Film and Video Editors
Overview
Film and video editors work behind the scenes to create the movies, TV shows, and videos you watch every day by arranging and organizing footage shot by camera operators. They use specialized video-editing software to manipulate images and collaborate closely with directors and producers to bring creative visions to life. This job involves selecting the right equipment, discussing filming techniques, and editing scenes to create compelling final content. Many editors work in flexible, creative environments and can pursue education in film studies, digital media, or communications.
Did you know?
Film editors must master industry-standard software like Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve to remain competitive in the American market.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$57,854.17 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Science
Key Responsibilities
- Program computerized graphic effects.
- Manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make the parts into a continuous whole, working closely with people in audio, visual, music, optical, or special effects departments.
- Mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.
- Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.
- Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
- Develop post-production models for films.
- Record needed sounds or obtain them from sound effects libraries.
- Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.
- Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
- Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
- Confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches needed to increase dramatic or entertainment value of productions.
- Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.
- Collaborate with music editors to select appropriate passages of music and develop production scores.
- Conduct film screenings for directors and members of production staffs.
- Determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.
- Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
- Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
- Study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.
- Piece sounds together to develop film soundtracks.
- Discuss the sound requirements of pictures with sound effects editors.
- Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.
- Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
Career Considerations
Technical Proficiency Requirements
Film editors must master industry-standard software like Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve to remain competitive in the American market.
Networking and Industry Relationships
Success in American film editing heavily depends on building strong professional relationships with directors, producers, and other industry professionals, particularly in major hubs like Los Angeles and New York.
Freelance Market Competition
Most film editing positions in America are project-based freelance work, requiring editors to continuously seek new opportunities and manage irregular income streams.