HETV stepping up to first assistant editor 2025

This in-person, four-day training course is designed to equip you with essential skills as an assistant editor while focusing on the unique nuances, responsibilities, and liabilities of a first assistant editor position. The course enhances your understanding of current professional practices and industry requirements, encompassing both hard and soft skills within the context of a scripted project.

By the end of the course, you will have gained a deeper understanding of the working practices of a first assistant editor, specifically in the realm of high-end television (HETV) production in the UK.

The training will take place over four full days in small groups (with a maximum of six participants), utilising up-to-date facilities. Avid Media Composer will serve as the primary editing tool, alongside Nexis and Nearline storage, to provide practical, real-world instruction.

There may be additional support available through ScreenSkills to cover transport and accommodation.

The programme is supported by the ScreenSkills High-end Television fund which is made up of contributions from high-end television productions made in the UK

Who it's for

This course is for:

• newly appointed fist assistant editors
• second assistant editors who are wishing to step up to the 1st position

Note – this is a “stepping up” training programme and so you will have to show recent credits in the application process as an assistant editor.

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups including, but not limited to: those from minority ethnic backgrounds; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We are committed to providing inclusive training. If you have specific needs that we can accommodate during the recruitment process or throughout the training, or if you require assistance with completing the booking form or need it in an alternative format, please email us here.

This is a nationwide programme so we welcome applications from across the UK. There may be bursaries available to help with travel, accommodation and care costs if applicable - please email us for more info here.

What it covers

Roles and responsibilities - the cohesive workforce

• managing the editorial team
• supporting the editor/producer/director
• understanding the terminology and processes
• the liabilities and responsibilities of the 1st assistant editor
• setting up and managing the cutting room
• managing the paperwork and documentation
• setting up and testing workflows
• looking after an Avid project and managing the technical issues
• colour pipelines and ACES overview
• VFX Pipeline overview
• managing and tracking all incoming and outgoing media for the project
• processing dailies
• processing turnovers
• completing the production – archive and final backup/handoff

This training course provides an overview of assistant editor roles, with a focus on how responsibilities are typically divided between first and second assistant editors. Emphasis will be placed on the tasks, roles, and communication requirements of the first assistant editor. We will also explore variations in production setups, where these divisions may be less rigid, and underline the primary goal: supporting the editor, director, and producer to ensure a seamless production process.

The training will combine technical instruction with soft and transferable skills to equip participants with the knowledge and capabilities needed to transition into the role of a first assistant editor.

Additionally, the course will feature an informal meet-up, offering you the opportunity to connect with experienced assistant editors currently working in the industry for a relaxed Q&A session.

How to apply

Please apply for the most convenient session:

Cardiff

Date – Friday 14 to Monday 17 March 2025

Location - Central Cardiff

Bristol

Date - Friday 28 to Monday 31 March 2025

Location - Redcliffe, Bristol

London

Date – Friday 25 to Monday 28 April 2025

Location - White City, London

Please click “Apply Now” to submit your application

Contact information

Email: training@gorillagroup.tv