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Film and Video Editor

Overview and Key Facts

video editor working on computer
Education
Education
Bachelor's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$70,980
Job Growth
Job Growth
4.00%
(US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
45,200

What Do They Do?

A film and video editor could...

 
polar bear
Help create a polar bear documentary to raise awareness about their endangered status.
interview
Select and compile the most intriguing interviews to create a compelling documentary
lambo
Insert computer-generated effects to create the ultimate car chase scene.
movie theater
Edit a movie down to a reasonable length to avoid boring the audience.
 
polar bear interview lambo movie theater

Overview Listen to this section

Lights, camera, action! It takes more than actors to put an exciting motion picture movie together. It takes film and video editors and cutting-edge computer technology to make an exciting movie that people want to see. From the many thousands of minutes of film and video, the editor has to choose the best shots to tell a cohesive and compelling story. In addition to having an artistic bent, the film and video editor must relish working with complicated computer equipment. If you would like to combine your artistic talents and your computer skills into a great career, then read on to learn more about film and video editors.
What is a film editor's day like, who do they work with, and what else are they doing besides cutting that footage?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJlM4xnNB9U

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Film and Video Editor?


  1. Active Listening: ?
  2. Critical Thinking: ?
  3. Reading Comprehension: ?
  4. Complex Problem Solving: ?
  5. Speaking: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Film and Video Editor might do:
  • 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.
  • Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.
  • Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.
  • Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
  • Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.
  • 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.
  • Program computerized graphic effects.
  • Study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.
  • Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

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Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Film and Video Editor Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Film and Video Editor jobs (4.00%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Film and Video Editor

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Film and video editors usually acquire their skills through formal postsecondary training at vocational schools, colleges, universities, or photographic institutes. A bachelor's degree may be required for some positions, particularly those for film and video editors. Employers usually seek applicants with a good eye, imagination, and creativity, as well as a good technical understanding of how the camera operates.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Bachelor's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

Many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools offer courses in film and video editing. Basic courses cover equipment, processes, and techniques. It is important for editors to have an in depth understanding of computer technology. Bachelor's degree programs, especially those including business courses, provide a well-rounded education. Film schools also may provide training on the artistic or aesthetic aspects of filmmaking.

Companies That Hire Film and Video Editors

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

Find out how award-winning film editor, John Ottman, imagines a scene first even before he begins to cut down footage.
As I’m watching the footage the scene is forming in my head, so when I sit down to cut the scene I do it quite quickly. It's not like I'm searching trying to put the scene together and not knowing where to begin. 
John Ottman, Film Editor and Composer

Nature of the Work

Film and video editors edit soundtracks, film, and video for the motion picture, cable, and broadcast television industries. Television series, studio programs, news and sporting events, motion pictures, and music videos are all materials that are constructed from many different shots by film and video editors. With the increase in digital technology, much of the editing work is now done on a computer. Many editors are employed by independent television stations; local affiliate stations of television networks; large cable and television networks; or smaller, independent production companies.

Making commercial-quality movies and video programs requires technical expertise and creativity. Producing successful images requires choosing and presenting interesting material, selecting appropriate equipment, and applying a good eye and a steady hand to ensure smooth, natural movement of the camera.

Work Environment

Work hours and working schedules for film and video editors vary considerably. Those employed by television and cable networks and advertising agencies usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week; however, they may work longer hours to meet production schedules. Editors working in motion picture production also may work long, irregular hours.

More Information

Ask Questions

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