Mastering the Edit Suite: Essential Best Practices for Seamless Post-Production

Be Organised

Editing a film often involves several people (Editor, Assistant Editor, Edit Assistants, Online Editors, etc.) and a vast amount of different types of files (video, music, sound effects, motion design, etc.) which can easily make things messy, so make sure your project is always as clear and as organised as possible. Discuss with your team a systematised structure for your project, separating each type of file in their respective bins, and keep your sequences tidy and intuitively clear. Name every folder and sequence accordingly. Never leave anything "untitled". Even if you are working alone, a concise workflow will save time and energy when going through your footage, so everyone (including you) can easily and quickly find what they need.

Keep Up to Speed with Technology

As much as it is a heavily creative job, editing also involves a lot of technical knowledge, so avoid falling behind on that. Software is constantly updated with new features that help you work faster. Critically, keep an eye on what AI is bringing to the table. With the help of artificial intelligence tools, many problems are now more easily solved. It’s crucial that you don't limit your knowledge to editing only. Knowing what new cameras can do and how other post-production departments operate can help you plan your workflow. To ensure you’re aware of these new developments, joining discussion groups and forums is really helpful.

Do Your Homework First

For every project, the Director will brief you on their expectations for how the film should look and feel, and it’s your job to help them achieve that vision. Occasionally you may want to try a different approach – if you decide to do so, it’s important to create a full edit following initial instructions before making your own version in a different sequence. This will give you the opportunity to discuss both options whilst making the Director feel that they can trust you, you are passionate about the project at hand, and you bring new ideas to the table.

Versatility

Every artist will have their own style based on the films that they like, the music that has influenced them and the art that they have consumed in the past. It’s great to know your own strengths and your own style but it’s also important to be ready to work on different types of films outside of your comfort zone. There is no denying that Producers and Directors appreciate when the whole team is on the same page- although it’s impossible to fully master every single genre, do try and study a variety of styles so you’re ready for a variety of different editing jobs. Watch films you think you won’t like, listen to new musicians, take a chance on that one TV show you don’t think you’ll find interesting.

Social-first content is vital in the industry, it's changing the way audiences consume content, and involves editing techniques that differ significantly from platform to platform. Make sure to stay tuned-in on how content creators are crafting their videos and take advantage of how quick the audience feedback is on social media to help you improve your next work.

Cultivate Relationships

Filmmaking is a craft that involves several artists aiming to deliver one final product, so it's important to bond with your colleagues during that process. Skills are important, but don't forget that a lot of people take affinity into account when selecting who will be part of their team, especially if it's a long project. Finding the people who match your creativity and humour can often develop into long-running partnerships. Maintaining a positive work culture will ease pressure,?improve the working environment and, consequently, achieve a better result in the final cut.