WHAT DO FILM AND VIDEO EDITORS DO?

Motion picture and television films are shot following a schedule without regard for story continuity. Scenes are often filmed several times and from different angles. FILM AND VIDEO EDITORS select the most effective shot of each scene and combine them in sequence to form a logical and smoothly running story. They may discard scenes that do not help plot development. When selecting and assembling scenes, Editors try to achieve the best combination of photography, performance, consistency, and timing. Comedies, for example, require a specific type of timing. Editors must estimate how long audiences will laugh at each gag line or situation in order to space scenes so that one funny incident is not lost in the laughter of the previous one.

Film and Video Editors perform the following tasks to complete a film:

-Evaluate and select scenes in terms of dramatic and entertainment value and story continuity.
-Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequence that presents story with maximum effect.
-Use editing equipment to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects.
-Review assembled film or edited videotape on screen or monitor and make corrections.
-Work with Sound Effects Editors and Music Editors.

Sound Effects Editors perform the following tasks to provide sounds that match the action on screen:

-Work with Film and Video Editors, directors, and other technicians to analyze the sound requirements of the picture. -Record needed sounds or obtain them from sound effects libraries. -Assemble sound tracks recorded after action is filmed.
Music Editors perform the following tasks to enhance the film with background music:
-Discuss the music requirements of the film with directors and composers before they select music for a film. -Describe each scene and note the required length of time for composers. -Use music libraries to find the proper music for productions that do not use original scores. -Synchronize music tracks with the picture after the music is composed and recorded.

Assistant Editors perform the following tasks:

-Prepare the work for Editors.

-Provide general support services for Film Editors. -Maintain schedules and arrange screenings for directors and producers.

-Supervise apprentices.

Increasingly, films and television productions are edited on computer editing equipment, although feature films are still edited in the traditional way on flatbed editing machines called Moviolas. In the traditional method of editing, Editors run strips of film through these machines at various speeds. They mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end. After the scenes are edited, Assistant Editors join separate strips of film on a splicer. The sequences are then ready for viewing. Computer editing uses personal computers and special software to rearrange film sequences.

In the television industry, almost all work is done on videotape rather than film. Videotape editing requires some additional special training on the various electronic equipment used in the editing process.