Video Editor: Job Description, Work Environment, Education & Career Outlook

The entertainment industry offers a wide range of career possibilities to choose from. Have you ever thought of becoming a video editor? A film and video editor is a technician who is specially trained to look after technical elements like the motion picture and the television industries. Whether you want to work with an agency or a production company, there is a strong demand for video editors. To make the most of your career and pursue the occupation of video editing, you need to be well informed of the job description, educational qualification required, career prospects in this occupation and how to enhance your chances of landing video editing jobs.

 

Job Description
If you have knowledge about film shooting, you must be aware that a scene is shot multiple times. It is shot from multiple angles. Now, it is the video editor's job to review all these scenes, organize them coherently and choose the best scene which is just the best in terms of photography, performance and consistency. Before the entire procedure of video editing begins, technicians perform the following tasks.

 

Going through the script
Knowing the storyline
Collaborating with film and television producers and directors
Working closely with the director to understand the scene requirements
Understand the film goals that producers want to achieve

 

To perform their editing responsibilities for a film or a television production efficiently, the editor has to completely understand the film producer's expectation. They need to work in order to fulfill the goals that the director and the producers have. Advanced computer technologies require video editors to be proficient in their computer skills. A wide range of computer software and digital systems are used to edit a motion picture or a television show.

 

Video editors work on technical elements like the soundtrack, film and video. They are responsible for inserting music, dialogues, sound and special effects appropriately to make scenes appealing to the audience. They use a variety of editing equipments and work closely with other specially trained technicians in this field. Editors may work on commercials, music videos, educational films etc. Depending on their work experience and skills, video editors may also specialize in a specific task. For example, many editors have specialization in working on soundtracks of films.

 

Working Hours & Environment
Though many video editors work the standard 40 hours a week, they may also work additional or irregular hours to meet the provided project deadlines. Depending on project requirements, editors may need to work for 60 hours a week. For working during holidays and weekends, professional receive a higher hourly rate. Editors spend most of their time indoors. They are seen most of the time in projection and cutting rooms. They work in comfortable environment which is both well lighted and well ventilated.

 

Educational Qualification & Training
Though some of the video editors carry college degree, having a college degree is not necessarily required to kick-start this career. There are several vocational schools, colleges and universities that offer training programs in film making. Courses in subjects like art and photography prove to be valuable for this film and television career. Editors need to be quite well versed with the use of camera, film projectors, editing software, digital editing systems etc. To receive working experience, many professionals work as apprentices or assistants to senior editors. To make the most of their careers and become successful, editors need to keep abreast of the latest development and technological advancement in this occupation.

 

Job Outlook
Employment in this occupation will increase faster than the average of all occupations. Candidates will need to face tough competition in landing film and video editing jobs. Best employment opportunities will be available to those who possess a bachelor's degree in film making or film production, along with extensive computer editing experience.

 

Salary
Film and video editors receive an average hourly rate of $20.99. The average annual salary offered in this occupation is around $43,669. With an advanced degree in film production an extensive work experience, professionals can earn a higher annual salary. As compared to television production companies, film industries offer a higher salary and employment benefits.