Reel Opportunities
Assistant Editor
What does an Assistant Editor do?
Assistant Editors are the ones that keep the flow of post-production smooth and do the busy work so the Editor can focus on the edit. The role of the Assistant Editor is to communicate with the production departments such as the camera, sound, and Digital Imaging Technician. They must bring in the daily footage, and make sure it is organized and named properly for the Editor to access.
They have to make sure all the footage is organized in a way so the Editor can easily find the shots they are looking for. The names of the files need to be named specifically so the Editor knows what the shot entails. They will also implant metadata to the shots so the Editor can search for it with a tag and find it. Once the picture is “locked” (final edit of the film) the Assistant Editor’s job is still not over, they have to conform and transfer the files correctly for the sound team.
On large budget films, there is sometimes a team of Assistant Editors to work on the flow of the post-production pipeline. On lower-budget films or television, there is typically one Assistant Editor to the Editor.
What's an Assistant Editor good at?
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Using edit software Be adept with tools like Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, and Lightworks
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Communication Work well with the editor, and production team in getting all the correct files and information
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Attention to detail Be patient, show attention to detail and good organizational skills, often under pressure
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Organization Must have great organization skills to keep the files in order, properly named, placed, and streamlined for the Editor
Who does an Assistant Editor work with?
Assistant Editors work directly under the Editor and will be doing anything the Editor directs them to do. They will also be working closely with the production team as the daily footage comes in. They will work with the 2nd Assistant Camera by gaining the camera logs and data from the shoot. They will also work with the Sound Recordist and gain the sound logs from them. Finally, they will work with a Digital Imaging Technician, in gaining the footage from the hard drives on set.
How do I become an Assistant Editor?
You can start as a Production Assistant (PA) for editing houses or Editors. You will build connections and create a reputation for yourself in the post-production field. You will need to be well-versed in editing software such as Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro. If you have experience in editing already or have been in a school program focused on film and media production, create a reel of your work.
More tips
For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.
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Digital Imaging Technician
Department: Camera Department
- Digital Imaging Technician
- Prepares the raw digital footage for viewing and editing, and bridges the gap between production and post production.
Editor
Department: Video Post Production
- Editor
- Assembles and edits the raw footage of the film into a cohesive final product.
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Job Profile Design by Dave Gray. Based on an original concept by Ian Murphy/Allan Burrell.