Senior Editor, Narrative Short Film

BlockReel; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 554,000 - 1,476,000; Full time

Job summary

BlockReel is seeking a Senior Editor for a 15–20 minute independent narrative short. The role is remote with weekly in-person sessions in Chicago, IL, starting the first week of October 2026, for 3–4 weeks.

Compensation ranges from $200–$400 per day, with collaboration on story, pacing, and sound design to finalize the cut for color grading. Qualified candidates will have extensive experience editing narrative shorts or features and a strong storytelling sensibility, plus proficiency with Adobe

Qualifications

• Extensive experience editing narrative shorts or features.
• Strong storytelling sensibility.
• Proficiency with Adobe Premiere Pro.

Responsibilities

• Assemble initial cuts and rough assemblies.
• Collaborate with director on story and rhythm.
• Incorporate feedback and revisions.
• Prepare the edit for sound design and color grading.
• Deliver final cut for review and handoff.

Skills

Storytelling

Narrative editing

Director collaboration

Tools

Adobe Premiere Pro

Job description

Seeking a Senior Editor for an independent narrative short film, roughly 15-20 minutes in length, for 3-4 weeks of work starting the first week of October 2026, paying $200-400 per day. Our upcoming project is a character-driven dramatic thriller with psychological elements, exploring themes of memory and perception. We're aiming for a tense, atmospheric tone with a strong emphasis on pacing and sound design. This is a crucial role, shaping the final narrative. Key responsibilities include assembling initial cuts, collaborating closely with the director on story and rhythm, incorporating feedback, and preparing the film for sound design and color grading. You should have extensive experience editing narrative shorts or features, a strong storytelling sensibility, and proficiency with Adobe Premiere Pro. Please provide a link to your reel highlighting your narrative work, especially anything in the drama or thriller genres. The editing will primarily take place remotely, though we'll have weekly in-person sessions in Chicago, IL, at a provided workspace for crucial reviews and collaboration. We're looking for someone who can bring their creative vision and technical expertise to help us realize this story. We're aiming to wrap up the search by October 1, 2026.

Budget Range

$200-400/day