Edit Assistant
Edit Assistants work in Post Production Facilities Houses which provide complete end to end services for off-line, on-line and non-linear editing, visual effects, and DVD production to the independent, corporate and broadcast media sectors. Post Production involves creatively weaving together visual and audio materials shot or created during the production process, and combining them with other media, graphics, effects, subtitles, archive footage, etc., to create a variety of final products including broadcast programmes, DVD titles, corporate productions, etc.
Edit Assistants' work is varied, but their main function is to assist Editors, Telecine Operators, Colourists and other senior personnel. Edit Assistants are usually employees of the company. The role provides the opportunity to learn about every aspect of the industry, make valuable contacts, and it has nurtured the potential of some very talented individuals.
What is the job?
Edit Assistants provide basic technical and practical support for Editors, Telecine Operators, Colourists and other senior personnel, so that they can concentrate on the creative aspects of Post Production. Edit Assistants also help with spotting and rectifying mistakes and omissions in the Post Production process. They are responsible for preparing Edit suites for use, and ensuring that all editing consumables are replaced as necessary; operating caption generators as required during linear editing sessions; and trouble shooting any problems with the technology in Edit suites.
Edit Assistants may carry out some simple cutting and editing work as required. They manage all media, which includes auto-conforming media, digitising material for editing, ensuring that there is sufficient storage space for the work in hand, and controlling and monitoring the movement of material in preparation for editing. They are also responsible for logging and storing tapes, recording reports and printing labels.
Edit Assistants must be able to read oscilloscopes and audio meters, and TV and video signals, and understand how they work. They must identify what is acceptable for, and compatible with, a variety of formats, be familiar with technical specifications for different broadcasters, understand compression, and be able to utilize Video Tape Recorders (VTR's) in normal and abnormal settings.
Edit Assistants must understand the operational support required for edit suites, and be familiar with their technical aspects; they should be able to operate, patch and un-patch equipment, and possess relevant IT skills for moving media around the facility. They need excellent client facing communication skills to ascertain clients' needs, and to identify solutions to any problems. They must be able to communicate technical issues in layman's terms when liaising with clients and other non-technical colleagues, and should understand fully the implications of their decisions and actions, keeping accurate and detailed records.
Typical career routes
Post Production companies do not normally recruit Edit Assistants directly from college media courses; they are usually promoted from within a company, having started their careers as Runners. Edit Assistants, or Avid support persons, usually remain in this role for two to four years, although depending upon their skills and talents they may be offered the opportunity to carry out some editing duties after one year. Edit Assistants may become fully qualified Editors after three or four years.
Essential knowledge and skills
Edit Assistants must be familiar with the editing systems and graphics within each facility, and should be able to solve any basic technical problems which arise before or during editing. They should understand the principles of off-line and on-line editing, as well as non-linear editing. Non-linear support staff must possess the relevant technical information and knowledge of Avid, and of other editing technology. Edit Assistants must conform to recognized industry practices when labelling and storing tapes.
Key Skills include:
- advanced IT skills;
- effective team working skills;
- excellent communication skills;
- a high level of organisational skills and precise attention to detail;
- initiative and problem solving skills;
- diplomacy and sensitivity when working with clients;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Although no specific educational qualifications are required for the Edit Assistant role, a minimum of two years' experience of working in Post Production is essential. Media degrees may provide useful background knowledge. Some manufacturer led courses are available and useful, particularly for those working on Avid. VET offer Post Production facilities and short courses. The National Film and Television School also offers industry recognised short courses for all grades. Personality and communication skills are also important at entry levels.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
- UK Screen Association is the trade body for Post Production;
- BECTU, the trade union represents Post Production personnel;
- British Film Institute publishes Sight and Sound;
- BKSTS (The Moving Image Society) publishes Image Technology;
Publications
- Broadcast, weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry;
- Televisual, monthly business magazine for the broadcast industry;
- How Video Works - Weynand & Weise - ISBN 0-240-80614-X
- Nonlinear Editing Basics - Steven Browne - ISBN 0-240-80282-9
- Video Editing and Post Production - Gary H Anderson - ISBN 0-240-80337-X
- Digital Editing with Final Cut Pro 4 - Mamer &Wallace - ISBN 0-941188-91-4
- Digital Nonlinear Editing - Thomas Ohanian - ISBN 0-240-80225-X
- Editing Digital Film - Jaime Fowler - ISBN 0-240-80470-8
All books available from: http://www.focalpress.com/
Glossary
Linear : Editing in formats where it is not possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., VHS, u-matic or BETA, etc.
Non-Linear : Editing in formats where it is possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., film, AVID, Edit Pro, etc.
Digitising: Converting all media into digital formats
Patching: Ensuring that the correct signals go to the right destinations, by consistent and accurate identification and placement of cables
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Edit Assistant - Post Production
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