Dialogue Editing for Motion Pictures

CHAPTER 5

Getting Sound from the Picture Department to the Sound Department

Much of your success as a dialogue editor hinges on your relationship with the picture department, particularly the assistant picture editor. Simply put, you need materials from them that aren’t always convenient to come up with. Your understanding, charm, and decency in dealing with the folks in picture can make the difference between an easy start or several days of begging, deal making, or strong-arming—never knowing if it will get you the elements you need to do your job.

It’s not uncommon to encounter some friction with the picture department. Despite your best negotiated attempts to keep changes to a minimum, changes will happen. Your multipage memos about items ...