Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Feature Film Editor

🎯 Role Definition

As the Feature Film Editor, you are the ultimate storyteller in the post-production process. You will work hand-in-hand with the Director and Producers to sculpt the film's narrative, rhythm, and emotional core. This position demands a unique blend of artistic intuition and technical mastery, as you will be responsible for transforming hours of raw footage into a cohesive and compelling cinematic experience. You are not just cutting scenes; you are building worlds, developing characters, and crafting the pacing that will captivate audiences. Your creative decisions will directly shape the film's final impact, making this a central and highly influential role in the filmmaking journey.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Assistant Editor
VFX Editor
Lead Editor (Episodic TV, Documentary)

Advancement To:

Supervising Editor
Post-Production Supervisor
Director

Lateral Moves:

Episodic Television Editor
Senior Commercials Editor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Collaborate directly with the Director to understand and execute their creative vision, translating abstract ideas into tangible editorial choices.
Ingest, organize, and manage all raw footage (dailies), creating a meticulously structured project environment for efficient editing.
Assemble the first cut of the film (the "assembly cut") by sequencing scenes according to the script, providing the initial foundation for the narrative.
Select the best performances and camera takes in collaboration with the director, ensuring the most impactful moments are highlighted.
Craft the pacing and rhythm of individual scenes and the overall film to control the emotional arc and maintain audience engagement.
Refine the edit through multiple iterations, including the rough cut, fine cut, and final locked picture, incorporating feedback from the director, producers, and studio executives.
Integrate temporary sound effects, music (temp tracks), and placeholder visual effects to create a comprehensive viewing experience for internal reviews.
Work closely with the sound design team, composer, and music supervisor to ensure seamless integration of the final audio mix.
Liaise with the Visual Effects (VFX) department to manage plates, turnovers, and the integration of final VFX shots into the cut.
Collaborate with the Colorist during the grading process to ensure the film's look and mood align with the narrative and directorial intent.
Ensure narrative continuity, emotional consistency, and logical flow throughout the entire film, tracking character arcs and plot points.
Manage and mentor a team of Assistant Editors, delegating tasks such as syncing, grouping, and preparing sequences for the editor.
Troubleshoot technical issues within the editing software and hardware to maintain a smooth and uninterrupted post-production workflow.
Prepare the film for test screenings, make detailed notes on audience reactions, and implement subsequent editorial changes based on feedback.
Oversee the final conforming process, where the high-resolution source material is matched back to the final offline edit.
Prepare and export final deliverables in a variety of formats required for distribution, marketing, and archival purposes.
Maintain a deep understanding of cinematic language and storytelling conventions to make informed and creative editorial decisions.
Build and refine complex dialogue scenes, ensuring clarity, emotional subtext, and naturalistic pacing.
Stay current with the latest editing software, technologies, and industry best practices to continuously improve the post-production pipeline.
Securely manage all project media, ensuring proper backup and archiving procedures are followed throughout the project lifecycle.
Cut compelling trailers, promos, and other marketing materials that accurately represent the film's tone and attract audiences.
Maintain open and professional communication with all departments, acting as a central hub for the post-production process.

Secondary Functions

Mentor and supervise Assistant Editors and Post-Production Assistants, fostering their growth and ensuring a high standard of work.
Contribute to the selection of editing systems and the design of the post-production workflow for the project.
Assist in the creation of ancillary content, such as behind-the-scenes featurettes and electronic press kit (EPK) materials.
Participate in technical checks and quality control (QC) processes for all final deliverables to ensure they meet broadcaster and distributor specifications.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert-level proficiency in Avid Media Composer, the industry standard for feature film editing.
Strong proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro; familiarity with its integration with After Effects and Audition.
Working knowledge of DaVinci Resolve for conforming, basic color grading, and finishing.
Deep understanding of post-production workflows, including offline/online editing, RED/ARRI raw media, and proxies.
Advanced media management skills, including data wrangling, project organization, and archival best practices.
Comprehensive knowledge of video codecs, containers, frame rates, and aspect ratios (e.g., ProRes, DNxHD/HR, H.264).
Competency in basic sound design and mixing within the NLE to create effective temp tracks.
Understanding of VFX turnover processes and experience integrating CGI and 2D composites.
Familiarity with remote editing workflows and tools (e.g., Evercast, ClearView Flex).
Experience with final delivery and QC processes for theatrical, broadcast, and streaming platforms.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Storytelling Instincts: The ability to see the narrative potential in raw footage and shape it into a compelling story.
Collaborative Spirit: Thrives in a team environment, particularly in the high-stakes editor-director relationship.
Superior Communication: Ability to articulate creative ideas and technical requirements clearly and concisely.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: A keen eye for continuity, performance nuances, and technical imperfections.
Resilience and Patience: The capacity to handle long hours, tight deadlines, and extensive feedback cycles with a positive attitude.
Creative Problem-Solving: Resourcefulness in finding solutions to narrative challenges and technical hurdles.
Diplomacy and Tact: Skillfully navigates differing opinions from producers, directors, and executives to reach a creative consensus.
Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage complex timelines and meet all post-production deadlines.
Adaptability: The ability to gracefully receive and implement constructive criticism and pivot creative direction when needed.
Artistic Vision: A strong sense of aesthetics, timing, and rhythm that elevates the final product.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience demonstrated by a strong portfolio.

Preferred Education:

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film Production/Editing or specialized certification from a reputable film school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film Production
Cinema Studies
Media Arts

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

7-15+ years of professional experience in post-production, with a significant portion spent in long-form narrative editing.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience as the Lead Editor on multiple feature films, with at least one having received theatrical distribution or a premiere on a major streaming service. A strong, accessible portfolio or showreel showcasing exceptional narrative work is required for consideration.