Studios edit movies recorded with film cameras using a process called film editing. The process involves physically cutting the film footage and splicing it together to create a final edited version of the movie.
To begin the process, the film is first transferred to a digital format using a film scanner. The digital files are then imported into a non-linear editing system, where the editor can review and select the shots they want to use in the final cut of the movie.
The selected shots are then marked and assembled in the desired sequence using the editing software. This process involves selecting the best takes, trimming them to the desired length, and arranging them in the proper order to create the narrative of the film.
The editor can also add visual effects and color correction to enhance the look of the film. These effects can be added using specialized software, such as Adobe After Effects or Blackmagic Fusion.
Once the final cut is complete, the edited footage is then transferred back to film stock for distribution. This process is known as a film print, and involves making a physical copy of the final edited movie onto film reels.
Throughout the film editing process, it is important to maintain the integrity of the original film footage. This means using techniques such as splicing and handling the film with care to prevent damage.
Source:
- American Cinema Editors. (n.d.). Film Editing. https://americancinemaeditors.org/film-editing/