Editor

As a film or video editor, you'll be responsible for:

• Assembling recorded raw material into a finished product that's suitable for broadcasting.
• The material may include camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects.
• This is a key role in the post-production process and your skills can determine the quality and delivery of the final product.
• You'll usually work closely with the director to achieve the desired end result.
• Digital technology, specialist computer software and high-quality digitization of sound and pictures have effectively replaced the traditional manual method of cutting film. In some instances you may be given creative freedom, while in others you'll just be required to operate the necessary machines.

Your work as an editor will involve:

• Receiving a brief, and maybe an outline of footage and/or a shot list, script, or screenplay;
• Assembling all raw footage, with camera shots either recorded or transferred onto video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer;
• Inputting uncut rushes and sound, and synchronising and storing them into files on the computer;
• Digitally cutting the files to put together the sequence of the film and deciding what is usable;
• Creating a 'rough cut' (or assembly edit) of the programme/film and determining the exact cutting for the next and final stages;
• Reordering and fine-tuning the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video.

Additional tasks may include:

• Overseeing the quality and progress of audio and video engineering and editing;
• Experimenting with styles and techniques including the design of graphic elements;
• Writing voiceover/commentary;
• Suggesting or selecting music.
• You may also carry out online editing duties, which involve finalizing technical aspects such as correcting faulty footage, grading and coloring and adding special effects.