Final answer:
While it is true that film editors primarily work during post-production, they are involved in discussions and understand the director's vision from as early as pre-production. The filmmaking process is highly collaborative, and editors must be in tune with the film's overall development to ensure a coherent final cut.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that film editors only become involved during the post-production phase is a common misconception. In reality, the filmmaking process is collaborative, and while the movie is indeed pieced together during post-production, the groundwork for editing is laid much earlier. Directors, along with editors, play a pivotal role in selecting the takes that best suit the vision for the story, and often this vision is conceptualized and discussed even before filming begins. However, it's important to note that directors typically have the final say in the editing room, making the final cuts and adjustments. Furthermore, various key players participate throughout the film's production, such as producers, cinematographers, and screenwriters, who all work closely with the director at different stages.
For instance, during pre-production, logistics are handled and the shooting schedule is established. This phase is critical for understanding how the narrative will unfold, which directly influences the editing process. Production involves shooting the scenes, where the director ensures everything aligns with the film's artistic vision. Although film editors may not be physically present on set, their input can be requested to ensure the footage being captured will work well in the edit.
The work of the film editor is especially crucial in films that do not shoot scenes chronologically, requiring a solid grasp of the script and director's intentions to assemble the story coherently. Additionally, on film sets, the director's relationship with actors can be less personal, and the actors' preparation for scenes must often be done with flexibility in mind, to accommodate the director's choices during filming and editing.
In summary, while editors execute most of their work during post-production, they need to be aware of the film's development well before this stage, and effective communication with the director from pre-production onwards is vital to a successful final cut.