Working with an editor

djkarn105

djkarn105

Well-known member
So I'm in post on a short I wrote and directed and my good friend, who is also the producer, asked me if he could take a crack at editing. He has plenty of editing experience, but mostly on docs and sitcom / webisode type things, but not dramas. Anyway, I got a first cut and I have to say that I'm seriously doubting his ability to do this project.

I've always edited the projects I've directed myself and I'm wondering how other directors go about working with an editor? I usually put together a rough cut and then show that to various people whose opinions I trust for feed back. Should I do a "directors cut" and then hand that off? That seems like just my usual work flow but crediting someone else as the editor. Should we sit down and go over things together? I'm afraid I'll just end up driving.

I do want a fresh pair of eyes as this thing has been my baby and I'm pretty close to it but then maybe that's not such a bad thing after all.
 
I would let him have a crack at it without supervision. He might surprise you. Do you have time to reedit if you don't like what he does?
 
Most editor are bad editors, so most likely if you are not an editor yourself your edit will suck.

What's he issue? The pacing, the shot selection?
 
Patryk_Rebisz said:
Most editor are bad editors, so most likely if you are not an editor yourself your edit will suck.

What's he issue? The pacing, the shot selection?
Click to expand...

I am an editor which is why I've never had someone else edit my stuff before. The pacing feels like ping pong, there's no flow, or rather, the flow doesn't work with the material. If the actors were delivering punchlines it would be very funny, but they're not.

I'm not so concerned with troubleshooting this situation (this is a pet project so the only deadlines are the ones I make up) as curious how other directors go about this part of the collaborative process.
 
I've been in the situation before. If I were you, I'd try to guide him to what you want out of the movie first. Discuss the issues you have, point out examples of were things went a bit astray.

Then if you guys just can't get in sync, tell him so and let him go.

And I'm sure you know as an editor, there are always going to be things he does that you wouldn't have done. The question is whether his "influence" is beneficial to the project or not, and that's your job as a director to determine.
 
It's just a matter of personal style - he might honestly hate your editing style too. (Although i hope not, if he's your producer on this project :) .) If your director/editor relationship isn't working, that's not a reflection on either person's abilities.

Of course, if he's your friend and producer, replacing him as editor will be delicate. But if you really are good friends and you're not under a deadline, you might consider doing your own separate edit (openly telling him that you'll be doing so) and you can then both sit down together and discuss the merits of both edits? But only do so if you're sure it won't lead to tears or fisticuffs...
 
editing a short I wrote and directed is something I love, however I feel like there are things I can't let go of because of how involved with production I was. So a short that ends up being 12 minutes might be able to be tightened up to say 10 minutes if I let a fresh pair of eyes who didn't write or direct take a shot at it.

But I agree with what an above poster said, Walk him through what you do and don't like. scenes are meant to be edited, re edited and edited again over and over. I usually have at least a dozen duplicate sequences for one scene. once i finish an edit, i duplicate and re edit. he should do this with your notes on the scene.
 
But my question is, do you do your own cut first and then bring in the other editor or do you give it to them and see what they come up with? Or both?
 
If you both have time and enthusiasm, do both options. But it will eat up a lot of time - a more efficient method would be for one of you do a first cut and then the other revise that cut.

But either way you'll effectively have two editors - which could either be a wonderful creative partnership or a friendship-breaking voyage in Hell, depending one how well you can work together.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top