What is S.A.G.E.?

S.A.G.E, the South African Guild of Editors, is a voluntary, non-profit organization which represents film and video picture editors, assistant editors and sound editors. In its 10 years of existence, it has become a recognised player in the Film and Television industry.

With more than 100 members, the Guild represents most of the best talent in the feature film, TV drama, documentary, insert, on-line and sound editing in South Africa today.

These members include Artes, Avanti and M-Net All-Africa award winners and nominees.

What does S.A.G.E. do for you?

Presently we are involved with the SETA for our industry, MAPPP-SETA. Firstly for maintaining a relationship with the training functions within our industry and secondly to assist in the training functions of the NQF. Through the MAPPP Seta we have been able train young editors and hope to continue this in the future as well as up-skilling for those already in editing.

Through Susan Scott we run learnerships and workshops like colour grading, drama editing, talks with editors, etc. S.A.G.E. members get a major discount on these workshops... and some are even free for S.A.G.E. members. Many varied workshops and courses are planned for the future.

S.A.G.E. is represented on the new film federation SASFED, which has already made inroads into discussions with the SABC, and also is the body which represents the broad film industry to government. As the government calls for a voice for the industry we need to ensure that as one of the main players within the industry we are able to add our voice to the discussions and development of policy.

More recently our website has ensured that many producers have quick access to the contact details and experience of our editors. Many producers tell us how useful this site is. We also are able to provide producers with more details of our members if requested.

We hold social events where editors get to meet their contemporaries, are able to share experience and expertise. Quite a few of our member have an informal network where they give each other technical support.

We are represented nationally and hope to continually access members in more areas as our industry expands.

We maintain a good relationship with equipment providers who are always willing to support the Guild with training and up-skilling. Many post production companies are also very supportive of the Guild.

We would like to ensure that editors are not kept in isolation, which tends to come with the job, and to this end we would like to increase communication between editors for moral as well as technical support.

Each year we assess and publish a rate card which is accessible on the website. This gives producers an idea as to what editors should be paid. And members can use this rate card when negotiating for jobs.

We are in the process of accessing funding for a permanent office and someone to run it. This will enable us to increase our impact within the film and video industry.

Some of the areas we need to develop include:

• Training to develop new editors.
• Legal help for membership.
• Building relationships with other post production organisations worldwide.
• The S.A.G.E. Awards.

Please remember the guild is presently run on a voluntary basis by the members of the Executive Committee, all of whom work as professionals in post production.