Do Directors Today Still Watch Raw Footage with Editors?

It's a question that often arises in the film industry: Do directors sit with their editors and watch raw footage when editing their movies, or has this practice changed with the advent of digital filmmaking?

The Old Days: The Rushes Viewing Experience

In the past, the practice of viewing dailies, or rushes as they are known in the UK, was quite different. Directors would typically watch the day's footage at lunch or after wrap, right in the screening room. Heads of Department, the camera team, and perhaps others who were invited, would join in. The screenings were project-based, without sound, and purely to see what had been captured on film.

This was a crucial time for feedback. Directors could commentate on what they liked, what they were going for, and what their intentions were for the film. Editors would take notes, sync the sound, and then begin the cutting process.

The Arrival of Modern Video Village

With the advent of modern video villages, the director's ability to view footage has significantly changed. Today, live rushes viewing is often possible on set, allowing the director to understand what they have captured in real-time. However, the traditional rush screenings have largely disappeared.

Modern practices vary from production to production. One common approach is that the director will stop by the editing suite after the wrap and review yesterday's scenes, including their rough cuts. This is a major improvement over the old methods, as the material is now synced with sound, making it easier to focus on the narrative and pacing.

The Post-Production Rushes Viewing

As productions wrap up and the editing process begins, a more thorough rush viewing with the director becomes common. Editors, who are responsible for ensuring every frame is perfect, will play back specific takes as needed. Directors often request detailed review sessions where they want to analyze every frame and make precise cuts.

For instance, a director might say, "I'm sure we got a moment of uncertainty from her." In response, the team will watch every moment of every take from that setup to ensure they haven't missed anything. This level of scrutiny is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the director's vision.

Directors often have personalized copies of the rushes they can review in their own time or while sitting on the sofa in the edit suite. This flexibility allows them to assess the footage without interference and make final decisions.

Conclusion: A Practice Adapted to Modern Times

To summarize, while the traditional screening methods of photochemical days have largely disappeared, directors today do watch a lot of raw footage. They review it to ensure that the best of everything is included in the film. The modern process is more diverse but just as thorough, ensuring that the director's vision is realized in every scene.