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A cutter or editor deals with the editing of the film. So he is both creatively and technically entrusted with the post-production of films. The job title comes from the traditional cutting with films, so it comes from a time when films were still shot on film reels. Today, this activity is only carried out with the help of digital technology. The editor’s task is to cut a film and form it into a complete work. This was actually originally done with scissors and tape. The basis for this is the raw material that was created by the film crew, the actors, the director and possibly also the effects makers.
In today’s digital age, where hard drives or SD cards are used for recording, scissors and tape are no longer used. Likewise, the job title cutter is no longer used, but increasingly replaced by (film) editor.
Editors select the right shots from the raw film material provided. They put these together into sequences from which the finished film is created. The activity of film editing is often referred to as “invisible art”. The foundation of film editing is the art, technique, and practice of assembling film footage to create a coherent sequence. An editor not only has the task of assembling or cutting parts of a film. He has to deal with the different image sequences, the cinematic plot, stories, dialogues, suitable music and the performances of the actors. This is the only way to create a finished film that consists of a coherent whole.
Editors work with other production staff on a film, such as the director or producers. These create all the specifications that are implemented during the cut. Likewise, editors are already involved in the planning and project planning of a film production. You read the script and are already planning a rough cut of the film material that is still to be produced. They usually work for film producers, TV stations or advertising agencies. You can also work within companies. In addition to the required specialist knowledge, her skills also include resilience, creativity, communication, independent work and an interest in films and digital technologies.
With the increasing advent of digital technology, editors are now also responsible for other areas of film production. Together with editors for sound, music and virtual effects, they deal with other aspects of film editing. Especially for low-budget films, editors overlay music, mimic visual effects, or add temporary sound effects. Temporary elements are often replaced by final components produced by sound, music, and visual effects teams.
