What do you primarily do during the editing phase of post-production?

During the editing phase of post-production, the primary task is to choose and arrange the final shots. This process involves selecting the best takes from the raw footage captured during production and then piecing them together in a way that ensures a coherent narrative flow. The editor works to create pacing, build tension, and establish the overall aesthetic of the film or video project. This can include cutting scenes, adding transitions, and integrating sound and visual effects to enhance the story.

While scouting locations, directing performances, and conducting rehearsals are all crucial elements of the filmmaking process, they occur during the pre-production and production phases rather than during editing. This distinction highlights the editor's role as a storyteller who assembles the final version of the project from the various components created in earlier stages.