Mastering the Edit Suite

By Rafeal Boelter, Senior Editor/Camera Operator

“We’ll take care of it in post.” How many times has that been said! A lot has to happen in post-production, and I love the blend of creative and technical. I was asked to give some top tips, so here goes …

Being organised, structured and detailed is a must

The process of editing a film often involves several people in the workflow including an Editor, Assistant Editor, Edit Assistants and Online Editors. And there’s a vast quantity of different types of files – video, music, sound effects, motion design, etc. So things could easily get messy without a high level of organisation across the project. 

Discuss and agree with your team a systemised structure for your project, separating each type of file in their respective bins, and keeping your sequences tidy and intuitively clear. Name every folder and sequence accordingly. Never leave anything “untitled”. Even if you are working alone, a concise workflow will save time and energy when going through your footage, so everyone (including you) can easily and quickly find what they need.

Keep up to speed with technology

As much as it is a heavily creative job, editing also involves a lot of technical knowledge. Keeping up to date with new technology innovations is another must to avoid falling behind in your knowledge and skills. Software is constantly updated with new features that help you work faster. 

Critically, keep an eye on what AI is bringing to the table. With the help of artificial intelligence tools, many problems are now more easily solved. It’s crucial that you don’t limit your knowledge to editing only. Knowing what new cameras can do and how other post-production departments operate can help you plan an optimise your workflow. To ensure you’re aware of these new developments, joining discussion groups and forums is really helpful.

Following the brief and having your own ideas

For every project, the Director will brief you on their expectations for how the film should look and feel, and it’s your job to help them achieve that vision. Occasionally you may want to try a different approach. 

If you decide to do this, it’s important to create a full edit following initial instructions before making your own version in a different sequence. This will give you the opportunity to discuss both options whilst making the Director feel they can trust you, that you are passionate about the project at hand, and you bring new ideas to the table. 

Style and versatility 

Every artist will have their own style based on the films that they like, the music that has influenced them and the art they have consumed in the past. It’s great to know your own strengths and your own style but it’s also important to be ready to work on different types of films outside of your comfort zone. 

There is no denying that Producers and Directors appreciate when the whole team is on the same page. Although it’s impossible to fully master every single genre, do try and study a variety of styles so you’re ready for a variety of different editing jobs. Watch films you think you won’t like, listen to new musicians, take a chance on that one TV show you don’t think you’ll find interesting. 

Social-first content for different platforms

Social-first content is vital in the industry and has changed the way audiences consume content. Social content involves editing techniques that differ significantly from platform to platform from LinkedIn and YouTube, to TikTok, Meta, Weibo and Twitch.

Make sure to stay tuned-in to how content creators are crafting their videos and take advantage of how quick the audience feedback is on social media to help you improve your next work.

Cultivate relationships

Filmmaking is a craft that involves several artists aiming to deliver one final product, and it’s important to bond with your colleagues during that process. Skills are important, but don’t forget that a lot of people take affinity into account when selecting who will be part of their team, especially if it’s a long project. People enjoy working with people who are nice to work with.

Finding the people that match your creativity and humour can often develop into long-standing  partnerships. Maintaining a positive work culture will ease pressure, improve the working environment and, consequently, achieve a better result in the final cut.