An Editor is responsible for assembling all of the raw material (filmed footage and sound recordings), and then constructs the required scenes in such a way that they all fit together in a coherent and visually interesting way.  Editing the footage is the backbone of “Post Production” and as most productions use a “Video Tap” to play-back footage for the Director to see on Set, the process has become less time consuming and cost effective as the Director can review each shot to determine which shots to “Print” or not.

About

The work of an Editor can be best described as "creative mechanics" in that he or she must weave the technical aspects of a film together into a cohesive but innovative manner. The Director, cinematographer, sound editor, musical director, Script Supervisor and anyone else deemed necessary to contribute to the film's final cut will assist the Film Editor in his or her process.

Although the tasks of the Film Editor are predominately "cutting and splicing", there is more to it. Before he or she does anything, the film must meet with the Director's creative discernment. Once they see eye-to-eye the Film Editor will go forward with the work of trimming each scene so that it is in accordance with the storyline, select the best camera angle shots, be mindful of time constraints, adapt music and sound, choose an actor's best effort and a myriad of other duties to ensure a supreme final cut.

History

In the late 1903, Edwin S. Porter, a film lab employee for Thomas Alva Edison, was the first to actually edit a film so that a viable storyline may be interpreted.  That film was entitled the Life of an American Fireman.