FILMMAKING CREW & STAFF: EDITOR

Some filmmakers will tell you that the Editor is one of the key roles in the production of a film.  Some may even tell you that without a good Editor, you really have nothing.  Their job is beyond just putting all the scenes of your film into sequence.  An Editor’s skills can help you with pacing, mood, and rhythms of your film. 

 

Film is a visual medium, so we always put the bulk of the respect in the cameraman’s hands.  While we may remember the cinematographer’s beautiful camerawork, it is the Editor that makes sure that each shot flows with a visual logic, and is pared down in order to not feel bloated or pretentious.  Editors have to have a great sense of timing, and an extensive knowledge of films.  They need to know what works for a dramatic scene, as opposed to an action scene or comedy scene.

 

Back in the day, editors had the difficult job of editing a film by literally splicing pieces of film together.  These days, much like every computer owner, editors work off of editing software (though much more advanced than what we get bundles for free of course).  It doesn’t make their job any easier though – they still need to make artistic decisions that showcase the best shots, performances, and moments of a scene, and tell them in a coherent manner.  It is truly the Editor that brings out the best of every aspect of the production.

 

 

An understanding of film history and film language.  You have to have films you admire, and films where you know every shot by heart.  You should be able to explain to a director why you chose to cut something in a particular way.

 

A great memory.  With all the footage you watch, you need to be able to memorize all of the key moments that you think should go into the final film in the first viewing of dailies. Mark them down in a notebook so you can find them again.

 

Endurance.  You’ll be sitting at the monitor a lot, so try to stay healthy.  Take breaks, take walks, and don’t eat junk food.  You will work long stretches of time on your own volition just to make things exactly right.

Guts. You need to be able to stand up to the director and tell them that they are ruining their film with the 10 minute long tracking shot that has no meaning or dramatic tension.  It’s their decision in the end, but fight the good fight anyway.

 

 

Start tinkering now on your computer. Cut together some films as an experiment.  Watch often cited films to see why they have become classics.

 

Take classes, or enroll in film school, or start searching for an internship or job opening.  Many new filmmakers want to start directing or shooting – so sometimes it’s easier to find editing jobs where you can hang back and learn from others’ mistakes.

Good Luck! Want to learn more about other filmmaking crew & staff roles? Click here!