Typical Work Activities
The film or video editor is the person who is responsible for putting the final product together from a combination of raw camera footage, dialogue, graphics, and sound effects. The skill of the editor largely determines the final product. Editing jobs require that the video editors use digital technology as the medium for editing, working closely with the director to match the finished product with the director’s vision.
Some video editing jobs are loosely supervised, while other editors work under close scrutiny. This is typically determined by the nature of the project. Depending on the particular jobs in editing that you’re assigned, you may have creative freedom with the finished product, or you may be there to simply man the machine.
Video editing jobs vary considerably, depending on the particular working conditions. Jobs in editing include not just freelance editing jobs but full-time opportunities as well. Responsibilities can include assembling the raw footage, inputting uncut rushes/sound, synchronizing these different inputs, storing them to computer files, creating a “rough cut” of the program after digitally cutting the files, and putting the material into a logical sequence.
In addition, the video editor may be responsible for overseeing the quality/progress of the editing process, maintaining contact with the director, becoming familiar with new graphic elements, determining the best shots, writing voiceovers, and selecting music.
Required Experience
A video editor job is not one that you simply step into. This position is only possible to learn once you have worked as a runner or assistant. While some schools offer degrees in editing, a formal education is not necessary. High school and college coursework that involves English, art, and photography is helpful for prospective editors, but not necessary. The best training is on-the-job experience.
Video editing requires a thorough knowledge of cameras, digital technology, film projectors, and digital editing systems. Once you are ready to work in this capacity, the salary range is fairly good, as is the employment outlook.
Salary and Working Conditions
The current median salary for video editing is about $43,590 annually, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Successful film editors command upwards of $100,000 per year. The working conditions can vary. Some video editors work as freelancers and are employed on a picture-by-picture basis. Others work full-time and have more predictable schedules. Video editors are subject to deadlines for production dates, and often they will work longer than average days to meet those deadlines. Sometimes the hours are non-traditional, as editors have to be available for odd shooting hours.
One of the few complaints common among video editors is eyestrain from long hours in front of a computer. The demands of the job require that editors sit directly in front of a screen to finish a given project, sometimes for up to 12 hours a day. A video editor must also stay even-tempered when dealing with directors who change their minds mid-stream in a production.
Advancement Opportunities
Because the technology field is constantly changing, video editors must be willing to keep up with those changes. Jobs in editing are growing in popularity as the industry increases, so with experience it is definitely possible to advance. Once you’ve worked in video editing jobs as an assistant film editor and understand how to synchronize sound and picture, you should have the opportunity to advance to the position of a head film editor.
If you’re looking for either freelance editing jobs or full-time editing jobs, the best way to apply is to make sure that you’re up to date on the latest technologies. Otherwise, establish good networking connections; apply with all the major networks; and remember, no job is too small to teach you new skills.
With such a strong job outlook, going into a video editing job is a good choice. Working in this career will offer slow but consistent growth as you master new skills and continue to grow as a freelancer or within the full-time job. The pay and working conditions are much better than other lines of work you can go into, which makes this a highly attractive field.
The options available in terms of working hours give video editors freedom to create their own schedules. In addition, there is no limit on the locations in which you can work. This is not a regionally specific job; in fact, expanding your willingness to work further away from home will only make you more likely to get hired.
