Abstract: A post production offline editing system for storing unedited video takes in a random access memory (which is preferably a set of laser video disk players), displaying selected takes (or individual frames from selected takes), and generating an edit list which defines an edited video program. The system includes a computer programmed with software providing an integrated software environment which enables a user conveniently to log unedited takes into the system, and to generate an edit list suitable for use in a subsequent online editing operation. The system software provides global access to a variety of video post production environments at any point during an offline editing operation. The system software presents menus to the user including icons or mnemonic text in windows which may be conveniently selected by the user using a mouse.