A Starter Guide to Becoming An Assistant Editor & Editor In Hollywood

Hi there! Welcome to this brief primer on how to get started as an Assistant Editor in the film/TV industry in Los Angeles. I'm an Assistant Editor and Editor who has worked on a number of shows for networks like AMC, HBO & NBC. Hope this helps!


TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE PHILOSOPHY
WHAT WILL MY JOB TRAJECTORY LOOK LIKE?
TV OR FILM? DO I HAVE TO PICK?
SHOULD I GO TO FILM SCHOOL?
WHERE TO START

• LEARN AVID
• WHY AVID?
• BUT... AVID IS WEIRD
• SHOULD I GET A POST PA JOB?
• BUY THESE BOOKS
• APPLY TO THE A.C.E. INTERNSHIP
• GET YOUR FIRST REALITY TV/INDIE FILM JOB
• REALITY TV SPECIFIC RESOURCES
• SHOULD I JOIN THE UNION (HINT... YES. EVENTUALLY.)
• HOW TO JOIN THE UNION
• THE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE ROSTER

NETWORKING

• NETWORKING RESOURCES
• AMERICAN CINEMA EDITORS (A.C.E.)
• SHADOW A SCRIPTED ASSISTANT EDITOR
• CONTACT YOUR FAVORITE EDITORS

TECH RESOURCES FOR WHEN YOU'RE A SCRIPTED ASSIST
CONCLUSION


THE PHILOSOPHY

A guiding principle in my life is not to behave or make choices out of fear. In competitive industries, there can be a feeling that there aren't enough jobs to go around. Philosophically, I am opposed to this mindset. There are enough resources in this world for everyone. If you want to be a part of this industry, assuming you're not mean or crazy, you will. 

So I offer this info from a place of abundance. I want everyone to have the knowledge necessary to find a job in post-production, the only obstacles being if you're mean or crazy.

I will also say, not everything will be spelled out for you in this post. Filling in the gaps is what separates casual, not-so-serious people from the serious people. Prove you want it!

WHAT WILL MY JOB TRAJECTORY LOOK LIKE?

VERSION 1 (THE LIKELY SCENARIO)

Start as a night assistant (or day assistant) in reality or variety TV; gain technical skills and the 100 work days required to join the Editors Guild. Network your way into scripted and work as an assistant editor in scripted TV or film anywhere from 1-5 (or 20) years. Get a break to become an editor.

VERSION 2 (THE LESS-LIKELY SCENARIO)

Start by editing corporate videos, short films or indie features. Hope that one of those jobs allows you to network with someone you can work with long term or one of those projects becomes a huge success. Have a great career with those people. Skip assisting all together. Continue working as an editor.

VERSION 3 (A COMBINATION OF THE TWO)

Work full-time as an assistant while also taking on side projects that could potentially launch your career as an editor.


TV OR FILM? DO I HAVE TO PICK?

In the past, the answer would absolutely be yes. To an extent, the answer is still yes. Though there has been increased crossover between the film and television worlds, generally they are still separate ecosystems.

Along those lines, if you know you would like to work in film, it's helpful to focus your energy in that direction early on. Same for TV, though some would argue it's easier to go from film to TV than TV to film.

A general rule is that in major studio features you will make more money and individual projects will go on longer (sometimes for years). The hours will be long and the overtime pay will be plentiful. You will also wait much longer (1-20 years) to move up from Assistant to Editor. 

On the flipside, in TV the work is said to be steadier and it may take less time to move up. Sometimes people who work in features will go for long periods of time without work. However the same thing can happen in television, and in this industry in general, depending on your ability to network and how good you are at your job, and, of course, your luck.

All that said, the gap between the two worlds has narrowed in recent years and I know a number of people who bounce between film and TV as Assistants. It's just helpful to be aware.


SHOULD I GO TO FILM SCHOOL?

I didn't go to film school, but I know a lot of people who did, and it benefited them greatly. Besides instruction, you are paying for an incredible networking opportunity. Networking, as well as raw talent (and money), is the lifeblood of this industry.

If I could go back in time, I would strongly consider applying. However, I also really like that I don't have any student debt and am currently employed in the industry in a competitive job market. I'm making it work. 

