Make the Cut

“A thorough guide to becoming an indispensable assistant editor.

– Alan Heim, Vice President, A.C.E.; Professional film editor (Network, Grey Gardens, American History X, Alpha Dog)

“Make the Cut explains the postproduction editing workflow with utmost clarity and illustrates with abundant examples. Priceless! The book reflects a great depth of knowledge, that clearly has come from years of experience and accumulated wisdom. This book inspires excellence and will provide any aspiring editor with a huge leg up.”

– Howard E. Smith, A.C.E.; Professional film editor (Snakes on a Plane, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Abyss)

“This is terrific preparation for anyone who wants to be an assistant editor. I teach editing at USC and I will certainly have this on my class’ reading list. I will also give it to anyone I hire as an assistant.”

– Tina Hirsch, A.C.E.

“Where was Make the Cut when I started out. [T]his is a must-read.. My biggest frustration is that there wasn’t a book like this when I started editing. If there was I wouldn’t have made the same political missteps or fumbles, so if you’re trying to get into the editing world this book should find a home on your bookshelf.”

– Guillotine website

“Make The Cut is an excellent read and a vital manual to keep in your bag when embarking on your first few assisting jobs. (..) Throughout the book it is made abundantly clear that attention to detail, tenacity and personality are all key to becoming a successful assistant editor. Make the Cut is an absolute must read for anyone seeking to begin, or develop their career in film editing.”

– Jonny Elwyn

“Make the Cut explains the postproduction editing workflow with utmost clarity and illustrates with abundant examples. Priceless! The book reflects a great depth of knowledge, that clearly has come from years of experience and accumulated wisdom. This book inspires excellence and will provide any aspiring editor with a huge leg up.” — Howard E. Smith, A.C.E.; Professional film editor (Snake on a Plane, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Abyss)

“A thorough guide to becoming an indispensable assistant editor.”

— Alan Heim, Vice President, A.C.E.; Professional film editor (Network, Grey Gardens, American History X, Alpha Dog)

The key to becoming a successful film, TV, or video editor starts with becoming a successful assistant editor. To do so, one must navigate the many unwritten laws and senses of propriety that are never discussed or taught in film schools or in other books.

Based on their own experiences, first as upcoming assistant editors, then as successful Hollywood-based film and TV editors, authors Lori Jane Coleman and Diana Friedberg share their sage wisdom on how to become a successful assistant editor.

Insight is included on an array of technical issues such as script breakdown, prepping for sound effects, organizing camera and sound reports, comparison timings, assembly footages and more. In addition, they also provide first-hand insight into industry protocol, providing tips on interviewing, etiquette, career planning and more, information you simply won’t find in any other book. The book concludes with a chapter featuring Q+A sessions with various established Hollywood editors about what they expect from their assistant editors.

Lori Jane Coleman, A.C.E. began her career as an assistant editor working on films such as Fun with Dick and Jane (original), Up in Smoke, and Which Way Is Up?. She s spent the last 25+ years as an editor and/or producer on a range of feature films and shows including Dawson s Creek, The Practice, and The Shield.

Diana Friedberg, A.C.E. has over 4 decades of professional experience in the motion picture and television industry as an editor and producer. Her work includes a broad range of productions including “The Man Who Broke a Thousand Chains” for HBO, “Dog Whisperer” for National Geographic, and “A Simple Life:” starring Paris Hilton for MTV, plus over 200 documentaries.