What Is Editing? Print

Editing is not just cutting and pasting shots, its about storytelling. Films are made on the edit table. Similarly good films can be ruined too on the edit table if the editor does not know his work. Editing is not about knowing a specific software but knowing the art of storytelling which will take time to learn. Given below are a few things to do if you want to become an editor

  1. Basic Knowledge of computer (Windows or Macintosh)
  2. Then the person should join any professional editing studio (at least for 3 months) to make himself friendly and patient with the dark and small room.
  3. After finishing this period, he should approach any editor to join him as an assistant.
  4. Then he should start learning the process with help of his senior assistant.
  5. He should not ask anything to his editor, but only to his seniors.
  6. The first chapter is making the list of source tapes or raw stocks according to the script and log sheet.
  7. Second chapter is reading the log sheet and trying to understand the method and language of technical words (like the description about shots, angles and continuity etc.)
  8. Third chapter begins to knowing about the editing system (linear or non linear both) through manual guide or instruction chapter.   
  9. Fourth chapter is about knowing the source players and recorders (like Beta cam, Digi Beta cam, DV Cam or DVC Pro and the connecting cables like BNC, XLR, RCA or FireWire)
  10. Fifth chapter is getting to know about starting the system with proper guidance of seniors and making the connections.
  11. In Sixth chapter the person can start making the project and capturing the source materials.
  12. Seventh chapter is all about the dedication, hard work and following the instructions of seniors correctly.
  13. AND MOST IMPORTANT: Be ready to face the criticism in a healthy way.