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An assistant editor is the backbone of any editing process. Their role goes way beyond technical tasks. They ensure the workflow is smooth, the editor stays on track, and the entire project comes together. But landing the job isn’t just about knowing software or cutting experience—it’s about strong communication, collaboration, and a passion for growth. Here’s how I approach hiring an assistant editor and what it takes to stand out.

Building Great Chemistry

Editing is a collaborative job, often requiring long hours with the same team. That’s why getting along is non-negotiable. No matter how skilled someone is, if we can’t communicate or gel as a team, the work suffers.

During interviews, I try to discover more about the candidate’s personality. What kind of movies do they watch? What are their hobbies? Do they enjoy music or hiking? These aren’t just small talk questions—they reveal how well we’ll connect outside of tasks.

The best collaborations come from mutual respect and understanding. It’s about finding someone you enjoy working with, especially when deadlines and stress ramp up.

The Must-Have Qualities

While good chemistry is critical, it’s equally important to find someone with the right skills and mindset. Here are the top things I look for:

• Experience with Editing Software: Proficiency in tools like Avid is key.
• Understanding of TV or Film Workflows: Prior exposure to scripted content is a big plus.
• Organisation: Keeping the project tidy and easy to access is essential.
• Time Management: Staying on schedule without sacrificing quality is expected.
• Communication Skills: Clear, honest feedback and sharing ideas make the work better.
• Eagerness to Learn: I love seeing that hunger to grow and tackle challenges.

These qualities go beyond technical ability—they reflect an overall approach to the job that guarantees success for everyone involved.

Matching Skills to the Project

Not all projects are the same, and the kind of assistant editor I hire depends on the demands of the work. For instance, if I know a project is heavy on visual effects and post-production complexities, I’ll need someone who already has solid experience managing those challenges.

For simpler or less intense projects, I might give someone newer a shot. It’s all about balancing their skills with the project’s requirements. Sometimes, giving ‘greener’ candidates the opportunity to grow is a great decision—provided the timeline supports some mentoring along the way.

When Passion Outweighs Experience

Passion can make candidates stand out just as much—or even more—than their résumé. You can spot someone’s enthusiasm during an interview by the way they ask questions or their excitement about the role.

Once, I hired someone with less relevant experience because they were genuinely hungry to learn. Their attitude showed me they’d go the extra mile to master what they lacked. People like that bring energy to the team that’s hard to teach or replace.

Understanding Long-Term Goals

I always want to know where someone sees themselves in the future. Are they hoping to become a lead editor someday? Or do they prefer to remain a career assistant editor?

Both paths are valid; it’s just about aligning their goals with what the role offers. Knowing someone’s ambitions also helps me mentor them better—giving the right guidance so we both benefit from the collaboration.

Why Knowing the Person Matters

People often underestimate how much personality matters in these kinds of jobs. When I interview candidates, I’m digging deeper beyond skills. I’m looking for someone who fits into our team dynamic and my working style.

Some of the questions I frequently use include:

• What type of movies do you enjoy?
• Do you have hobbies or outside interests?
• What inspires you in your free time?

This gives me a glimpse into what makes them tick, which helps me predict how well they’ll adapt to the creative process. For example, if someone’s passionate about storytelling, that enthusiasm often translates into their work.

Leave a Mark on Your Resume

One tip I always share with assistant editors: include a section about your hobbies or interests on your CV. It shows me you’re more than just your credentials. It tells me about the person behind the paper, even before the interview.

Your technical skills and past credits are important, but don’t underestimate how personal touches can make your application memorable.

Honest Communication is Key

Being able to speak up and share your thoughts is invaluable as an assistant editor. Whether I’m asking for feedback on a scene or bouncing ideas, I need someone willing to share honest opinions. If you’re shy by nature, start working on building confidence—that ability to communicate is critical in this role.

For example, there’ve been many moments when an assistant editor pointed out something I missed or suggested a tweak that improved the edit. A second set of eyes is invaluable in this line of work. Don’t hold back your ideas—they matter more than you think.

Collaborative Feedback

Collaboration thrives when everyone feels free to express their ideas. I encourage team members to share their thoughts—even if it’s something small. Often, minor suggestions lead to major improvements.

No one should feel intimidated or afraid their input doesn’t count. In editing, every detail contributes to the bigger picture.

The Power of Organisation

Keeping projects organised might sound simple, but it’s one of the most critical aspects of the job. From labelling clips to managing media files within Avid, a disorganised project can derail an editor’s workflow entirely.

A tidy project means I can spend more time focusing on creative decisions rather than searching for misplaced assets. That’s why I always ask about organisation skills during interviews—an assistant editor’s ability to keep things efficient reflects directly on the production quality.

Time Management in Action

Time is another vital resource in editing. Meeting deadlines while maintaining quality is a constant balancing act. For example, if my assistant editor spends hours perfecting one task but delays another, it throws the whole project off.

I make sure to hire people who understand the importance of moving forward and prioritising tasks. It’s about managing their time effectively to keep the entire process flowing smoothly.

Tackling Bilingual Challenges on Narcos: Mexico

Working on bilingual or multilingual projects brings unique challenges. On Narcos: Mexico, a significant portion of the show is in Spanish, meaning subtitles are an integral part of the editing process.

While final subtitling is handled later by a specialist company, during cuts, it’s up to us—yes, including the assistant editor—to create temporary subtitles. This meticulous process adds another layer of responsibility, especially for non-Spanish speakers.

Thinking Outside the Box

When I hired Chris Cavanaugh, my assistant editor on Narcos: Mexico, I knew he didn’t speak Spanish. But his creativity and willingness to learn convinced me he was right for the role.

Chris even considered buying translation headphones to better understand the dialogue. That determination showed his desire to meet the challenges head-on, and it ended up paying off.

Hiring someone without the exact skill isn’t a deal-breaker when they bring solutions and innovation to the table. That kind of resourcefulness is priceless.

An assistant editor is far more than a supporting role—they’re a collaborator, problem-solver, and creative partner. Hiring the right person involves balancing technical skills, personality, and enthusiasm.

For those hoping to land the job, show you’ve got the skills and the attitude to contribute meaningfully. And for editors hiring their next assistant, remember to look beyond the résumé. When you find someone who’s eager, communicative, and collaborative, the partnership that follows can elevate your entire process.