What a Feature Film Editor Does
Apart From, y’know, Edit ☛ I’ve written much in the past about the art and craft of narrative editing, so I thought I’d focus for a change on the parts of the job that aren’t putting shots together. What follows applies specifically to drama feature film editors. I’m also assuming that the feature film editor … Continue reading
Inspiring Belief
An Editor’s Guide to Working with a Director ☛ Last time I wrote about how directors should approach working with an editor, this time the shoe is on the other foot. A lot is written online about how editors should work with their editing software – hints and tips. Books on editing have much to … Continue reading
The Way of the Scissor People
How to Work with an Editor ☛ I wrote some time back encouraging directors to work with editors, rather than cutting their own material. My colleagues in the cutting room report that they are working with an increasing number of directors who are using an editor for the first time. Needless to say these first … Continue reading
Better, Good, Best
Can an Editor Really Save a Film? ☛ There’s an old joke that the editor always saves the film… even if they haven’t. But are we really the alchemists we would like to be, turning base metals into gold? How completely can an editor turn your movie around? I’ve worked in the cutting rooms of … Continue reading
Fear of Actors
On Directing Actors ☛ Hang around the industry for long enough and you’ll realize a surprising thing about film directors: many of us are crap at directing actors. I’m not just talking about newbie short filmmakers or genre hacks, I’ve seen very experienced directors manhandle performances and heard many an anecdote pointing the finger at … Continue reading
Get Someone to Help you with the Scissors, pt.II
Some Thoughts on Working with an Editor ☛ Assuming my last post convinced you that an editor is someone you never realised you couldn’t do without, how do you work with them? The basic unwritten contract between editor and director is this: The editor promises to make whatever changes the director asks of them, to … Continue reading
Get Someone to Help You with the Scissors
Why Everyone Needs an Editor ☛ Apple have just announced that they’re lowering the cost of Final Cut Pro editing software to $299 (probably the same in pounds). Given that the new generation of digital cameras bring the basic cost of the hardware necessary to shoot a HD feature film well within a four-figure price … Continue reading
