A video editor’s career path can be very rewarding. It allows you to use your creativity to make videos that entertain, inform, or inspire people. There are many different ways to become a video editor, and the best way for you will depend on your talents and interests.
Becoming a video editor is a great career choice for anyone with an interest in film and video. It’s also a very versatile field, which means that you can work in many different industries and on many different types of projects. But what does it take to become a video editor? And what kind of career path can you expect once you’ve made the switch? Let’s take a closer look.
Every video editor is different and every person who makes the transition to video editing does so with a unique set of goals and expectations. This can cause some confusion when it comes to outlining the exact steps you’ll need to take in order to achieve your goals, but there are some basic fundamentals that apply no matter what type of career you want to have.
1. What Is a Video Editor?
A video editor is a professional who is responsible for the post-production of a video. This includes tasks such as selecting and arranging footage, editing, color correcting, adding titles and effects, and audio mastering. A video editor must have a good understanding of the principles of motion graphics, animation, and compositing in order to create a high-quality final product.
A video editor has the important job of editing raw footage into a polished, finished project. This process includes digitizing and importing source tapes and footage, selecting scenes and shots, syncing sound, cutting scenes, recording voiceovers or audio mixdowns, adding transitions and special effects, mixing audio elements, exporting a final product to desired format(s), encoding, and much more.
A video editor is responsible for taking raw footage and assembling it into a finished product that people will want to watch. Editing includes selecting the best footage or shots, cutting them together, adding transitions between scenes, synchronizing audio with video (if there is any), adding text or voiceover narration (in some cases), adding special effects, and exporting the final product in the desired file format.
2. How to Become a Video Editor?
There is no one way to become a video editor, but there are some things that will help you on the way. Firstly, it is important to have some experience with video editing software. You can do this by either taking a course or by practicing on your own. Secondly, it is important to have a good understanding of the principles of filmmaking. This can be done by watching films and reading about film theory. Finally, it is important to have a good sense of creativity and be able to think outside the box. The best way to develop this sense is by practicing your skills and trying out new things.
If you have these three qualities, then you can go ahead and follow any video editing career path. You could decide to become a freelance video editor or an in-house editor at a production company. Either choice will help you develop your skills which will lead to more opportunities in the future. There are many career paths that you could follow, but today we will be looking at the one that is right for you.
A video editor typically requires a degree in video editing, film production, or a related field. They also need to have experience editing videos, preferably in a professional setting. This is the case for both freelancers and those applying to work at video editing companies.
3. The Types of Jobs a Video Editor Can Do
A video editor has a wide range of job opportunities that are available to them. Some of these jobs include editing for films, documentaries, television shows, and commercials. They may also be responsible for graphics and titles, audio sweetening, and color correction. Video editors may also be asked to do some shooting, as well as directing. Generally, the degree of creativity is limited to the format of the final product.
Some of the jobs a video editor can do include:
For a typical film project, the video editor will be hired to join either as part of a team or as part of a company that is contracted specifically for that production. It is also possible for an editor to find work independently and go from one project to another. Beyond typical film productions, there are many types of videos requiring editing:
- Short films
- Feature films
- TV shows
- Web videos (any kind of content that requires video editing)
- Commercials (advertising videos)
- Music videos
- Slide shows (video production that is used to promote a product, service, idea or event through motion pictures)
- Video games (a game where the player controls the action by making decisions about how and when to move, shoot, solve problems within the structure of the game)
4. Role and Responsibilities of a Video Editor
Depending on the type of project that is being done, a video editor’s responsibilities will change. No matter what type of work he/she does, a video editor will have to do some basic things:
– They will be judged by how well their final product looks and sounds. This means they will need to make sure the visual and audio elements of their project are polished and cohesive.
– They will also need to use digital tools like computers and software like Adobe Premiere, Avid or Final Cut Pro. These tools allow them to create a rough cut (first version) of the piece; it typically includes all of the shots in rough form.
– They will need to carry out tasks such as playing and pausing video footage, rearranging different shots, inserting transitions between shots, and adding music or voiceovers. They will also need to know how to do things like change the speed of a clip, cut unwanted elements from a piece, and insert titles and graphics into the final product.
– They will need to do multiple versions of their work, each with a different goal in mind, such as the “working version” and the final commercial or broadcast version.
– They may need to deliver a video on DVD or Blu-ray Disc. Or they may be required to upload clips onto websites or social media sites.
– They may need to export a video for use in other programs like Adobe After Effects and DaVinci Resolve, as well as using the file to create additional videos (such as web clips or DVD bonus features).
– The speed at which they work is usually dictated by the project’s needs and deadlines. In some cases, professionals may have as little as a day to produce a final cut of an entire movie. In others, they may be given as long as they need.
– They typically work with professional cameras and other equipment on real sets or in studios, though it’s also possible for them to edit footage that was shot on a smartphone.
– They typically work indoors, but may also do some editing out in the field, such as on location or at an event.
