The editor is done with my movie, but what if the edit sucks!

[stefancolson]

Editor does not have final control of a film unless it is given to them. This is a result of no communication between director and editor and the fact they neither of them initiated the communication process. I say they deserve each other.

The editor has control over the pacing and flow of a film in the same way a DP has control over how it's lit and shot. Of course someone else (usually) is guiding the editor, but at the end of the day they're the one whose work is going to dictate the pace and flow of the film. They DO have control over it, even when guided by a director, unless the director is actually dictating every single cut or pushing the buttons themselves. It is because of this element of control that it's important to hire a good editor and retain oversight over the process. The nature of a collaborative process involves relinquishing control to collaborators.

As far as the two deserving each other goes, there's nothing wrong with making mistakes. The only real evil is in repeating them. Hopefully this was an important lesson that will result in ironpony's undying diligence in the edit bay for future projects.

 

[MichaelP]

I understand the editing process well, I was making a comment over the term "final control" they are a contributor and collaborator as many roles with filmmaking. You are validating my original comments about hiring of editor, or an editor being hired to have that communication process. Just dumping off your footage and showing up to pick it up like dry cleaning is strange. Not even a phone call at any time during that process? Not even a selects process? Maybe ironpony was naive to the process, but the editor him/her self not wanting to have that discussion at any point in the process?


Michael

 

[MichaelP]

I would also add that the same discussions with the DP, camera operator, actors, set design, make-up, composer, mixer, costume design, etc. are all based on reading the script and working with the director to fulfill the direction he or she wants to take the story by bringing all the talent they can bring to the process.

Michael

 

[stefancolson]

Pretty sure that's exactly what was just said:

This is why it is so important to do your due diligence on the people/companies you hire... An editor who doesn't want to talk to the director because they don't want to "get artsy" and a sound designer who only does a small part of their job are NOT pros. The key to good post is just like the key to a good production: PLANNING. It's your job to communicate your vision to your editor and sound designer. Would you hire an actor to be in your movie without ever giving them instruction or guidance? Would you hire a DP and then never discuss with them what you want? Why would you do that with your editor...?

We can all agree that ironpony should have been in communication with his editor throughout the process. Even if it's decided that the editor is going to work alone, the director should be reviewing scenes as they're cut and at the very least giving notes. Editing is not a black box that footage goes into and a film comes out of without intervention, it's another process that requires as much oversight and direction as any other.

 

[MichaelP]

Exactly.

Michael

 

[David W. Jones]

I tend to ignore these threads as I have learned that no matter how much help people give, ironpony tends to ignore any useful advice given. I'm not sure of his reasoning, whether it's age, trolling, or whatever.

I will say that in my opinion, it is ludicrous to expect a feature film to be properly finished by spending what is roughly equivalent to a working pro's day rate.

I will also add, that not everybody has what it takes to be a good filmmaker.

All the Best!

Dave

 

[keylight]

I will also add, that not everybody has what it takes to be a good filmmaker.

All the Best!

Dave

+1

I'd add the old adage (with a slight modification) that everyone has at least one good story in them, but not everyone is capable of telling it.

Oh, and I finally got around to using the ignore feature of the site, and I have to say I'm liking it. His messages now read:

[h=2]This message is hidden because ironpony is on your ignore list.[/h]