Here are some LA-based film schools if you're interested in applying:

• American Film Institute (AFI)
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
• Chapman University
• Los Angeles Film School

WHERE TO START

LEARN AVID

First thing's first: learn Avid. No way around this.

• Lynda.com provides tutorials for all versions of Avid and signing up is a relatively cheap monthly investment. They do a great job of getting you oriented in the software and comfortable with the Avid mindset. You will not learn all of the skills necessary for an assistant, but much of that knowledge will come on the job.
• Avid Media Composer 30-Day Free Trial - Download a 30-day free trial of Avid! No excuses!
• Avid Media Composer First (A free, limited-feature version of Avid)
• Moviola.com - Moviola offers courses in Avid Media Composer. They offer both live and online courses.
• Academy of Media Professionals (formerly VideoSymphony.com) - Academy of Media Professionals is the successor to the now defunct Video Symphony. It offers courses in a number of different subjects, including Avid. 

BUT WHY AVID?

Because every major network television show and film, at least 90% of them, use this software.


BUT... AVID IS WEIRD AND CLUNKY AND I LIKE FCP AND PREMIERE

As of the writing of this document, Avid and their Unity (old)/ISIS (new)/NEXIS (newest) networked storage setup are the best option for collaborating on a project, period. Avid uses a system of bins that allows many assistants and editors to be working within the same project and accessing media at the same time. As of the writing of this post, you cannot do this reliably in any other piece of software (though Adobe has been working on project collaboration and recently announced compatibility with ISIS).

The other struggle you will find is that Avid is entrenched in this industry. All the editors you work with will use it and they will resist learning another piece of software (Premiere or otherwise) until they absolutely have to.

That said, once you learn it, Avid is really great. I started on Final Cut Pro and resisted for many years learning Avid. I have used Premiere and FCPX as well. From my open-minded experience, there is nothing out there as consistent and reliable as Avid Media Composer.

I'll also say: use the right tool for the job. I have found that for short form content both FCPX and Premiere have been great. Whatever works to suit your post-production needs is what you should use.


SHOULD I START AS A POST PA (POST-PRODUCTION ASSISTANT)?

Just about everyone in this industry starts as a Production Assistant in some form or another. Though the job of a PA will not be glamorous, it can be the entry point to a job as an Assistant Editor and great for networking. Once you've acquired the Avid skills and hours for the Union, these early Post PA jobs can be invaluable for transitioning into Assisting using the contacts you've made.

When I was a Post PA, I used to pick up footage (dailies) at a nearby post facility and I would meet other PAs and get to know the staff. I am still friends with and have worked with many of those people to this day.


BUY THESE BOOKS

• Make The Cut by Lori Jane Coleman, A.C.E. and Diana Friedberg, A.C.E. - This book will explain to you the day-to-day tasks of an Assistant Editor and how you can best prepare to become an editor. This is essential reading.
• Jump Cut by Lori Jane Coleman, A.C.E. and Diana Friedberg, A.C.E. - Also essential reading.
• The Assistant Editor's Handbook - Optional, but this is a good resource to be aware of.

APPLY TO THE A.C.E. INTERNSHIP

There is a $100 application fee to apply to this internship program but it is some of the wisest money you'll spend starting out in Los Angeles.

If you're picked as an intern, you are given a guided tour of a Reality TV show, Scripted TV show and Narrative Film project where you sit with and learn from the assistants and editors. It is invaluable as a starting point. It helps to have very little experience and to be fresh out of either college or film school. You can find more about the program below:

https://americancinemaeditors.org/ace-internship-how-it-works/

Even if you have some work experience in the business it is worth it to apply simply for the lecture series, which features some incredible panel speakers. All applicants are invited to attend. 


GET YOUR FIRST JOB (IN REALITY OR OTHERWISE)

There are a number of online resources out there for securing your first job. Here are a few:

• Staffmeup.com - Populated mostly by professional, paid (generally) non-union jobs
• Media-match.com - Reality, documentary and short form projects
• Entertainmentcareers.net - Another popular site for paid non-union jobs
• Greenlightjobs.com - Job listings as well as career advice
• Mandy.com - Mandy.com is a mixed bag, some normal pay productions and many unpaid/low/student gigs.
• Productionhub.com - I personally don't have as much experience with this site but I figured I'd list it in case it could be of value to try.
• Craigslist.org - Craigslist is a mixed bag but if you're looking for experience and aren't as concerned with compensation you may find something to build your resume with.

