Editing Assistants support the Editor(s) and Editing department, and their workload varies according to the size and type of the production. They log the audio and visual material received in the cutting room, load it into the computer and keep ongoing and detailed records, as instructed by the Editor or 1st Assistant Editor.
Editing Assistants make viewing copies on different formats for various departments, clients and composers. They handle the housekeeping tasks for the editing department, keeping it stocked with relevant materials, ensuring that all equipment is in good working order and placing orders with outside suppliers. They may liase with the Production and Accounts departments on administrative matters relating to the Editing department and keep the Editor's diary, booking sessions internally and with outside facilities. In a smaller cutting room, they may also act as a Runner.
Sound plays a vital part in editing for animation and, depending on the size of the production, the picture and sound may be handled by the same Editor or editing team. Editing an animation soundtrack can offer more creative opportunities than editing the picture, which is substantially pre-edited by the Director, so an interest in sound and music is very useful. While still at a junior level they may do soundtrack breakdowns, for which the format will vary depending on the editing system, and they may be asked to transfer other breakdowns on to bar sheets for the Director and Animators. This the first introduction Editing Assistants have to the production requirements for animation.
This can be an entry-level role for the right candidate.
Responsibilities
Editing Assistants give the Editor(s) whatever backup is required, and help to keep the editing department running smoothly and efficiently. They must take every opportunity to learn the systems and software in current use, and try to be aware of new updates and developments. Editing Assistants need to take responsibility for following through on the tasks they are given, and they must be prepared to work occasional long and anti-social hours.
Skills
Editing Assistants must be thorough and meticulous as close attention to detail is required, and knowledge of the technical aspects of the equipment is advisable. The abilities to take direction, communicate well, work as part of a team and appreciate the importance of a schedule, are all essential. Editing Assistants must be prepared to respect the editors' or studios' working practices, and discretion may be required if they are working on a confidential project.
Qualifications/Experience
Computer skills are essential and a basic understanding of the more commonly used software is useful, e.g. Avid, Apple's Final Cut Pro and Adobe's Premiere, etc. Entry level Editing Assistants are sometimes graduates of Film or Television courses, or appropriate Technical Colleges but there are also opportunities for Runners with the appropriate talents to be promoted, and this is the most common route into the Editing Department.