Scott Simmons over at Studio Daily blows off some steam about what he sees as a deteriorating set of standards as a result of the explosion of desktop editing tools, Final Cut Pro in particular.
Many folks learned FCP and then began to call themselves and market themselves as an editor. But what I am consistently seeing from a lot of editors, “younger generation,” “next generation,” “sons” whatever you want to call them, is a real lack of some basic post production knowledge. There’s almost a total lack of knowledge about the offline/online workflow and almost an aversion to doing an online at all.
It’s an insightful commentary on the brave new world of digital post production. However, I must agree with some of the reader comments stating that we can’t just point fingers at “younger” editors. Sloppy post production work habits come in all ages and sizes. As strange as it might sound, some of the most talented editors out there have no interest in the technical side of the equation, but they’re smart enought to supplant this shortcoming by surrounding themselves with people who do.
It sounds like Mr. Simmons has “A case of the Mundays”.
With his online steam-blowing now a year old, I would like to hear Scott re-investigate his feelings. Is life as an editor still as he depicts it to be? Has there been any new information to change his mind or to keep his view intact?
Andrew Burke
Filmmaker / Educator
@bikefilms
I reckon his comments are becoming more relevant by the hour. My take on it is that current desktop editing/technical standards etc are fine for the web. What is more worrying though is that with cost cutting, credit crunches and deregulation technical standards on the professional platforms are being abandoned too. Try working in a local TERRESTRIAL TV station where literally the tea lady jumps on to an Avid NewsCutter cuts promos for the News then becomes the floor manager for a magazine program and is still payed as a Tea lady!
The “young” Final Cut Pro editor probably isn’t editing a format that would require both an offline & online process. They are probably working on projects shot on mini DV and are focusing all their time and energy on learning the program.
Most jobs you start out with as an editor are editing mini DV. I’ve seen a lot of projects in the BAY Area where people want a professional edit but are shooting on mini DV, HDV, or with the latest pro-sumer HD camera and only want a so called offline edit that needs to be revised into a final cut.
If only the technical part was the problem, you may have to add their lack of artistic sense and integrity of the narrative when it comes to cutting dialog and visuals. The current generation of FCP users learned to push the buttons by watching fast ADD TV and crappy Youtube videos. However I have to say that having been in Canada and Europe and having worked with some under 30 years editors, I see, there is still hope.