exceedingly long. This job usually consists of working under pressure in either a cutting room or editing suit. Each individual Editor will be employed on a freelance basis by the Producer.

All Editors will always work closely with the Director before they start to shoot because they both decide and discuss how to exceed the potential of the screenplay. For the Editors first day, they will be working in the cutting room and going through previous day rushes which would have been developed over night in the film lab an then synced-up by the Assistant Editor. They may even sometimes start work on location. They will check the technical standards which have been done by the Assistant Editor, as well as the emerging sense of story. They will also check the actors' performances within the sequences wich have been edited together. The majority of films made are shot and edited out of sequence which means the editor will be working or might work on scenes from the end of the film rather than the beginning. This will enable them to get a better sense of the story and watch it unfold before their very eyes.

There is an essential knowledge on what an Editor must have, and that is a degree of technical aptitude and wide experience of the post production process. Because the majority of all films these days are now edited on computers, the Editors themselves must also be able to use a variety of computer editing equipment. They must be able to understand dramatic storytelling as well as creating rhythm, pace and tension within a film. There is also a key set in which an Editor should be able to do. They are;

v  Ability to be creative under pressure;

v  Imagination and an understanding of narrative;

v  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

v  Developed sense of rhythm and timing in story telling;

v  Highly developed aesthetic visual awareness;

v  Ability to lead a team;

v  Patience, attention to detail and good organisational skills;

v  Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.