sequence to ensure continuity. Some editors perform magic, repairing
damaged elements, solving story problems, and turning poor perfor-
mances into good ones.
Although generally hired before shooting begins to assemble their edi-
torial crew and handle other preparation, the editor's most important job
of cutting the film begins the day photography begins. Dailies are syn-
chronized with the sound track and viewed each day with the director.
The editor makes note of the best performances, particularly those the
director prefers, and begins assembling the film scene by scene. An
editor's cut is delivered shortly after the picture has wrapped.
"It's sort of like constructing a house," explains editor Edward Salier.
"You have plans or a script; you have materials, which is everything that
has been filmed; and you follow the script to construct the show out of
the materials you've been given."
Special Skills
An editor must be a good listener and collaborator, and still have the
ability to work long hours alone. "You can't allow your own ego to get in
the way . . . it's not what I want to see, it's what the director wants to see.
I really have to be able to sit and listen to him, get a sense of what he
wants to accomplish, and deliver that as quickly and efficiently as possi-
ble. If he wants to see something different, I try it that way. I have to have
ideas, but ultimately be able and willing to go along with whatever his
vision is . . . It's an intense job. It's a long workday. You have to be able to
work on your own. You have to have people skills and you have to have
the technical skills. If you're lacking one of those, you're going to have a
really difficult time."
Advice for Someone Seeking This Job
Salier cautions students coming out of film school that, even though
they have earned a degree and gotten some experience, they are not
going to land a job as an editor or even an editor's assistant. "The busi-
ness doesn't work that way. You have to earn your stripes and pay your
dues. You have to be willing to start at the bottom. My advice is to get an
internship, where you can meet people and build relationships. Then be
willing to work really, really hard. You have to be in a place and position
where you can learn the skills and meet the right people. I can't empha-
size enough it's a relationship business. Keep your eyes and ears open
and your mouth shut. "
There are many avenues for finding a production assistant or appren-
ticeship job, where you can observe and eventually get some hands-on
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