In short: An editor assembles the footage of a film or TV drama into a finished story. They review the rushes during the shoot, cut them into scenes, then refine the cut with the director until the picture is locked. Granary lists an editor from £395 a day plus VAT, indicative, based on a 10-hour day.
An editor assembles the footage of a film or TV drama into a finished story, working closely with the director from the first rushes to the final cut. Films are rarely shot in story order, so an editor often cuts scenes from the end of a film before the beginning.
What an editor does on a shoot day
Editing begins before the shoot. The editor plans with the director how to make the most of the script. During filming, they review the rushes each day for technical quality, story and performance, then cut them into scenes. This means an editor starts on the first day of a shoot, well before the post-production weeks that follow.
After filming, the editor refines a rough assembly into a director's cut, which producers approve. They work through the cut until the picture is locked, and they oversee the addition of music and sound.
Who they work with
The editor works closely with the director throughout. They also work with edit assistants and the script supervisor. Producers approve the director's cut. ScreenSkills does not state a formal reporting line for the editor.
Kit and skills
ScreenSkills lists these skills:
- Storytelling through pictures, rhythm, pace and tension.
- A strong visual sense and an understanding of the film's style.
- Proficiency with editing software. ScreenSkills names Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut and Lightworks.
- Communication and collaboration with the director and the team.
- Attention to detail, patience and organisation, often under pressure.
How to become an editor
The traditional route starts as a post-production runner or trainee, then moves to assistant editor. Assistant roles on lower-budget productions are a common step before feature films. Other routes include:
- Qualifications. A-levels or Highers in art and design, media studies or computing science, or Level 3 vocational courses such as the BTEC National Diploma in Film and Television Production and the OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media.
- Apprenticeships. Paid, on-the-job training with studios. ScreenSkills does not name specific apprenticeship titles for the role.
- Trainee Finder. ScreenSkills runs a trainee scheme for post-production.
- Portfolio. Making your own films, for example a channel of short edits, is described as essential.
- Courses and networking. The National Film and Television School offers short and postgraduate courses in editing. Degrees are not essential. ScreenSkills suggests its events, such as Open Doors, online film groups and Production Base for finding companies, which are mostly in London.
Bectu, the union for workers in the creative industries, offers career development support to members.
Do you need one on a small shoot?
- A podcast or talking head with one edit: the producer may cut it, and a separate editor may not be needed.
- A short-form social cut from one shoot: an editor who can deliver many cuts quickly, with a clear brief on length and format.
- A drama or film with many scenes or several cameras: yes, from the first day of rushes.
Granary's film crew hire page lists editors from £395 a day plus VAT. The rate is for a day on a crew booking, and the page states that the figures are indicative and exclude VAT. If the edit is part of a shoot you are planning, how to brief a video shoot covers what to put in the brief, including the deliverables the editor will cut.
Related roles
Sources
- ScreenSkills, Editor (film and TV drama), read 5 November 2026
- Granary Digital, Film crew hire, read 5 November 2026
- Bectu, home page, read 5 November 2026
Related guides
Questions we get asked
What does a film editor do?
A film editor assembles the raw footage into a finished story. They review the previous day's rushes during filming, cut them into scenes, then refine a rough assembly into a director's cut that producers approve.
How much does an editor cost per day in the UK?
Granary lists an editor from £395 a day plus VAT. That figure is indicative and is based on a 10-hour day. The rate depends on the job and the level of experience needed, so ask for a quote for each project.
What is the difference between an editor and an assistant editor?
The editor shapes the story with the director. The assistant editor runs the cutting room: the edit systems, storage, dailies, sync, paperwork and deliverables. They also source music, sound effects and graphics.
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