Cinematographer
Der Online-Editor ist mein letzter Qualitätskontrolleur. Er stellt sicher, dass mein Footage in voller Qualität und korrekt konformiert ins Endprodukt kommt.
Post-production specialist responsible for the final technical assembly of a film or video project – handles conforming offline edits to full-resolution media, color correction integration, titling, and ensuring broadcast/delivery specifications are met for the finished master.
What is an Online Editor?
The Online Editor is a post-production specialist responsible for the final technical completion of a project. They conform offline edits to original media and ensure compliance with all technical specifications.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Position | Finishing Department |
| Main Task | Technical Completion |
| Input | Offline Edit, Assets |
| Output | Final Master |
Offline vs. Online
| Aspect | Offline | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Proxy/Low | Original/Full |
| Focus | Creative Decisions | Technical Quality |
| Speed | Fast | Precise |
| Software | NLE | Finishing Suite |
Main Tasks
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Conform | Proxy to Original |
| Integration | VFX, Graphics |
| Titles | Text, Credits |
| QC | Quality Control |
| Deliverables | Master Creation |
Conform Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| EDL/XML Import | Load Edit Data |
| Media Relink | Link to Original |
| Verify | Check Frame-Accurate |
| Fix Issues | Resolve Problems |
Software
| Program | Application |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Grading + Finishing |
| Flame | High-End Finishing |
| Avid Symphony | Broadcast Finishing |
| Baselight | Grading + Conform |
Workflow
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1. Conform | Incorporate Edit |
| 2. Integration | VFX, Graphics |
| 3. Grading | Insert Color Correction |
| 4. Audio | Apply Final Mix |
| 5. QC | Technical Check |
| 6. Master | Create Deliverables |
Technical Integration
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| VFX Shots | Insertion, Timing |
| Graphics | Lower Thirds, GFX |
| Credits | Scroll, Titles |
| Subtitles | Subtitles |
Quality Control
| Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Video | Artifacts, Sync |
| Audio | Levels, Sync |
| Specs | Codec, Bitrate |
| Legal | Safe Areas, Levels |
Broadcast Specifications
| Standard | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Luma | 0-100 IRE |
| Chroma | Gamut-Legal |
| Audio | -24 LUFS (EBU) |
| Safe Areas | Title/Action |
Deliverable Types
| Format | Usage |
|---|---|
| Broadcast Master | TV Broadcast |
| Digital Cinema | Cinema (DCP) |
| Streaming | Netflix, Amazon |
| Archive | Long-Term Storage |
Typical Formats
| Type | Codec |
|---|---|
| ProRes 4444 | High-End Master |
| DNxHR | Avid Ecosystem |
| XDCAM | Broadcast |
| H.265 | Streaming |
Collaboration
| With Whom | Regarding What |
|---|---|
| Offline Editor | Edit Handover |
| Colorist | Grading Integration |
| VFX Supervisor | Shot Delivery |
| Post Supervisor | Deliverables |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Relink Issues | Manual Assignment |
| Late VFX | Placeholder Management |
| Spec Changes | Flexible Workflow |
| Time Pressure | Efficient Processes |
Sources of Error
| Error | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Frame Drop | Precise Verification |
| Audio Sync | TC Verification |
| Color Space | Correct Management |
| Wrong Specs | Checklists |
Tools & Plugins
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| MediaInfo | Spec Analysis |
| ffmpeg | Conversion |
| QC Tools | Automated Checks |
| LUT Libraries | Color Management |
Career Path
| Level | Position |
|---|---|
| Entry | Assistant Editor |
| Junior | Online Assistant |
| Senior | Online Editor |
| Lead | Senior Finishing |
| Management | Post Supervisor |
Skills
| Skill | Importance |
|---|---|
| Technical Knowledge | Essential |
| Software Expertise | High |
| Detail Orientation | Critical |
| Time Management | Important |
| Communication | High |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Checklists | Don't forget anything |
| Backup | Data security |
| Documentation | Traceability |
| QC Protocol | Systematic checks |
Today
The Online Editor is central to the technical quality of modern film and television productions. With increasing complexity due to 4K/8K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and multiple deliverable formats, the role is more important than ever. The combination of technical knowledge and an understanding of creative requirements makes the Online Editor an indispensable link between creation and distribution.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Online-Editing ist wo mein Film technisch fertiggestellt wird. Der Online-Editor integriert alle Elemente – Farbe, VFX, Grafiken – zum finalen Master.
Producer
Der Online-Editor liefert den fertigen Master in allen erforderlichen Formaten. Seine technische Expertise stellt sicher, dass wir Broadcast- und Streaming-Specs einhalten.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Online-Editor / Finishing-Editor / Konform-Editor"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?