What is an Edit Assistant?
An Edit Assistant is an individual that supports the Editor(s) in all aspects of putting together a production/film.

What is the job?
An Edit Assistant will be responsible for keeping a log of all materials coming into the editorial department. As well as video, this may include storyboard panels, animated scenes, dialogue, sound effects, and soundtracks. They will take care of digitisation, conversion, and storage of all the necessary footage and other assets.

In addition to this, Edit Assistants may also have administrative duties, which could include booking appointments with clients and in-house staff, making sure that equipment is correctly working, and placing orders with suppliers. The role will also involve an element of keeping up to date with changes in software and technology.

They are also responsible for preparing the editing rooms and suites for the Editors to start working, troubleshoot any tech issues, operating caption generators and correcting any mistakes in the process.

Key Skills

• Good understanding of the whole post production process.
• Familiarity with the concepts of online and offline editing, nonlinear editing and file formats.
• Tech savvy and fairly experienced with editing software.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively.
• Able to balance teamwork with initiative.
• Extremely organised with a methodical mind-set.
• Flexible and constantly available to help out senior staff.

Salary & Working Hours
The working hours of an Edit Assistant will vary depending on who you are working for, but in most cases it will be a normal working day of 9am-5pm. However, you should expect that when deadlines are coming up, or the workload of the Editors are increased, you may be required to work longer hours and irregular hours.

The salary for an Edit Assistant ranges from around £18,000 to £24,000, with the average salary being approximately £22,000.

How To Become an Edit Assistant
A degree is not necessarily required to become an Edit Assistant, although having one will help you to gain related experience and transferable skills which will all help you in the role. Most importantly, you’ll need to demonstrate an understanding of relevant editing software as well as a passion for editing. A good way to build relevant skills is to gain some work experience in a relevant area, such as in a post production house or animation studio. This will provide you with an insight into the process and help you network and build connections.

A good place to start after you’ve gained some experience is as a Post Production Runner. This role will allow you to build up relevant skills and get the knowledge you need for the role of Edit Assistant. It will also provide you with an insight into the industry. Once you’ve become a Post Production Runner, you can progress quite easily to an Edit Assistant role as your skills and experience grow.

Where Can It Take You?
After you’ve built up some experience as an Edit Assistant, you may wish to progress to a more senior role. For most Edit Assistants, the most common role to progress to is the role of Junior Editor.

Become an Edit Assistant
If you are ready for the next step in your career, why not take a look at the latest Edit Assistant vacancies on our jobs board? You can view our latest vacancies here.