Working Life

An Editor works as the lead of the editing department in close collaboration with the director to achieve their artistic vision for the production.

In pre-production, they define the timing of storyboards to animatic with audio in order to give a good sense of timing to the animation team.

Once all animation and compositing is done, they must work picture editing, tightening up the timing of the shots and matching with sound editing, sound effects, music and so on, both at the production and post-production stages.

The editor must

• work on a project through pre-production and post-production to shape and tell the story in an engaging way while providing the audience point-of-view in putting the production together.
  
  
• read and break down the script to fully understand the story and the characters and communicate closely with the Directors of the production.

• be in the editing room assembling footage created, watching it as it is synced, and providing feedback on any technical or other issues.
  
  
• take responsibility for cutting shot scenes according to the script, editing in sound, and ensuring that script timings are accurate. They must suggest dialogue or scene cuts if appropriate. 

• work closely with the director to create the director’s cut, before working towards the final cut.
  
  
• offer suggestions and feedback at grading and sound mixing once the picture has been locked down.

Works with

• Directors
• Art Directors
• CG Supervisor
• Production Manager
• Production Coordinators
• Post Production Management
• VFX Supervisor

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Education Routes: Editors often have a Degree in Animation, Film, or Visual Effects.

Career Path to Editor: There are no usual career paths for the Editor. Often they would have worked their way through the editing department. A qualification in Film Studies can be useful.

Career Path from Editor: Director, Episode Director, Writer, Head of Editing Department, Technical Director.

Entry-level role available at Junior Editor roles. Show reel and experience are very important.