Post-production
Edit assistant (Post-production)
Also known as: Edit trainee
What does an edit assistant do?
Edit assistants ingest footage that has been captured on location, or in the studio, so that it can be accessed by the picture editor. Ingesting footage means taking in the footage, or data files, and putting it into the format the picture editor needs. As well as the recorded footage there will be a great deal of meta-data – digital notes covering the shot number, the take number, the director of photography and, where necessary, details of the lens used or aperture setting. All of this becomes valuable in the grade or when integrating VFX.
In a modern post-house, the audio and video files are usually held on central servers, so a great deal of the work of an edit assistant can be done on work stations away from the cutting room. From there the edit assistant can look after several cutting rooms at the same time and cover a number of important roles. The edit assistant may also be required to transfer archive material or music so that the picture editor can use it.
Edit assistants will also spend some time in the edit suites, checking the picture editor has everything they need and letting them know which material is loaded up onto the servers and which is still to be digitised.
Depending on their level of experience, edit assistants may also be expected to power up the edit suite and make sure everything is ready to go when the picture editor arrives. It’s a job that requires a good knowledge of IT and excellent computer skills. They need to work well in a team and be able to prioritise which task is most urgent.
It is a great base from which to build up an understanding of the basics of picture editing and to learn how a post-house operates, and if they show the right aptitude, edit assistants can go on to become a picture editors themselves.
Watch
- How is a Film Shaped in the Cutting Room? 7 Editors from 7 Genres Compare Their Approach
- Interview With "Dune: Part Two" Film Editor Joe Walker
- Hokum Editor Shares the Secrets of Cutting A Scary Good Movie
What’s an edit assistant good at?
- Attention to detail: pay careful attention to the files and the metadata, be organised, label everything accurately
- Technical knowledge: know the editing software and equipment being used, be familiar with different file types of received material
- Taking direction: follow instructions carefully and with excellent attention to detail, understand what the editor wants and communicate with them and others effectively
- Learning by watching and asking: observe what’s happening, take initiative, ask questions at the appropriate time
- Timekeeping: understand the importance of working to schedule, stay organised and help to keep the project on track
Who does an edit assistant work with?
Edit assistants work closely with the picture editors and the technical operator.
How do I become an edit assistant ?
Edit assistants may get a job through going to a film school or completing a media course, or they might be able to demonstrate a passion for film by making or editing their own films using a basic editing tool on a laptop.
At school or college:
You can take A-levels or Highers in any subject you enjoy, but English, media studies and film studies are relevant to this role. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification. Look at what your local college offers such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- T level Media, Broadcast and Production
Get a degree:
You don’t need a degree to become an edit assistant, but you might find it useful to spend three years developing your skills and yourself in preparation for work. Or you might want to take a degree course in a subject that interests you and then do an MA in editing after that. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the film and TV industries.
Volunteer:
Take part in student productions; offer to edit videos for charities – use any opportunity to learn the craft of editing by actually doing it.
Build a portfolio:
Learn editing software, experiment with video making and start creating work that you can show to admissions tutors or employers. Go to make a showreel for film or TV to learn how.
Get work experience:
Try to get work experience by writing to post-production companies and asking if they offer any. Use the UK Screen Alliance directory or Eleanor Adler’s list of post-production companies to find the main ones.
Look outside the industry:
Post-production is used in video making for commercials, fashion and marketing. Grab any opportunity to build up your knowledge that can then be applied in film and television.
Take a short course:
Hone your skills in editing by taking a specialist course. Go to the list of training courses recommended by ScreenSkills.
Search for jobs:
Research the post-production houses that you’d like to work for and watch the programmes that they make. Regularly check their websites to see if they are advertising for roles. Check out the ScreenSkills jobs board and Animation UK job vacancies. Send in your CV and ask if they’re recruiting.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in...
Being an archive producer in the unscripted TV industry. You might also be interested in being an editor in the animation industry.