I also see many jobs posted to forums on Facebook. Some of them are private and not searchable. Here are a few examples:

• I NEED AN ASSISTANT EDITOR! (Facebook group)
• I NEED A POST SUPERVISOR/COORDINATOR/AE/PA (Facebook group)
• I NEED AN EDITOR (Facebook group)

Generally these sites and resources will be Reality TV/Non-Union centric. All of my scripted jobs I have found through friends and acquaintances. Occasionally, though, you will see an indie feature looking for an Assistant Editor, Editor or PA.

You can also contact Reality TV companies directly.


REALITY/VARIETY TV SPECIFIC RESOURCES TO HELP YOU LAND YOUR FIRST JOB

• Learn how to Multi-Group (this is the process of creating a large group clip with multiple cameras in Avid. It is absolutely essential in Reality TV.) I have written a tutorial that teaches you this process: LINK
• Moviola.com - Moviola offers courses in Avid Media Composer. They offer both live and online courses.
• Academy of Media Professionals (formerly VideoSymphony.com) - Academy of Media Professionals is the successor to the now defunct Video Symphony. It offers courses in a number of different subjects, including Avid.
• The Assistant Editor's Bootcamp - Hands on experience with real reality TV workflows which will also help get your technical knowledge up to par for scripted TV/Film. The guys who run this are personal friends and are really amazing resources.

SHOULD I JOIN THE UNION (YES, EVENTUALLY)

Should you join the Union? Yes, yes you should. But ideally only once you have secured your first Union job. I say this mostly as a financial warning, as you will be paying quarterly dues and a relatively costly initiation fee as a member that you may not want to incur before being gainfully employed. 

Why should you join the Union? Just a few of the many reasons:

• 95% of scripted shows are Union. This is just a reality. Just about every narrative scripted show/feature is Union.
• Base-level wages. My weekly rate will go no lower than $1922.80 as an Assistant Editor with the Majors Post Production Contract (there are other contracts with lower negotiated amounts, but generally anything broadcast that is the starting salary). You can see all the wages/contracts here: LINK
• Great healthcare
• A pension (in our industry, this type of financial security is extremely rare)
• Protection. If your show is violating Union contract in any way, the Union enforces its contracts and protects its membership. You will find that Non-Union work can be exploitative, avoiding overtime payments and other benefits afforded to Union members. These same things can happen in union work, but there is a least an apparatus to deal with it directly when it does occur.
• Events/Mixers. The Guild hosts screenings of major releases and monthly mixers where you can meet and network with other members. 

Following up on that last bullet point, a membership with the guild will give you access to their networking and social events, which can be invaluable. However, I will also say, if you have a friend who is Union, you can get into most Guild events as their guest. :)


HOW TO JOIN THE UNION - WEBSITE

Many people have expressed confusion with the requirements to join the Union. Though I won't type out all of the steps here, I will paint the (very) broad strokes of how to join as an Assistant Editor:

1. Work 100 days of non-union work (Paid at least minimum wage on a project that had some kind of theatrical distribution, festival showing, or television broadcast)
2. Get your paperwork in order for CSATF (Contract Services Administrative Trust Fund) and get on the Industry Experience Roster.
3. Join the Union.

You can find the requirements and specifics here: https://www.editorsguild.com/Join/Join-West-Coast

I'll warn you, it can be confusing. But think of it as testing your mettle, proving how interested you are in being a Union Editor or Assistant Editor. You can always call the offices and try to get direct answers from a human being as well. In my experience they were helpful.

THE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE ROSTER

You will want to fulfill the requirements for the Union before actually joining. Again, you will generally not want to join the union before landing a union job, as the quarterly dues and initiation fee can be costly. This is what the Industry Experience Roster is for. It signifies that you have fulfilled the requirements to join the union and are eligible, enabling you to join when you're good and ready.


