list of 12 film editors who became film directors

None of these editors used a computer to cut their films!

 

It is often said that film editors most fluidly make the transition into being successful film directors. Maybe it’s because the editor gets to live for so long with all the footage…and this gives us an omniscient view into the entire production. We see the mistakes, the triumphs, the happy accidents and the distinctive approaches used by each director. We see what lenses and what lighting works well to set the mood and tell the story…and what technical decisions ring hollow or fake. We learn how the best directors communicate with the actors and crew to keep the production moving forward and fruitful. We also witness as shots, scenes and relationships fall apart when there are miscommunications or disagreements…

The ‘Agony and Ecstasy of Filmmaking’ plays out before our eyes while we sit in our dark cave making notes and learning lessons. Maybe this full-access peek behind the curtain is why the editors above became great directors? Maybe it’s the months spent with the director in the edit bay, mulling over every intention, decision and cut as it speaks to the story you are both trying to tell?

 

ROBERT WISE

ROBERT WISE

 

The editor is part psychiatrist, part sounding board and part carpenter. Ultimately, the editor is the assembler of all acquired assets and the last stop before ‘The Film’ can be crafted and the story told. We take the blood, sweat and tears of all the departments on the production and strive to create the best monolithic envisionment of all their work. It’s an honor, challenge and a huge responsibility that every editor looks forward to.

 

DAVID LEAN

DAVID LEAN

 

I have edited 10 feature films and am in pre-production to direct my first one. I’ll let you know how it turns out…

 

Until next time…

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