Industry Spotlight: Assistant Editor

"Industry Spotlight" is our monthly series where we interview professionals from across the entertainment industry about their current jobs and career trajectories. Our hope is that you will learn more about the positions you're already interested in, discover new roles you may not have considered, and utilize the wisdom of those who've paved the way before you to forge your own path for success. 

This month's we sat down with Brett Roach, an Assistant Editor on ABC's THE ROOKIE. 

HOLLYWOOD RESUMES: How would you define your job?

BRETT ROACH: An assistant editor is almost like a gate keeper. We bring in all of the footage shot by production, confirm post has received everything, and then organize it for the editor. As the cut evolves, assistants will cut in temp SFX, create temp VFX, help choose temp music, and sometimes even cut some scenes. Later on, the assistant will be in charge of turning over the locked cut to the sound, music, and VFX departments. It's important for the assistant to keep track whats being used where so that every department knows what they should be doing. Being an a good assistant editor is all about being organized. You need to keep your project and bins organized so that your editor can easily find things.

HR: What's your day-to-day like?

BRETT: It depends on what part of production you are in on an episode. In dailies, half of my day is bringing in and organizing new material. I've got to make sure everything is accounted for and then separate it by scene and mark takes and retakes. Then I'll do some sound design and place temp music.

HR: What do you like most about your job?

BRETT: The creativity. It's fun to be able to mix and match takes in a scene. An AE is always shaping and re-shaping to make things better.

HR: How did you get your current job?

BRETT: I'm currently working with an editor I've worked with for almost 5 years. She was offered the job and brought me on. I originally met her through a co-worker back when I was a PA.

HR: What was your first job in Hollywood?

BRETT: My first paid gig was as a Post PA on an NBC show called THE EVENT.

HR: What are the skills someone would need to succeed in your position?

BRETT: You need to have the technical skills to be able to use Avid, which you can pick up along the way. You also need to have the personal skills to know how to read a room -- when to pitch a good idea or when to just listen.

HR: If you don't like _____________, you won't like my job.

BRETT: Making lots of decisions.

HR: What's something about your job that an outsider wouldn't expect (and maybe you didn't before you took the job)?

BRETT: I don't think people realize how much work goes into assistant editing. There are endless options when it comes to putting together a scene and you have to come up with everything. Also, even though what you're doing is temp, everyone expects the show to sound final. So there is a lot of temp sound effect work.

HR: What's a mistake you made early on in your career?

BRETT: I was probably a little too shy about sitting in the room with editors. You don't want to be annoying, but you also want to be sure to make a personal connection. Luckily, the show I was on went for multiple seasons, so I was able to take that time to get to know everyone.

HR: If you could give one piece of advice to someone looking to break in/move up in the industry, what would it be?

BRETT: Meet as many people as you can and show them that you're eager to learn about what they do. Try to sit in a room with an editor or assistant editor if you can to watch and listen. If you show genuine interest and willingness to learn, people are going to want to help you out.

Thanks, Brett!