(aka Trainee)

Second  Assistant Editors (2nd AEs) are only employed on very big budget films. They assist 1st Assistant Editors (1st AEs) and Editors in the Picture Editing department. 2nd AEs also work closely with Trainees, teaching them how to perform basic assisting tasks such as syncing up (synchronising) rushes (aligning the sound with the image). On films where 2nd AEs are employed, they acquire significant experience, easing their progression to 1st AE. Both 2nd AEs and Trainees are freelance, and are expected to work long hours.

What is the job?
2nd AEs assist 1st AEs to ensure the smooth running of the cutting room. On big budget films, overseen by 1st AEs, 2nd AEs carry out the majority of the hands-on assisting duties; these vary from film to film, but usually include digitising rushes, recording play-outs onto tape or DVDs, labelling up tapes/DVDs and sending them to the labs, etc. 2nd AEs who work and earn credits on big budget films gain the experience which enables them to work subsequently as 1st AEs on lower budget films.

Picture Editing Trainees are employed on most feature films, regardless of the size of the budget. Trainees are responsible for basic administrative duties such as labelling up DVDs and tapes, mailing, booking couriers, fetching tea and coffee, etc. They are trained by 2nd or 1st AEs, who are responsible for operating the editing machines, and may give Trainees the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience of a range of basic tasks, such as syncing up rushes.

Typical career routes
2nd AEs normally start their careers as Trainees. They usually gain entry into the industry as Runners working for Post-production Facilities Houses which may provide them with opportunities to meet Assistant Editors or Editors who are willing to take on Trainees. Because film budgets are smaller and editing is usually carried out digitally, it is more difficult to find work as a 2nd AE. Individuals are likely to work on low budget films and/or television as Assistants for several years after completing their training, before progressing to become 1st AEs on feature film productions.

Essential knowledge and skills 2nd AEs should be computer literate and have knowledge of digital editing software and equipment. They must also understand how cutting rooms work. Trainees should be computer literate and have a basic knowledge of digital editing.
Key Skills include:

• a co-operative approach to work;
  
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
  
• ability to work for long hours on repetitive tasks;
  
• precise attention to detail;
  
• ability to take direction;
  
• good organisational skills;
  
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
   

Training and qualifications
Although no specific qualifications are required for 2nd AEs or Trainees, FT2 (Film and Television Freelance Training) provides industry recognised training for all job roles, including Editing, involving apprentice-style attachments to professional crews, combined with short course training opportunities. 

Alternatively, short courses specialising in Assistant Editing for digital cutting rooms provide a useful starting point.  The National Film and Television School (NFTS) offers industry recognised short courses for all grades.  Post graduate courses are also available.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. 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
- BKSTS - The Moving Image Society, organises events, courses, and new equipment demos, and publishes: Cinema Technology, and Image Technology;

- BECTU, the trade union represents Editing & Post Production personnel;

- Shooting People, a forum on filmmaking;

Publications
- Editing and Post-production (Screencraft series published by Focal Press) by Declan McGrath;

- In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective of Film Editing (Silverman-James Press) by Walter Murch;

- The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Film editing (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004);

- Screen Daily publishes weekly Screen International  and offers an on-line news service;

- Variety, a weekly publication for the film, television, music and interactive entertainment industries;

- American Cinematographer American Cinematographer

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2nd Assitant Editor, Trainee

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