Gratitude Expressions by Emmy-Nominated Editors, Segment I
Assistant editors play a pivotal role in the post-production process of some of the most acclaimed TV series and films, as demonstrated by shows like A Black Lady Sketch Show, THE BEAR, Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and History of the World, Part II.
These unsung heroes of the industry are responsible for a variety of technical, organizational, and collaborative tasks that support the editorial team throughout the post-production phase.
Managing Technical Aspects
Assistant editors handle technical editorial tasks such as syncing footage, managing media workflows, and ensuring that all files are properly organized and accessible for the editing team. This meticulous work facilitates smooth editorial operations and prevents delays or technical issues during the editing process.
Organizational Support
In addition to technical tasks, assistant editors are responsible for maintaining editorial logs, metadata, project files, and backups. This organization helps editors quickly locate and assemble scenes, which is critical on fast-paced productions like THE BEAR or sketch shows that often have multiple segments.
Collaboration and Communication
Assistant editors serve as intermediaries between editors, producers, and post-production supervisors, ensuring clear communication about versions, edits, and post-production schedules.
Preparation for Editing
Assistant editors prepare dailies and rushes, organize footage, and assist in the initial assembly of cut sequences. This foundation allows lead editors to focus on creative decisions while assistant editors manage the technical groundwork.
Technical Troubleshooting
On complex productions, assistant editors troubleshoot software or hardware issues related to editing suites, codecs, or file formats, ensuring uninterrupted workflow.
Supporting Editorial Creativity
While not usually the final decision-makers, assistant editors contribute by managing sequences and elements, enabling smoother creative exploration and iterations by the lead editors. This is particularly important in shows like A Black Lady Sketch Show where timing and comedic beats are essential.
These roles ensure the entire post-production team functions efficiently, which is vital for high-quality and timely delivery seen in acclaimed series like Dahmer and History of the World, Part II.
Case Studies
On A Black Lady Sketch Show, assistant editors like Liz Berganza, Payton Halbiesen, and Davone Alexis, working under supervising editor Stephanie Filo, ACE, edit 45-50 short films over a few months and help bring sketches together by shifting tone, style, genre, and improv at the drop of a hat. They also excel at temp ADR, temp VFX, music, and SFX.
On THE BEAR, assistant editors like Megan Mancini, Josh Depew (season 1), Megan, Noah Benezra, Oliver Benezra, and Travis Cummings (season 2), under the guidance of Joanna Naugle, ACE, organize and track every shot of b-roll, make assemblies, do preliminary VFX shots, manage exports and turnovers to vendors, and build out SFX and music libraries.
Stephanie Filo, ACE, collaborated heavily with assistant editor Lyric Ramsey on the limited series "Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story". In a specific scene in episode 4, Lyric Ramsey foleyed herself, crushing vitamins and pouring liquid to match Jeffrey's actions. Her dedication to sound design was crucial in elevating and shaping the story of "Dahmer".
On History of the World, Part II, assistant editors Kenneth Rich, Payton Halbiesen, and Daniel Missirlian were key in learning historical facts, sharing ideas for comedy, and elevating cuts. Daniel Missirlian was even promoted to editor while working on the mini-series.
In conclusion, assistant editors are considered the backbone of the TV and Film process, according to Stephanie Filo, ACE. They are proactive, motivated, think ahead to complete tasks, and maintain an enthusiastic and supportive work environment. Their roles blend technical precision with robust organizational skills and efficient communication to support the editorial vision in these series effectively.
- Assistant editors, like Liz Berganza, Payton Halbiesen, and Davone Alexis on A Black Lady Sketch Show, manage technical aspects, organizational support, and collaboration to facilitate smooth editorial operations in the post-production process of social-media trending shows and pop-culture hits.
- On fast-paced productions such as THE BEAR, assistant editors like Megan Mancini, Noah Benezra, and Oliver Benezra ensure the smooth flow of media workflows, managing technical troubleshooting, and organizing elements for movies-and-tv shows that showcase celebrated celebrities and are deeply rooted in entertainment and pop-culture.
