As the picture fades to black, the strings swell and the credits roll, you may notice a distinctive trio of letters after many an editor's name: “A.C.E.” If you're a working editor, those three letters -- which indicate membership with the American Cinema Editors organization -- go a long way in legitimizing your career achievements. ACE doesn't offer a traditional application; it takes years of work and some connected friends to become an ACE editor.
Build your editing resume. To become an ACE editor, you must have a minimum of 60 months -- that's five years -- of editing experience in feature films or television. If your resume still skews heavily toward video, Web or student content, you'll need more experience to make the cut.
Seek the recommendation of two currently active ACE members -- meaning ACE members who currently work as professional editors -- who are in good standing with the organization. These two ACE editors will serve as your sponsors. Ask them to each write a letter of recommendation for you, explaining why they feel you are qualified to join ACE. The letters should focus on the length and breadth of your experience, the quality of your editing credits and your personal strengths. Include a brief cover letter explaining your qualifications and reasons for wishing to join ACE, a resume, and your current contact information.
Mail hard copies of your cover letter, resume and letters of recommendation to American Cinema Editors, Inc. at 100 Universal City Plaza, Verna Fields Bldg. 2282, Room 190, Universal City, California, 91608.
Await a response from ACE. Once the organization considers your letters of recommendation, they may decide to send you an official application for membership. Complete the application according to ACE's instructions, return the application and await the response. Before you're approved as a member, your credentials and application will be reviewed by ACE's Board of Directors.
- As a student or aspiring editor, consider applying for the ACE Intern Program or submitting your work to the organization's student editing competition. While participation in these programs doesn't promise you future membership in the organization, it certainly won't hurt your chances if a history with ACE appears on your resume.
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