1. Pre-production and Planning (1-2 days):
This phase includes initial discussions with the director and other filmmakers to understand their vision for the film. The editor begins to familiarize themselves with the script, storyboard, and source footage if available.
2. Rough Cut (2-4 days):
The editor creates a rough cut by assembling all the raw footage in chronological order. This process involves syncing audio and video, removing unnecessary footage, and determining the general structure of the film.
3. Fine Cut (3-5 days):
During the fine cut, the editor begins refining the rough cut. This involves trimming scenes for timing and pacing, adding transitions, and adjusting the overall narrative flow.
4. Color Correction and Sound Design (2-3 days):
Working closely with a colorist and sound designer, the editor adjusts the film's colors, contrast, and white balance. Simultaneously, the sound designer creates the sound mix by adding dialogue, music, and sound effects.
5. Visual Effects and Motion Graphics (optional) (2-6 days):
Depending on the project, additional time may be required for adding visual effects, animated graphics, or titles to enhance the visual storytelling.
6. Final Cut and Delivery (1-2 days):
The editor finalizes the film, incorporating any directorial feedback. They export the film in the desired format (often using different codecs for streaming or screening) and deliver it to the filmmakers for distribution.
Summary:
On average, editing a 10-minute short film can take anywhere from 10 to 15 days. This timeline can vary significantly based on the complexity of the project, the desired level of polish, and the resources available to the editor. Some projects may be completed more quickly, while others may require additional time and collaboration with specialists like colorists, sound designers, and composers.