Skills Needed to Be a Film Editor
Scenes for movies, videos and television films are shot out of sequence and frequently more than once. A film editor evaluates and selects the best shots for each scene and then organizes them in sequence to tell the story. The successful film editor is an artist with extensive technological skills who is also comfortable working with people.
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Technological Skills
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Film editors must be well acquainted with computerized editing equipment and software. Technical skills include the fundamentals of digital video production and non-linear editing. Film editors who are certified in a several types of editing software are better prepared to face the challenges of editing films in different production facilities. Specific editing software for sound, music and images work together to tell the story; a film editor combines the different elements to create the film.
Discriminating Eye
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Performance, photography, timing and consistency are the primary factors that an editor considers when selecting scenes for a film. As the film is shot, the editor begins working with the dailies---the footage shot on that day---to assemble the storyline in accordance with the film director's concept. The film editor must have the skills to understand the director's vision and a discriminating eye to determine which sections of film footage best illustrate that vision.
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Creativity
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Creativity is an important element of a film editor's job. Film editors must have the creative skills to join the scenes together in a seamless, natural flow that logically tells the story. Whether drama or comedy, films incorporate music and spacing to complement the feel of the flick. A creative film editor knows when to add a swell of background music to increase the suspense, or how long the silence in a specific scene should last.
Interpersonal Skills
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Even though film editors may spend hours alone in a dark room, looking at a computer screen, solitude is only one aspect of the job. Film editors work closely with directors, sound effects editors and music editors to complete a film. Necessary interpersonal skills that every film editor must have include the ability to communicate effectively, listen intently and understand conceptually. Making a film is a collaboration between artistic professionals. Successful film editors work well with people in all aspects of the storytelling process.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit film image by saied shahinkiya from Fotolia.com
