Gratitude Expressions by Emmy-Nominated Editors, Segment I

In the world of television and film, assistant editors often work behind the scenes, but their contributions are essential to the success of many productions. From fast-paced series like FX's "THE BEAR" to anthology shows like Hulu's "History of the World, Part II", these unsung heroes are the backbone of the post-production process.

On "THE BEAR", Joanna Naugle, ACE, was supported by a team of assistant editors, including Megan Mancini, Josh Depew (Season 1), and Noah Benezra, Oliver Benezra, and Travis Cummings (Season 2). Their proactive and creative problem-solving skills ensured a smooth workflow, particularly on a show with a quick turnaround. The assistant editors were adept at organizing and preparing footage, managing media assets, and syncing audio, allowing the lead editor to focus on storytelling and creative decisions.

The assistant editors on "History of the World, Part II" also played a significant role. Kenneth Rich, Payton Halbiesen, and Daniel Missirlian served as assistant editors, with Missirlian being promoted to editor during the production. Their technical support, including syncing dailies, transcoding files, and prepping sequences for final finishing, was crucial in delivering high-quality content.

Assistant editors are not just technical workers; they are creative collaborators as well. They work closely with lead editors, directors, and producers, providing early cut versions, managing editorial feedback, and sometimes making preliminary editorial decisions. This collaboration is vital for shows with complex narrative structures or varying sketch styles, such as "A Black Lady Sketch Show" on HBO MAX, which was edited by assistant editors Liz Berganza, Payton Halbiesen, and Davone Alexis.

Their role extends beyond technical and creative support. Assistant editors often liaise with other departments, ensuring smooth handoffs and that post-production milestones are met without delay. In the anthology series "Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story", assistant editor Lyric Ramsey collaborated heavily with editor Stephanie Filo. Ramsey's dedication to sound design was crucial in shaping the story, as evidenced by a scene from episode 4, where Ramsey foleyed various sounds to match Jeffrey's actions.

In a nutshell, assistant editors are the unsung heroes of the post-production process. They streamline workflows, provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, collaborate creatively, and communicate effectively with other departments. Their role is fundamental to keeping projects running smoothly and delivering high-quality content on time. As editor Stephanie Filo puts it, assistant editors are creative collaborators, partners, and sometimes even therapists.

Social-media platforms are often flooded with discussions about popular books, movies-and-tv shows, celebrities, and pop-culture topics, providing assistant editors with opportunities to engage with fans and share insights about their work behind the scenes.
Assistant editors' skills extend beyond the realm of entertainment, as they can leverage their experience in managing media assets and organizing footage for sports highlights and commentary, such as basketball games in the NBA.
Following the triumph of sci-fi-and-fantasy shows like "The Expanse" and "Star Trek: Discovery" in the post-production landscape, it's worth acknowledging the indispensable role assistant editors play in bringing these complex narrative universes to life.
In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, assistant editors have adapted to new challenges and technologies, collaborating with lead editors and directors to integrate socially relevant content and themes into their projects – including addressing contemporary issues like representation, social justice, and mental health awareness.
Beyond the shows, movies, and sports they work on, assistant editors are also knowledgeable about the latest trends in entertainment, serving as valuable resources for friends and colleagues seeking recommendations on books to read, movies to watch, and shows to stream in their downtime.