Vet Your Editor’s Ego

One of the biggest reasons directors fire their editors is role confusion.  Either the director thinks they’re an editor, or the editor is a closet director. 

(The saddest story I’ve heard about a malfunctioning relationship involved a director who went through four editors, blaming each editor for not listening to his ideas.)

Envision the director as the film’s captain and ultimate creative decision-maker. The editor is the first mate, a structural navigator, and storytelling specialist. 

How do you trust your editor to steer the right course while you maintain control of the ship?

Do your due diligence and don’t stop at IMDb. Ask for testimonials from prior directors. Which is exactly what director Jim Merkel did before engaging us to deliver his baby, Saving Walden’s World.

When ideas jostle about in a creative brew, ideally your editor will have the courage and conviction to make her case–more than once if needed–and the grace to leave the final decision to you.

“I’m a pretty bossy doe and will fight for what I think is deep in the director’s heart, and some directors may not like that,” said Vivien Hillgrove, an editor with a spectacular 40-year, award-winning career. “The bottom line is that I have their baby in my hands, and I want to be sure that they are not humiliated or embarrassed.”

Does your prospective editor know how to leave their ego at the door?  A supportive editor will do that!