As an Edit Producer in a documentary production, you play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and overall flow of a documentary during the post-production phase. This article explains the main responsibilities of an Edit Producer.


An Edit Producer in a documentary production plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and overall flow of a documentary during the post-production phase. Their primary responsibilities include:

  1. Story Development

    • The edit producer takes archive footage or raw footage shot by the production team and crafts it into a coherent and compelling story. They review and organise hours of raw footage to identify the strongest and most relevant material.
    • They decide how to present the narrative, ensuring that it aligns with the director's vision and any broader production goals.
    • They may create shot lists (shot logs or "Sync Pulls"), and select key moments to ensure all critical elements are included in the final cut.

  2. Rights Management

    • The edit producer makes sure that all the rights are cleared for the selected material.

  3. Collaboration with Editors

    • The edit producer makes decisions about which clips to use, the sequence of scenes, and the overall rhythm of the film.
    • They work closely with the video editor, guiding the editing process to maintain the desired  structure, tone of voice, and pacing.

  4. Client and Stakeholder Communication

    • Edit producers often liaise between the production team, director, and commissioning clients or broadcasters.
    • They incorporate feedback from stakeholders and ensure the final product meets any editorial or compliance guidelines.

  5. Problem Solving

    • If there are gaps in the narrative or unexpected challenges (e.g., missing footage), the edit producer finds creative ways to address these issues, often by reworking the script or using alternative footage.

  6. Maintaining Editorial Standards

    • They ensure factual accuracy, ethical storytelling, and adherence to any regulatory or stylistic requirements.
    • This includes double-checking facts, securing rights for third-party content, and avoiding potential legal issues.

The edit producer is the bridge between raw material and the polished documentary, ensuring that the final product is engaging, coherent, and true to its intended purpose. Their work significantly impacts the quality and success of the documentary.