Post-Production

Assistant Editor playbook.

Organizes and preps footage so the lead editor can just edit — the unglamorous job that makes the glamorous one possible.

What this role owns

Lead Editor

First move

Back up footage twice before you organize a single bin.

Titles are usually given to whoever's already doing the work — if that's you, say so.

Also in Post-Production

Owns the pipeline after the shoot — media, delivery, and making sure a project actually finishes.

Owns the cut — turns footage into a finished, watchable story.

Grades the picture — matches shots to each other, then gives the whole thing a deliberate look.

Builds what couldn't be shot practically — effects, composites, and fixes that make the impossible look real.

Builds titles, lower thirds, and graphics that read in two seconds and don't look like a default template.