ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

Kate, I'm sure, is correct about Lightworks not being used in the U.K. BUT, it is making a huge comeback (I used it in the early 90s. It was Avid's only competition). I would still encourage you to learn it BECAUSE it's not used so much in the U.K.--think about it this way: it's one more skill that will get you that job. If no one knows Lightworks in the U.K., but there is a film that decides to use it, you'll be in a much better position to get that job. Always, always, work to up your skill set.

11 years, 1 month ago - Donna Lipowitz

Hi Jo,
If you are wanting some more experience, I could use some help on the documentary film I'm editing.
It would be without pay for now, but you could help out part time whenever it suits you. I notice you mention FCP 7 and thats what I'm using. I am looking to get an editor on my team but haven't found the right person yet., so I'm doing all the editing myself. (I'm also the Producer/ Director)
If it worked out it could be the start of something, you never know :)
Email me lipowitzfilms@gmail.com if you are interested to chat more about it.
Donna Lipowitz
http://www.lipowitzfilms.com/

11 years, 1 month ago - Jo French

Thanks to everyone for their comments and suggestions. I have taken it all on board and fully intend to expand my skill set and hopefully get the career i'm after.

11 years, 1 month ago - Kate McCoid

Hi Jo, I think I can help.

You'll need to start as an editorial trainee, work up to 2nd assistant, then 1st etc (unless you get a break before hand).
Soho or the studios - Shepperton, Pinewood & Leavesden are where the work is at.
Call up the studios, ask around for any productions that might be on. Ask to speak to the Post-Production Co-ordinator or Supervisor, as they are the ones that will hire you. Also, if there's shows you're interested in - scan the credits for co-ordinator and supervisor and get in touch with them. Soho is similar, if you google 'soho post-production houses' you'll find loads.

Your CV will play a big part in it. They don't want to see "I edited 'title of short' etc." They need to know they can use you in the cutting room. Include things like: Can sync rushes, create sub clips, re-speed clips. Can manage files paper & electronic. (They'll need you to keep on top of things like Continuity, Camera Sheets, Sound Sheets - so that the editor or the 1st can find specific things at a drop of a hat.) Once you get your first job, you're in. Every other job will happen from recommendations.

I would discourage learning Lightworks as that is primarily used it America and in the UK you really want to jump onto AVID. There's lots of YouTube videos and AVID even has specific tutorials to help people coming from FCP make the jump.

While you're working your way up on feature films you'll meet a crazy amount of people who will teach you and help you out. The hours are weird and it takes some getting used to but once you find the balance you'll be able to work as a trainee while editing shorts of your own.

If you need any other advice, feel free to message me!

11 years, 1 month ago - Dan Selakovich

Start at the bottom. Write established editors (big feature film ones) asking to work as an apprentice (for free if need be). Contact post houses and try to get on as an intern and try to make connections with the editors that come through there. I don't think cutting a boatload of shorts is going to get you hardly anywhere--except to hone those skills. Once you have a credit on a big film, even if it's as an apprentice editor, getting work on shorts will be easy.

It's much harder than when I was coming up; film editing is labor intensive, so a lot of assistants were needed. Not any more. It's difficult to get that foot in the door nowadays. It's good that you know FCP, but pros are leaving it in droves. Download Lightworks and start learning it (especially the library functions). It puts FCP to shame anyway. Learn Avid as well.

I've noticed on a lot of your shorts, you list yourself as pretty much everything. If you want to focus on editing, get rid of things like "boom operator" credits. Don't even say you directed. Just list yourself as editor.

A big problem with shorts, is that the directors think they can edit. Most can't. And most certainly can't edit their own work with any objectivity. So working on shorts with inexperienced directors can create some bad habits and ill fitted knowledge. Concentrate on feature work doing anything in post.

11 years, 1 month ago - Andrew Morgan

I could use the services of an novice editor looking for demo-reel opportunities - email me at andrew@survivorfilms.com and I'll provide you with some info on the work I need done. Best, Andrew.