Film/video editor
A film or video editor is responsible for assembling raw material into a finished product suitable for broadcasting. The material they work with may consist of raw camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects. This is a key role in the post-production process and the editor's skill can determine the quality and delivery of the final product. The editor may be part of a team and they will usually work closely with the director to achieve the desired end result.
The majority of film/video editors are employed on a freelance basis, working on short-term contracts for post-production studios, television companies and corporate employers. Editors may work on a variety of productions including feature films, television programmes, music videos, corporate training videos or advertisements.
Digital technology, specialist computer software and high-quality digitisation of sound and pictures have effectively replaced the traditional manual method of cutting film. Depending on the product, an editor may be very involved in creating the narrative, structure, and tone of the programme. In some situations, they may be given creative freedom while in others they may be needed merely to operate the machine.
The process of work for an editor involves:
Additional work activities may include:
The final stage of the process requires the skills of the online editor, who is often employed in a specialist post-production facility. Responsible for delivering the final product to the required specifications, the online editor's role is focused on technical aspects such as correcting faulty footage, grading/colouring, and adding special effects to finish the film or programme. In lower budget productions one editor may perform both the offline and online editing.
No specific qualifications are required and so this area of work is open to all graduates and Diplomates. However, the following subjects may increase your chances and provide you with useful experience:
Entry without a degree or HND is possible but applicants must show commitment and determination to enter the industry. Courses offering film/media production experience may be advantageous.
Pre-entry experience is extremely important and you will need to show evidence of having worked on film/video production or post-production within or outside your degree, preferably via an up-to-date and well-prepared showreel. Film/video editing is not a starting role in the industry and it is common for current students or recent graduates to gain some experience by starting as a runner, broadcasting/film/video. Editors can come from other roles and it is not unusual for an experienced film director to move into editing in order to gain a more settled lifestyle.
For direct entry, in addition to experience, you must be able to demonstrate your skill with appropriate editing software packages, such as the AVID or Final Cut Pro packages. Courses cater for various levels of expertise and can be costly, but should provide you with specific industry-required skills. You should be selective about the courses you choose to ensure they fully match your career and training aims. If you have experience of the very latest technology, it may reduce the competition you face. General computer literacy and an aptitude for working with digital equipment to achieve results are also important.
In addition, you should show evidence of the following personal qualities:
A passionate interest in film/video editing should also be demonstrated, as well as being highly technically skilled in order to construct the product. You need to be extremely determined to succeed in editing, so you will have to show a willingness to get involved and be prepared to do the most basic of tasks. Getting to know the precision and intensity of this area of work will help you decide if it is for you. Gaining work experience will help with this and it may lead to a first job or training opportunity in editing.
Job vacancies are rarely advertised and competition is fierce even for entry-level jobs. Use creative job-seeking methods such as sending your skills-based CV to every production company and post-production house possible. Get to know people in the industry and make and maintain good working relationships. Entering competitions with 'DIY' projects is another way to be noticed.
See Creative Skillset Careers for further information and advice on entry into the industry, including information on the new entrants schemes, which provide long-term training in a range of professional areas in the industry.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Learning whilst working within the industry is the key way to develop the relevant skills. A combination of observing experienced professionals and experimenting with your own work is the common way for editors to develop the required technical and creative skills.
There is also a variety of short course which editors may find useful and they are available at different grades. Creative Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries and the British Film Institute (BFI) provide details of a range of courses in film, television, video, radio and interactive media, in the Skillset/BFI course database .
Courses to improve and expand your skills and understanding may include training in graphic design, special effects and screenwriting. It is also important to keep up to date with technology and new equipment. Freelancers in the early stages of their career, particularly outside London, may choose to extend their skills into camera or sound work in order to keep themselves employed and to maintain a network of contacts.
Creative Skillset Careers can provide a significant reduction in training fees for established freelancers on a range of courses. The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU) also has a firm commitment to lifelong learning and offers a range of courses.
It is usual to enter this career as a runner or trainee and then work your way up to assistant editor and then editor. A proactive approach and a willingness to start at the bottom are therefore essential for developing and progressing in a career in this fast-changing industry. Be prepared to learn new skills, make new contacts, keep up to date with changes in the industry, and show a firm commitment to your job. It is essential to establish a good reputation and develop networking skills to succeed. Building up speed and bringing edits in on time, and therefore to budget, is important.
The number of entry level opportunities in regional areas is increasing, and flexibility as to geographical location is an advantage, especially at the early stages of a career. Aspiring editors could work unpaid for short film companies or get involved with student filmmaking in order to gain experience and build up a showreel. In post-production or broadcasting companies, progression may be from runner, digitiser or assistant editor to senior editor. Larger employers, such as the BBC , provide well-structured career paths. Experienced in-house editors may ultimately move to management roles.
For freelancers, career development takes the form of progressing from small productions to larger or more prestigious projects. Forging good working relationships with freelance directors, production managers and producers pays off in developing a network. As these colleagues move from job to job and into new production companies they are often able to bring preferred editors onto projects. Whilst relevant qualifications may be of benefit, career development is based more on evidence, experience and practical involvement within the industry, and on developing this strong network of contacts.
Typical employers include:
These organisations produce corporate and educational films, television programmes, advertisements, music videos and feature film productions. Some post-production companies employ editors in-house. Independent production companies mainly draw on freelance staff, though larger independent companies may also offer long-term contracts to experienced editors. Large broadcast and film companies tend to employ their own editors, as well as employing others on a freelance basis (on short or long-term contracts). It is common for established feature film directors to work with one or a few preferred editors and develop a close working relationship.
The television industry is increasingly project-based, leading to a rise in the employment of freelance staff at all levels. Freelance opportunities tend to suit those with established careers and commercial success. New entrants with the required skills may put themselves forward for freelance opportunities in order to build a portfolio of work and accompanying reputation.
Runner posts (where most people start) are gained through speculative applications in addition to applying for the very few advertised vacancies. Use key industry resources such as Kays Media and The Knowledge to identify relevant companies. Editors with experience of working on a freelance basis advertise their services through dedicated websites such as film-tv.co.uk .
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