ASSISTANT EDITOR… (In the Entertainment industry. What does an assistant editor do?)

Film Editor Equipment / Photo Credit: Chris Frith Feature3

ASSISTANT EDITOR… (In the Entertainment industry. What does an assistant editor do?)

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/DumbDogProductionsLLC/ thank you.

What does an Assistant Editor do?

Assistant Editors take charge of the day-to-day running edit suite, leaving the Editor free to concentrate on the work of editing the film. The work of an assistant film editor centers on creating a productive environment for the editor, ensuring a fluid filming and editing process. Film editors learn required skills in editing techniques and digital editing software through training and degree programs found at colleges and universities. Although there isn't a standard educational requirement for assistant film editors, most film editors in general need a bachelor's degree in a field related to film or broadcasting with coursework in camera operation and video-editing software.

The first task is to communicate with other relevant departments (production, camera, sound, etc.) to understand and analyses the work flow, and to pass this information on to the Editor.

During the shoot, while the Editor starts to work on a rough assembly of selected rushes, Assistant Editors check the camera sheets when the rushes arrive, noting any technical problems.

Assistant Editors often work in a different room to the Editor and, on low budget films, may be required to sync rushes early in the morning or late at night when the editing machine is not being used by the Editor. Consequently, the traditional apprenticeship model for Assistant Editors has changed, as less time is now spent watching and learning from the Editor. Assistant Editors must therefore be more proactive in monitoring how the edit is progressing.

Depending on the workload, and providing the Editor trusts the Assistant, whole segments of the assembly edit may be given over to Assistant Editors, who can use this opportunity to demonstrate their flair and ability.

When picture lock is achieved, one of the Assistant Editors' last tasks is to compile an Edit Decision List, which provides a record of all the edit points.

Assistant Editors are usually recommended to Producers by Editors, who prefer to work with the same Assistant. Assistant Editors are normally employed on a freelance basis, from the first day of principal photography and see the film through to picture lock (when the Director and/or Executive Producer give final approval of the picture edit).

They work long hours and are the first to arrive in the morning, setting the cutting room up for the day, and usually the last to leave in the evenings when the cutting room has been tidied and prepared for the next day. Jobs last between six months and eight months on average.

Most Assistant Editors start their careers by working as Runners on feature films or at editing facilities houses and progress to becoming Trainees, 2nd Assistants and eventually Assistant Editors.

It is still possible to work as a Trainee, but 2nd Assistants are now only employed on very big budget films. Trainees with at least two years' experience are likely to progress by working as Assistants in television or on low budget films for a considerable period of time before becoming First Assistants on feature films.

Some big budget productions take on Trainees and Second Assistants, and it is important to keep up to date with films in preproduction by reading the trade press. Experienced Assistants may also work as Editors on short films which enables them to showcase their talents.

Some Assistants decide not to become Editors, choosing to continue working as Assistants on bigger budget films, which can be equally demanding and rewarding.

Assistant Film Editor Job Duties

The role of an assistant editor is to allow the editor to work uninterrupted. An assistant typically receives and interprets paperwork from the staff and crew, relaying this information to the editor. Assistant editors may coordinate with the sound team to plan for sound effects and other music used in the film, and import unedited footage into the editing program to examine a scene for incomplete footage. Each scene is assembled in a computer system according to the editor's preference.

An assistant film editor may critique a scene for the editor, if the two have developed a relationship. They record notes during screening and aid in the integration of visual effects. An assistant film editor can also be asked to arrange the work-space, fix a technical issue or organize extra footage. 

• Running and maintaining editing systems…
• Taking responsibility for the smooth running of the cutting room on feature films…
• Supporting the whole of the post production process on feature films and working closely with film labs, and with the camera and sound departments…
• Have a good aptitude for technology…
• Have a thorough understanding the film post production process…
• Be familiar with computer editing equipment and software…
• Be able to react quickly and precisely…
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills…
• Be able to work for long hours on repetitive tasks…
• Have precise attention to detail…
• Be able to take direction…
• Have good organizational skills…
• Understand the requirements of the relevant health and safety laws and procedures…

Be proficient with the following: 

• Adrenaline Software…
• Avid Software…
• Final Cut Pro…
• Red Camera… 

An assistant film editor maintains a balanced and structured environment in the editing room. The assistant editor is responsible for operating the editing technology as well as interacting with various people on the filmmaking staff, particularly the camera, film lab and sound department. An assistant is commonly one of the first to arrive on set and the last to leave, organizing the cutting room for that day and arranging it for the next. Depending on the scale of the production, an assistant film editor may supervise a team of assistants.

Though work on a feature film or television program can continue for longer than a year, eventually an assistant editor must search for a new job. To maintain a steady income, assistant editors often explore new opportunities while still working on a job.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Camerapedia, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Entertainment Careers, Adhere Creative, In Deed, Glass Door, Pay Scale, Merriam-Webster, Job Monkey, Studio Binder, The Collective, Production Hub, The Producer's Business Handbook by John J. Lee Jr., "PH22.36-1954, American Standard, Dimensions for 35 mm Motion-Picture Positive Raw Stock",  American Cinematographer, American Widescreen Museum, Fujifilm Motion Picture Films, Kodak: Cinematography, Paul C. Spehr, Get In Media,

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