When the director calls "wrap" on set, the journey of a film is far from over. That's when the magic of post-production begins. Editing is more than just chopping bits of film together, it is an artistry and a whole, other world. In today's fast-paced industry, editors are the unsung heroes, meticulously crafting each scene to perfection. Whether it be rough cutting, colour grading, visual effects work, sound design or whatever else is thrown at these collection of experts, they have the talent to navigate the highs of creative breakthroughs and the lows of tight deadlines and technical challenges.
In this blog, our talented editors from The Gate Films and Smoke and Mirrors pull back the curtain on their world, revealing the intricate processes that bring stories to life. From cutting-edge techniques to personal anecdotes, they share the triumphs and trials of post-production, offering a glimpse into the dedication and passion that fuel their work. Dive in with us as we uncover the pulse of filmmaking - in the caverns of the edit suite where production and post dance together in harmony!
Anna Tyler - Editor at The Gate Films:
How I Got Into Editing
I’ve been editing since my college days, honing my skills through various studies. In my last job, I initially started in Production but quickly transitioned to Post after editing some showreels for the company. Within a month, I moved permanently into Post and taught myself everything I now know, learning from project to project.
Why Working In This Industry Is Hard
The downside to this role is that the industry is highly competitive, with many talented individuals vying for the same work. Standing out and progressing can be both mentally and physically challenging. However, these challenges keep me humble and motivated – it’s a double-edged sword.
My Favorite Project
One of my favorite projects was from my last job, a game show featuring plumbing influencers. I created graphics and designs for the edit and the social media campaign, managing many deliverables. It was an enjoyable experience from start to finish.
At The Gate Films, I created kaleidoscope transitions for a project. Since kaleidoscope transitions aren’t a common tutorial topic, I felt like I pioneered something new. Creating the Smoke and Mirrors graphics was also a fun project to play around with.
Chloe Isherwood - Editor at The Gate Films:
The Importance of Colour
Colour can completely change and manipulate the mood, tone, and atmosphere of a project. It’s a powerful tool that can evoke particular emotions and feelings without a single word being spoken. Films like La La Land and Whiplash masterfully use colour to convey emotions, immersing the audience in the story's emotional landscape.
The Vast World of Editing
The world of editing is enormous and incredibly diverse. It encompasses various specialisations such as offline editing, online editing, colour grading, animation, motion graphics, and VFX. Editors can work across different mediums, from advertising to broadcast TV. This diversity means there is always a new area to explore and learn from, keeping the field dynamic and engaging.
The Future of Editing
The future of editing is poised to embrace AI even more. We’ve already integrated AI tools into a few projects, finding them incredibly useful. For instance, the AI tool in Photoshop that allows you to expand images is a game-changer. As AI technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly become an integral part of the editing process, enhancing efficiency and expanding creative possibilities.
Liam Hargreaves - Senior Editor at The Gate Films:
Understanding the Time Investment
One of the biggest challenges in post-production is managing client expectations regarding the time it takes to complete a project. Many clients underestimate the complexity and effort involved in editing, colour grading, and moving from offline to online workflows. This is understandable—they wouldn't necessarily know the intricate details of what goes into crafting a single shot. However, when things don't happen as quickly as expected, it can create tension. It's not the clients who are the issue, but it's having to manage these expectations and keep the project on track that is.
The Daunting Task of the Initial Cut
The initial cut is often the hardest part of the post-production process. When faced with a mountain of footage, figuring out where to start and how to piece it all together can feel like solving a massive, intimidating puzzle. It's during this phase that the editor's creativity and problem-solving skills are put to the test. Early in my career, I would stick rigidly to the brief, but over time, I've learnt to trust my instincts and make decisions that I felt would work better. This confidence comes with experience and has definitely allowed me to create more compelling and effective edits.
Memorable Projects
There are many projects that stand out as particularly fulfilling. For example, working on the IL4U project was a long process, but the end result was stunning. Seeing everything come together, especially when collaborating with multiple people, was incredibly rewarding. Working with the team at Smoke and Mirrors was another highlight, as it involved more collaboration and team effort, which made the process more enjoyable and the final product even better.
The Importance of Teamwork
One of the key lessons I have learned is the value of relying on a team. While the grass might not always be greener on the other side—more stress and longer hours come with greater responsibilities—having a supportive team that listens and can help out where needed makes a huge difference. It's about cracking the whip when necessary, but also knowing when to trust and rely on your team.
Benjamin Rozario- Senior Colourist at Smoke & Mirrors:
Creative Approaches: How to Start a New Project Right
I love to read the treatment and view the cut as soon as possible. I try to jump on a video call with the director and creative team during that time frame as well. My goal as a colourist is to fulfil their creative vision, so the sooner I can align with that the better. Then when it comes to the grade, we can have a more detailed discussion in the suite. For me this is one of the biggest benefits of attended sessions. I find remote working sometimes removes the emotion and expression that a conversation in person can bring.
Overcoming Challenges: A Colorist’s Experience with Complex Projects
I was recently working on a car commercial where the concept was all about the passage of colour. The colours were shifting from warm orange tones through to magenta and into blue as the film progressed. The colour shifts were captured in camera but in the edit the decision was made to move a shot from the blue setup and use this in the orange sequence instead, with the intention of matching the shot during the grade. This was a huge challenge, as I had to essentially move the hue from one side of the colour wheel to the other without disrupting the appearance of the car. After trying a few different techniques, we managed to find a solution and the results were seamless. I honestly surprised myself with that one!
Staying Updated: Keeping Up with the Latest Technology and Software
LinkedIn, Red Shark News and Lift Gamma Gain are daily stops. Also catching up with other colourists and industry folk out and about. I enjoy attending the odd seminar as well.
Advice for Beginners: Tips for Aspiring Editors and Colourists
My advice would be to grade as much as possible. Both the good and the bad. It’s all experience and I think it helps you become a more rounded colourist. Also enjoy the process and remember that everyone’s journey is different.
Industry Trends: The Impact of AI on Color Grading and Editing
Obviously AI is a big topic of conversation. As a colourist it’s something I’m keeping my eye on. We’re already using AI tools in the grade such as face refinement and depth map but it will be interesting to see if it’s something that can empower creatives going forwards.
Summary
Post-production is a complex, demanding, and often misunderstood part of the filmmaking process. It requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and teamwork. While it can be a slog at times, the satisfaction of seeing a project come together makes it all worthwhile. For those in the industry, like Anna, Chloe, Liam and Benjamin, the challenges are just part of the journey and each project is an opportunity to create something amazing.
