Tips for Hiring A Documentary Editor
Today is my Birthday, and I’m rafting down the Grand Canyon with my sweetie. When I return, I’ll be talking with filmmakers who are approaching post-production.
Are you getting ready to hire an editor and started asking colleagues for referrals? If you have a short list of top editors, maybe you’ve already made a few phone calls and quickly realized you either can’t afford these big names, or they weren’t available.
Or perhaps, given our challenging economy, a few of them are actually wooing you … and yet… something’s not clicking. Something you can’t quite put your finger on.
My recommendation? Be sure to find an editor who shares your sensibility.
The dictionary defines “sensibility” as “a mental or emotional responsiveness toward something”. In this case, that “something” is your film, your vision, your dreams and concerns for getting it into the world.
How do you know if your potential editor shares your sensibility? Partly by the questions they ask. Have they asked you how you imagine this film will make a difference in the world? Have they inquired about how you want the audience to feel when the credits roll? Do they solicit your heart-felt vision for the film?
An informal survey of documentary directors showed that the most important quality sought in hiring an editor is shared sensibility. Filmmaker Sam Green, who has advised the Documentary Edit and Story Lab at the Sundance Institute, said that participants came from a wide range of sensibilities.
“Directors and editors gravitated toward other people who shared a common aesthetic and sensibility,” says Green. “If someone understands where you are coming from in a filmic sense, it’s much more possible that they can help you. The most important factor, I think, in finding an editor is connecting in terms of sensibility.”
This can mean a shared political affiliation, socioeconomic background or aesthetic vision.
But ultimately, a kindred mindset goes beyond any of these. It’s about one’s attitude toward life and, by extension, the tone of the film.
If you want to make an uplifting film, you will want to steer clear of someone who relishes pinning the bad guy to the wall. If your vision is one of redemption, you will do well to hire someone familiar with this theme, either in their own life or their friends’ or ancestors’ lives.
Another good way to zero in on your potential editor’s sensibility is to ask her to describe her ideal client or her ideal project. For example, your potential editor might say that she likes to work on films relating to social justice, spirituality and the environment.
If asked, she might tell you that for her, the perfect director is someone with a refined awareness and appreciation (i.e. sensibility) for the power of one’s mindset to influence outcome. An intelligent optimist with good communication skills. Humor is a plus.
Kind of sounds like a personals ad, right? And like a first date, if it’s not a good fit, you’ll feel it in your bones. Trust your intuition. Please note that this doesn’t mean personality trumps talent. You need both. You’re entrusting this editor with your baby, and you’ll be working together for several months. Why make yourself miserable.
If you’re looking for an editor, we’ll have a talented editor available soon. Email me to schedule a free half-hour phone consultation and get help crafting a documentary that will keep viewers glued to the screen. Email Karen@newdocediting.com.
