Sound Editor

A Sound Editor creates the soundtrack by cutting and synchronizing to the picture, sound elements, such as production wild tracks, dialogue tracks, library material and foley in analog or digital form and presents these to the re-recording mixer for final sound balance. Depending on the complexity and the tightness of the schedule it may be necessary to employ a dialogue editor and/or foley editor. They work closely with the sound designer, re-recording mixer and the director to establish what sound effects are required throughout the production and to ensure that these effects are available from sound effect libraries, or can be created to production requirements within tight time schedules.

Must be computer literate and have a good working knowledge of sound recording, playback, editing and mixing equipment, also experience in the various soundtrack delivery systems. Excellent hearing and a good sense of timing are required, as are attention to detail and good communication skills.

Supervising Sound Editors are responsible for all sound post production. They are the director's main point of contact for everything concerning the production soundtracks. They must have a good grounding in dialogue recording, automated dialogue replacement, foley and sound effects or music editing. On big budget film and TV productions they usually start work before shooting begins and appoint specialized Sound Editors to supervise separate teams for each area of work. For smaller productions they will be more hands on. They are responsible for the sound budget and managing the schedule to ensure it goes to plan.

Sound Editors must have an excellent working understanding of acoustics, sound recording processes and electronics, and an expert knowledge of all post production sound equipment, processes and procedures, both analog and digital.