Music editor (Post-production)

What does a music editor do?

Music editors are responsible for all the music in a film, TV or video production. The extent of their role varies considerably depending on the type of production concerned, but they have overall responsibility for the soundtrack and any music created by the composer.

On a medium-budget production, they usually start work while the film or programme is being edited. They work with the director to decide on the purpose of the music, find a style to suit the story and mark the points in the film where music is required (spotting).  They then develop the temp (temporary) score or guide track that is meant to guide the composer in creating original musical pieces for the film or programme.

Music editors then work closely with the composer, who is usually appointed by the director, to compose the music using the temp score or guide track as a template. The temp score is also used by the film editors to achieve the right tempo with the cut. Music editors often act as a bridge between the sound and picture teams.

They attend all recording sessions, helping with any revisions, and design a 'click track' that is used to help the musicians achieve synchronisation with the movie.  Working with a specialist music mixer, they create different mixes, lay down the tracks and fit them exactly to the picture, ready for the final mix or dub.

One of the final tasks for music editors on films and programmes is preparing the cue sheet - a detailed breakdown of all the music featured on the soundtracks. This is sent to the Performing Rights Society and all exhibitors so that royalties can be paid every time the film or programme is screened.

Watch and read

• What is a Music Editor in Film?
• Ask the Experts - Music Editors for Film & TV

What’s a music editor good at?

• Music: know the history and construction of music, be able to compose in different styles and genres, improvise, read scores, create themes quickly under the pressure of deadlines
• Understanding film production: appreciate the process and techniques of making films, know how music affects images and adds drama, have a passion for the industry
• Collaboration: listen to the director, translate the vision into music, be flexible, communicate the vision with the editor, composer and other musicians
• Using software: produce electronic scores using technology such as ProTools, use editing and mixing software
• Business: know people in the music, film and TV industries, build up contacts, understand contracts and copyright clearances, organise, communicate and negotiate

Who does a music editor work with?

Within the post-production house, music editors work closely with the supervising sound editor. They also work closely with the composer and music agents.