5. The Skills and Knowledge Required to Be a Video Editor
Video editing is the process of editing recorded video footage. The editor must have strong skills in storytelling, communication, and problem-solving. In order to be a successful video editor, one must also have knowledge of post-production software and the ability to work well under pressure. A video editor has one mission: to make the finished product as engaging and enjoyable as possible. Making a boring story interesting is an art form and something that takes time and patience for someone to learn how to do.
If you’re looking into becoming a video editor, you need to be prepared for a career that requires many different skills and knowledge. The following list describes all of the different skills and knowledge necessary to be a video editor
Editing Software
Anyone working in the field of video editing must have experience with one or more professional editing programs, such as Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc. These are very large programs that take time to learn how to use. A video editor needs to know how to navigate through these programs quickly and efficiently in order the get the job done.
Editing Skills
A video editor must be able to recognize what makes a good story, identify it, and create it with their footage. They must also assess each shot for any problems that need fixing. With practice, one can learn what works well for each type of video. If you’re interested in learning about film editing, here are some great books on the subject.
Other Skills
An understanding of lighting, composition, and color correction is also necessary to be a video editor. This is because these are all very important aspects that play an important role in any video and how it is perceived by the viewer. An editor must also be able to work well with others and understand what is required of him/her during a job.
The Equipment
In order for one to become a successful video editor, they need the proper equipment. Those who are interested should look into which equipment is necessary for the kind of editing they want to do. An editor needs a computer, high-end cameras and lenses, audio equipment, etc.
6. Salary Expectations for a Video Editor
A video editor’s salary is typically based on their level of experience, the type and size of the company they are working for, and their geographic location.
Generally, video editors with less than three years of experience can expect to earn a salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000. Those with three to five years of experience can expect to earn a salary ranging from $35,000 to $60,000. And those with more than five years of experience can expect to earn a salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000.
However, these are just general guidelines and salaries can vary depending on the specific situation.
7. Is Video Editor a Promising Career?
Yes, video editing is a promising career. With the growth of social media and online video, there is a growing demand for video editors. As technology advances, the demand for video editors who are skilled in new software and techniques will continue to grow.
New opportunities will also continue to appear as old video editing platforms, such as VHS tapes and DVDs, fade from use.
Those who are skilled at video editing can work in a variety of settings, including TV stations, film companies or even their own home office. They may create promotional videos for businesses or work on films.
They will also have to learn new types of software as other platforms become obsolete. For instance, Adobe After Effects has been the premier program for creating special effects in videos, but other programs are being used more often today.
Today, video editing is no longer limited to just film editors and movie studios. With the increased use of YouTube, Facebook, and other sites, there is a growing demand for people who can edit online videos.
8. Can You Be a Video Editor Without a Degree?
There are many online video editing courses that you can take to help you become a video editor. You don’t necessarily need a degree in video editing to be successful in this career. There are many online tools and resources that can help you learn the skills that you need to be a successful video editor.
Here are some of the steps to help you become a video editor for social media. Once you have the necessary tools and resources, doing your own edits is easy!
Getting Started
The first step in learning how to be a video editor is research. Find out what equipment you need to edit videos on your own computer system. There are many free and paid software products out there to help you edit videos.
Tools and Resources
The second step is to find the necessary tools and resources to help you learn how to become a video editor, whether it be online courses or books, every little bit of information helps. 3. Editing Your Own Videos The third step is to actually start editing your own videos. Try different cuts, effects, and music. Get feedback from friends or family on what they think about the edits that you are making.
Making Money With Your Edits
The fourth step is to get paid for your work! There are many companies out there that will pay you for edits that you make for them.
Now that you know how to be a video editor, get editing! Happy editing everyone!
10. Top Recruiting Companies for a Video Editor
If you’re in need of a new video editor or are looking to make a career change into video editing, then you’ll want to check out these top recruiting companies. They all have a strong history of finding and placing the best talent in the field. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced pro, these companies can help you find the perfect new opportunity.
Top recruiting companies for a video editor:
- A List Talent
- Career Pro Global
- Creative Circle
- Fusion Editorial
- Hummer Winblad Venture Partners
- Linear, Inc.
- Luma Pictures
- Mob Scene Creative Studios
- O’Connor Casting Company
- Rivet Entertainment
- Rogers and Cowan
- SAGindie Local 785
- Silverback Productions, LLC
11. Best Colleges to Study Video Editing
There are many colleges that offer video editing courses. The best colleges to study video editing, however, are those that have well-equipped studios and experienced faculties. Some of the best colleges to study video editing include UCLA, USC, NYU, and SVA.
- 1. University of Southern California (USC) – School of Cinematic Arts
- 2. School of Visual Arts (SVA)
- 3. New York University (NYU) – Tisch School of the Arts
- 4. University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) – School of Art and Architecture.
- 5. New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Conclusion
The video editor career path can be a very rewarding one. It is important to have the right skills and training in order to be successful in this field. There are many different ways to learn the necessary skills, and online courses are a great option. There are also many job opportunities available for those with the right qualifications. With the right training and experience, you can find a job that fits your interests and goals.
