Breaking Down the Roles: Sound Editors

Sound Editors work through the film methodically, laying down Dialogue and sound FX. Depending on the size of the production, the sound team may number between 2 to 15 people.

Dialogue Editors

Dialogue Editor – goes through all the original recordings from the set, working through the sound sheets to select either the ‘Lav’ or Boom mic and then tracklays the best quality or most “on mic” versions of the original sound. They also ‘fill’ the track with wildtrack sound to help cover the edits. This creates a “bed” that the dialogue can sit on top of and that the ADR can also ‘bed’ into.

Assistant Sound Editors

Similar to a picture assistant, an Assistant Sound Editor’s role is mostly related to technical and logistical tasks. The First Assistant position is the most senior, and if the budget permits, Sound Assistant Editors may specialize in Dialogue or Sound FX departments. A Sound Editorial Trainee may also be present to perform basic tasks. Some Senior Assistants may have the responsibility of performing a small amount of Sound Editing.