Film and Video Editor Career
Film and video editors work with raw recorded images and sound, creating a finished media presentation intended to entertain or inform viewers. They use editing software to remove, add, or modify video and audio materials. Editors blend technical knowledge with artistic and creative vision to complete video and film projects that meet the expectations of clients, supervisors, and the public.
Film and video editors often find jobs working in news and educational organizations, or for advertising companies, internet groups, television companies or movie studios. Some editors choose to work as self-employed freelancers, hired for short term projects. This career field is growing, making it a viable option for those considering a career as a film and video editor.
Film and Video Editor Career Snapshot
If you choose a career as a film and video editor, expect to work in an office or studio environment, sitting at a computer for long periods of time each day. You will spend a significant amount of time looking at monitors and manipulating media for presentation. An editor needs to be able to work well with others since many projects are group efforts. Deadlines for time sensitive projects may require you to work extra hours to meet the needs of clients and supervisors.
Further details on a career as a film and video editor are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average annual salary for film and video editors.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Bachelor’s degree while 26% have attended some college.
Film/Video Editor Education
Many film and video editors have a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, film, digital media or a related field. Some editors have received training at technical schools and a smaller percentage have learned on their own, taking advantage of freelance opportunities to build their careers.
Film/Video Editor Job Duties
Film and video editing is detailed, technical and creative work. You must be able to make good decisions about what to include and delete in a project. If you work for news and information organizations, you may be under significant pressure to work very quickly and prepare media for immediate broadcast.
Film/Video Editor Salaries
In May 2015, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) published reports that the bottom 10% of film and video editors make about $26,000 a year while the top 10% make over $150,000. The median wage for editors was just over $61,000 a year.
Film/Video Editor Job Outlook
Film and editing job opportunities will increase by a healthy 18% over the next seven years. The quickly changing landscape of mobile media and broadcasting means even more opportunities for editing jobs could exist than projected.
Film and Video Editor Skills & Traits
| Film Editor Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Film Editors: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Active Listening • Critical Thinking • Reading Comprehension • Speaking • Time Management | • Near Vision • Oral Comprehension • Written Comprehension • Information Ordering • Oral Expression | • Desktop computers • DVD recorders • Media control systems • Digital video editing systems • Video streaming system | • Working with Computers • Creative Thinking • Identifying Actions/Events • Communicating with Others • Getting Information |
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