Onward Editors

There are three ways that a film gets made. Writing. Producing. Editing.
Too many people believe the first and last bit of this to be the most simple because it is never covered in TMZ. This is the nuts and bolts stuff that most people who work in the business don't want to think about. Because if you consider, actors and directors don't exist unless writers are involved, you'd think they were treated like kings. Nope. Because when everything effortlessly comes together (which never happens) or the static pops onto screen, everything thinks they can do it. I still make films with a friend who hasn't learned the mechanics of screenwriting. It's a mechanic that is studied and learned. This is the first mark of a writing amatuer, as I know my writing must improve. Specifically structure. When editors take production takes footage from the set and whittles it down to a functional performance (I've seen horrific dailies turned into solid flick), the director snatches all credit, and the actor forgets how bad they were onset. Or worse accuses editor (incahoots with director) of using the worse versions (you know why now they do so many takes).

It's also that, for the most part, writing is free. People don't value free. Or air. Which some think creativity is. I often wonder what type of child is reared young to believe imagination is within us all. It's not. For the most part, most producers aren't "creative types." They couldn't tell you a story to save their lives. They can tap dance, and find some key to sing your favorite tune to, but for the most part MOST people aren't creative (in the long form storywise sense). Again, MANY writers spend an awful long time batting a LOT of thoughts in their brain which results in producers and directors shitting on them. Nice life, eh? Also, you're mostly ignored.

You ever hear an editor thanked at the Oscars? That would be to admit some nameless being saved your tuckus.
Editing is a craft that has more nuance than directing. In a sense, being a mind reader AND a storyteller and pretty much a re-writer. And they get the least amount of....spotlight. Probably because everyone believes once films are wrapped the heavy lifting is done. Magic people throw pixie dust on it and that's that. I pity and admire them the most.