2. What is the editors role within the
production?
• The editors role plays a very vital role within the
production process. Without the editor the
production would not be able to reach its final
stage, as the editors main role is to piece the
production together. The editors role is also to
ensure that the productions narrative is coherent,
clear and the messages the director wants to get
across to their viewers are presented clearly. The
editor is not required on location whilst the
director and cameraperson are filming; they are
just given the footage and the responsibility of
putting the production together.
3. What did the role involve?
• I had never taken on the role of editor prior to this
production, also due to the fact I was not a part of a group, it
was my role and responsibility to be the editor. This was a
new experience for me, as I did not have any experience with
editing, however after a day of practising with the editing
software ‘Final Cut Pro X’ I was fluent with the programme
meaning I was able to edit efficiently. As well as teaching
myself how to use the software, the role of editor required
me to match sound clips and audio pieces such as the
voiceover narration to a variety of different shots. As the
sound within my production played such a vital role for my
production to be successful I had to ensure my shots such as
cutaways and interviews flowed alongside the narration. I had
watched each clip and listened to all my audio files and
renamed them to make the editing process easier, as it would
make it easier to find specific clips and audio. Although
watching the clips and matching the sound clips was
extremely time consuming it had to be done to make my
production the best it could be.
4. Did I encounter any problems whilst
completing this role?
• Whilst completing the role of editor, in my opinion I
believe that I was only encountered with small issues
that were easily resolved. One issue was that some
clips were much louder than others, to resolve this
problem I had to watch my production multiple times
to make sure there were no fluctuating sound levels
during the production . Another issue that was simply
resolved was my lack of knowledge of the editing
software ‘Final Cut Pro X’; this issue was simply
resolved by watching multiple videos on YouTube on
how to use the programme, after a day of practise on
the software I was able to edit efficiently.
5. What has the role of editor taught me?
• Overall, during my time as editor I had learned how to
use a new software [Final Cut Pro X]. Also I realised
how time consuming editing is, however due to
extensive planning it had made the process more
proficient . I had also learned that sound plays I vital
role in making a production come together, especially
within a documentary; non diegetic music helps create
an ambience for the audience and keep them
interested. However the music needs to be subtle or
else the viewer would be distracted by the music and
not focus on the topic of the documentary.
