1st Edition

Make the Cut A Guide to Becoming a Successful Assistant Editor in Film and TV

By Lori Coleman, Diana Friedberg Copyright 2010
246 Pages
by Routledge

246 Pages
by Routledge

247 Pages
by Routledge

Being a successful editor is about more than just knowing how to operate a certain piece of software, or when to make a certain transition. On the contrary, there are many unwritten laws and a sense of propriety that are never discussed or taught in film schools or in other books. Based on their own experiences, first as upcoming assistant editors, then as successful Hollywood editors, the... Read more
The Plan; From Dailies to Online; How the Assistant's Job Varies in Different Venues from Features to Reality TV; Protocol; Planning Ahead; Q+A from Hollywood Editors; Appendix

Biography

Lori Jane Coleman

"A thorough guide to becoming an indispensable assistant editor.

- Alan Heim, Vice President, A.C.E.; Professional film editor (Network, Grey Gardens, American History X, Alpha Dog)

"Make the Cut explains the postproduction editing workflow with utmost clarity and illustrates with abundant examples. Priceless! The book reflects a great depth of knowledge, that clearly has come from years of experience and accumulated wisdom. This book inspires excellence and will provide any aspiring editor with a huge leg up."

- Howard E. Smith, A.C.E.; Professional film editor (Snakes on a Plane, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Abyss)

"This is terrific preparation for anyone who wants to be an assistant editor.  I teach editing at USC and I will certainly have this on my class' reading list.  I will also give it to anyone I hire as an assistant."

- Tina Hirsch, A.C.E.

"Where was Make the Cut when I started out. [T]his is a must-read.. My biggest frustration is that there wasn't a book like this when I started editing. If there was I wouldn't have made the same political missteps or fumbles, so if you're trying to get into the editing world this book should find a home on your bookshelf."

- Guillotine website

"Make The Cut is an excellent read and a vital manual to keep in your bag when embarking on your first few assisting jobs. (..) Throughout the book it is made abundantly clear that attention to detail, tenacity and personality are all key to becoming a successful assistant editor. Make the Cut is an absolute must read for anyone seeking to begin, or develop their career in film editing."

- Jonny Elwyn