While the specifics can vary from one production to another, certain consistent practices guide the work of 1st Assistant Editors (1st AEs) during the early stages of a film’s creation. This article offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes activities that take place before principal photography begins, shedding light on the meticulous planning and preparation that goes into crafting a successful film.
The 1st AE’s Role in Pre-Production
The 1st Assistant Editor’s journey begins well before the cameras start rolling. Depending on the complexity of the film’s setup, they may come on board about a week before principal photography commences. This early start is essential to ensure that the cutting room is fully prepared for the task ahead.
However, the world of filmmaking is dynamic, and some directors choose to start shooting during the pre-production phase. While this is not typical, it can create situations where materials need to be handled – requiring proxy creation, backup, and paperwork. This scenario underscores the importance of adaptability in the world of film editing.
During pre-production, the 1st AE collaborates closely with the director and editor to determine the specific kit needs for the offline editorial department. This involves early involvement with the Post Production Supervisor (PPS) to define and create the Workflow Determination Form (WFD). The WFD serves as a blueprint for how the offline editorial process will unfold, outlining the tools, software, and processes to be used.
Team Building and Planning
The PPS and line producer play a pivotal role in laying out the offline editorial team based on their estimates of the media that will be generated during filming. On average, 2-4 hours of footage are considered normal, with action sequences and multi-camera shoots demanding special attention. In cases where two units are simultaneously shooting, coordinating the media becomes even more crucial.
Assembly and Metadata Management
Once filming commences, the 1st AE’s primary focus shifts towards assembly. This stage involves ongoing communication with the editor regarding how media should be organized. Matters such as continuity notes, metadata entry, and source media grouping are meticulously managed to maintain a streamlined workflow.
Accurate metadata entry for the original proxies is essential to ensure that subclips retain the correct data. Any alteration to the master proxy at a later date could lead to complications, emphasizing the significance of precision and detail-oriented work during this period.
Streamlining the Process
Efficiency is key to meeting the demanding schedules of film production. The 1st AE often devises systems to automate the downloading process, helping to streamline the workflow. In some cases, they may opt to designate one computer that remains disconnected from the shared network. This isolated system takes on the sole responsibility of downloading, ensuring data security.
The overarching goal is to process the rushes, getting them onto shared storage, and making sure they are synced and ready for the editor by lunchtime. Should this prove challenging, the 1st AE may need to reassess the workflow or consider adding more personnel to the team.
Communication and Coordination
During this phase, the 1st AE maintains open lines of communication with various key personnel, including the PPS and potentially continuity and Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) on-set for production-related queries. Effective coordination is the cornerstone of a successful offline editorial process.
Furthermore, this period encompasses refining working practices, from syncing to organization, tracking missing data, paperwork filing, and the distribution and delivery of viewing copies and stringouts of various types. The 1st AE also liaises with the PPS to address budgetary concerns and discuss any necessary sound cleanup work.
Conclusion The offline editorial process in film production is a meticulous and essential stage of bringing a cinematic vision to life. 1st Assistant Editors play a critical role in shaping the film’s narrative and ensuring a seamless transition from raw footage to the final product. Their attention to detail, adaptability, and efficient workflow management are the cornerstones of success in the dynamic world of filmmaking, making them unsung heroes behind the scenes of every cinematic masterpiece
This is an article written by Michael McHugh, with the help of Tamsin Jeffery.
We are Post Super Ltd , your ultimate destination for all things post-production management.