My business is one of service. We are a 'digital engagement agency'. Beyond creating videos, we offer social engagement, business strategy, design websites, and develop apps. I am the Video Editor on the Creative team.
CAREER
Film and Video Editors
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$62,680
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+13.8% (faster than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Film and Video Editors Do
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Other Job Titles Film and Video Editors May Have
Editor, Film Editor, News Editor, Video Editor
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Filmmaker ,
Every week I have to come up with a story. Whether it be a short or a scene, I have to write a script, shot-list it and then shoot it. I do have several friends that I work with but it mostly comes down to me and one other. Writing is my favorite part. That initial spark of an idea and then adapting that into a script. When I do that right then directing can be pretty fun but I think I like acting better.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
- Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
- Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
- Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
- Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Film and Video Editors
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (65%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
Filmmaker ,
Suggested Path
High School
Associates
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
A lot of people in my industry will disagree about getting a college degree. 'The proof is in the pudding' they say. 'Who you know' will get you in the door, but 'what you know' will let you walk around the room. A college degree doesn't entitle you to anything but it does show that you'll finish something once you start it and that will go a long way, especially when you're first starting out. Other than that, be ready to take criticism and learn how to work with others.
Filmmaker ,
Story-telling is definitely key. Especially now when there is so much content out there (good and bad), you have to stand out. After that comes camera-op and editing. If you can master or be stable on those fronts then directing comes next, if you haven't already taken that leap. Now that you have all of these tools, apply them. Either use what you've learned in school or online, just START making films and DONT stop.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Take whatever TV and Film production classes you can, during and after school, and be sure to learn all aspects, from script writing to the final cut. Pay attention to TV shows and movies, dissect each shot, and figure out how they're created. Watch Behind-The-Scenes featurettes and most of all, start creating yourself. You can read up and study all you want, but its the act of doing that will give you the tacit knowledge and experience that is necessary to do what I do.
SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT! Watch movies. Edit videos. Draw. Study great directors / editors / animators work. Watch TONS of YouTube tutorials related to filming. Pick one of the industry standard editing softwares and learn it! Premiere Pro, After Effects, Avid, or Final Cut. Read books and study the art of story telling. If you aren't patient, learn how to be! Editing and animation takes HOURS AND HOURS of work sitting at a computer. Really, hours upon hours.
Take courses in photography, video, and if they have ROP Marketing take it. Also take any courses where you need to work in group settings like Student Body Government, etc. Have fun!
Office Manager ,
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