NETWORKING

NETWORKING RESOURCES

There are a number of "user groups" that are post-production centric and meet in Los Angeles. They are all open to the public. They often feature panels and special guests and can be a great source of networking. I cannot stress to you enough the importance of networking. Most, if not all, of my jobs have come either directly or indirectly as a result of networking at these types of events.

Here is a list of the most popular monthly user groups:

• LACPUG (Los Angeles Creative Pro User Group)
• LAPPG (Los Angeles Post Production Group)
• The Editor's Lounge (BYOB... seriously)
• The Blue Collar Post Collective, with meetups on both the East/West coast (Facebook)
• The Assistant Editors in LA Meetup, add yourself to the group to receive meetup invites (https://www.facebook.com/groups/assistsla/) 

ONLINE USER FORUMS

You'll find once you start working that you will rely on the collective knowledge of your colleagues to solve the numerous technical problems you will encounter. Here are a few forums that you may find helpful:

• Assistant Editors Forum (Facebook)
• Reality Editors and Assistants in California For Healthcare (Facebook)
• The Avid Editors of Facebook - You may not be able to join this group until you've landed your first job. See their group description.
• r/AssistantEditors - A subreddit just for Assistant Editing related topics
• r/Editors - A subreddit just for Editing related topics
• CreativeCow.net
• Avid Community Forums

If anyone knows of any other relevant Reddit or forum links, let me know.


AMERICAN CINEMA EDITORS (A.C.E.) - WEBSITE

You may have seen the three letters following the names of editors on large and prestigious film and TV projects. That acronym stands for American Cinema Editors, which is an organization whose stated purpose is (from their website):

"To advance the art and science of the film editing profession; to increase the entertainment value of motion pictures by attaining artistic pre-eminence and scientific achievement in the creative art of film editing; to bring into close alliance those film editors who desire to advance the prestige and dignity of the film editing profession."

Beyond that, they are the responsible for a number of events the public can attend:

• EditFest Los Angeles - A day long event with panelists from multiple genres.
• EditFest London - Same as EditFest LA, just in London :)
• The Eddie Awards - This awards show is the "Oscars" of editing. The public can buy tickets.
• A.C.E. Holiday Party - You can buy tickets to A.C.E.'s annual Holiday Party, where you will see new members inducted into the organization and can enjoy mingling with colleagues and membership.
• Student Fellowships/Awards - There are a number of fellowships for students that A.C.E. offers. If I had known about these in college I absolutely would have applied to any/all of them!

SHADOW A SCRIPTED ASSISTANT EDITOR

With all of the networking you've been doing, you will more than likely cross paths with a working scripted Assistant Editor. If you strike up a friendship, it's more than likely that they would be willing to let you shadow them at their job. This is an amazing opportunity as it allows you to meet the rest of the editorial staff and introduce yourself. 

Beyond that, you will get an inside look at the day-to-day tasks of an Assistant. Some people list that they've shadowed on their resume, which can be helpful in landing that first scripted job. Make sure when you visit the editing room you bring donuts... because donuts are a way to make everyone think you are instantly awesome (advice c/o Make The Cut by Lori Jane Coleman, A.C.E. and Diana Friedberg, A.C.E. - If you haven't already bought this, do it now!).


CONTACT YOUR FAVORITE EDITORS

Once you are eligible for the Guild, another great strategy is to research your favorite editors and write them a letter. Compliment specific things you liked and appreciated about their work and invite them to coffee. I know multiple people who this has worked out amazingly well for. If you send your letter to the Editor's Guild (LINK), they will forward your message on to the member you're trying to reach.


TECH RESOURCES FOR WHEN YOU'RE A SCRIPTED ASSIST

I'm still building out this list with links, feel free to contact me with other suggestions:

• Evan Schiff's website - Evan is a very talented working editor. His website has some really incredible tools available for Assistant Editors & Editors.
• 24p Blog - Michael Phillips blog features incredibly in depth technical tutorials and posts.

CONCLUSION

This is a post that I intend to update with as much new information as possible as often as possible. If you have anything you think I missed or should add, please feel free to contact me through the contact form at the top of this page.

Thanks so much for reading and I hope this was helpful to you! Good luck!