Linear Editing
Definition
Linear Editing is a traditional form of video editing in which edits are made sequentially, from the beginning of the program to the end, by recording footage from one tape to another. Unlike non-linear editing (NLE), linear editing does not allow the editor to easily go back and change an earlier edit without re-doing all subsequent edits. Linear editing systems were the industry standard before the widespread adoption of digital NLE systems in the 1990s and are now largely obsolete in professional production.
Contextual Usage
A veteran editor reflects on the evolution of the craft: "When I started in the industry, we were still doing Linear Editing on tape. If you wanted to change a cut in the middle of the program, you had to re-edit everything after it. Non-linear editing completely transformed the way we work."
About this section
The editorial department is where the raw footage is transformed into a finished story. The editor is often described as the "invisible storyteller" — their work, when done well, is completely transpa...
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