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EDITORIAL - Job Title: Editor, Film Editor, Or Picture Editor, Job Title: Postproduction Facility Manager Or Director Of Postproduction

story cut assistant

There is the story that the screenwriter wrote, the story that the director filmed, and the story that the editor assembled. Ideally, each is the same story.

Even before a production wraps, the editor is busy assembling the film footage into a rough version of the story known as an editor's cut. Working with the director, the editor refines the story through several stages until it is deemed ready to be shown to the producer or studio. Once approved, further changes may be necessary based upon screening audience reaction, before the final cut is made.

Those involved in the editorial process include:

  • • Editor
  • • First Assistant Editor
  • • Second Assistant Editor
  • • Apprentice Editor
  • • Negative Cutter
  • • Projectionist

Additional Topics

EDITORIAL - Job Title: Editor, Film Editor, Or Picture Editor

In consultation with the director, the editor is responsible for the complex process of assembling the film or video footage in a cohesive sequence to ensure continuity. Some editors perform magic, repairing damaged elements, solving story problems, and turning poor performances into good ones. Although generally hired before shooting begins to assemble their editorial crew and handle other prepar…

EDITORIAL - Job Title: Postproduction Facility Manager Or Director Of Postproduction

The manager or director of a postproduction facility helps achieve the client's postproduction goals, from taking the initial phone call that asks “How do we do this?” to offering suggestions and explaining what can be achieved with different effects, to creating the master tapes that meet the technical specifications of the end user. As senior editor at Scene Three Med…

EDITORIAL - Job Title: First Assistant Editor, Assistant Editor, Or Associate Editor

The assistant editor manages the editing department, maintaining an environment that allows the editor to devote his time and energy to the creative process of editing the film. With the assistance of the second assistant(s) and the apprentice(s), the first assistant editor is responsible for logging and organizing footage; maintaining all department reports and paperwork; interfacing with outside…

EDITORIAL - Job Title: Second Assistant Editor

The second assistant editor supports the first assistant in all his duties. Although delegated assignments may vary, second assistant editor Steve Sacks explains that generally “My job is to conform picture. I get a list from the editor and go to the shelves where all the film is kept, all the daily reels. My goal is to cut through all the reels, get the needed shots, and put them together.…

EDITORIAL - Job Title: Apprentice Editor, Apprentice Film Editor

Apprentice editor is an entry-level union position within the editorial department. They assist the assistant editor and editor as instructed, usually handling the cataloging of film and shuttling it between the film lab and sound transfer facility, and the editor and projectionist. “An apprentice editor is a combination of production assistant and assistant editor,” explains apprent…

EDITORIAL - Job Title: Projectionist (editing Department)

Projectionists are responsible for obtaining the previous day's sound and film footage, syncing them together, showing them during dailies, and maintaining the projection equipment. On location, they move the equipment, set it up, and break it down each day. * “A lot of editors are what I call ‘closed door editors,’ meaning they never want anybody walking in. But…

GLOSSARY [next] [back] DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS - Job Title: Director, Job Title: First Assistant Director, 1st Ad, Or Assistant Director

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