Assistant Editor
The Assistant Editor is responsible for organising the smooth running of the cutting room and assisting the Editor. They will organise the material the Editor needs and will keep records. The edit may happen on film, on tape or using non-linear edit equipment such as AVID or Lightworks.
On a large scale production there will be more than one assistant with the Second Assistant Editor working to a First Assistant. On small scale productions the Editor may work alone.
In a film cutting room the Assistant/s will keep a log of all the film and what has been filmed on each roll. They will sync up the picture and sound rolls and will put numbers along the edge of both picture and sound. They will file the different shots and cut sequences and have the correct material ready when the editor needs it. They will liaise with the laboratories to chase rushes and order reprints. They will keep the cutting room clean and stocked with supplies.
In tape cutting room they will load the correct tapes into the machine and keep records of where everything is. In a non-linear cutting room they will digitise tape material into the computer, organised so that the editor can find what they need. (Digitising is the process which enables the computer to read the material). The will keep a log of all the material. They will make tape copies of material and organise transportation.
A First Assistant may be asked to do assembly editing for the editor.
A good visual sense, an eye for detail and an appreciation of music and rhythm are useful for people wanting to work in a cutting room. Good organisational and people skills are essential.
