Video Editor Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a video editor. Feel free to use our video editor job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a video editor.
Who is a Video Editor?
Video editors use different sounds, graphics, and footage to tell stories. One day may involve creating storyboards and treatments; creating scripts; editing videos and photos for multiple platforms. Other days may involve the creation of short-form content for social media platforms as well as long-form series.
The raw footage of filming must first be edited before a film, TV show, or any other video is released. This work may be done by a freelance editor who contracts with businesses to edit film footage. The video editor will be employed on a contractual basis. This means that he or she will not be an employee at a film studio but will work as an independent contractor and will be paid per project.
Since the advent of digital technology, the basic functions of a video editor have changed. The editor was responsible for cutting and sewing film reels to create a cohesive film. This may still be true in certain situations, but modern video editors will often use computers and software to edit, add, or rearrange video scenes according to the director’s instructions. The video editor will not only make any creative decisions regarding the film; he will only make the necessary changes following the directions given. However, the video editor can add post-processing effects to improve the quality of the video.
The editor should be able to quickly and efficiently address technical issues that arise. The editor might be able to make cuts or transitions to hide equipment that is visible in a scene. The director is responsible for noticing problems in films before they happen. However, if they do occur, the video editor is responsible for making changes to correct them. To make these changes, he or she will collaborate with the director.
To ensure that the video or film’s sound synchronizes with the visuals, the video editor might also work with sound engineers. Sometimes, audio will not be recorded for a video until it is finished. This is often the case when voice-over narration is used. A soundtrack may not be included in animated films until it is finished. The editor might need to be extra careful to ensure that the video and sound blend well if the sound is recorded first.
Video editors review and sort through raw footage to locate clips and shots that tell a compelling story. Unusable footage may be removed and clips rearranged into a flow-like sequence that is visually appealing. These professionals often use video editing software to arrange the footage, audio, and visual effects in a way that suits the director, client, or company’s needs. The video editor can present the final product to the director after editing and make any necessary changes based on their feedback.
Many industries require freelance video editors. These video editors may create promotional videos or documentaries for companies and organizations. Video editors can also be used to preserve memories from weddings or other events, or create music videos.
Video editors use processes to ensure high-quality video editing. They keep accurate records and use safeguards to protect client video.
Video Editor Job Description
Below are the video editor job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a video editor job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Combining raw footage from different sources and shoots to create a coherent story.
- Examining edited footage to ensure it is consistent with the storyline and the director’s narrative goals.
- Making a story more compelling for the audience, editing the footage into timelines, or cutting out certain shots.
- Adding drama to the story, combining audio sound effects with dialogue and ambient sound.
- Utilizing computer editing software, video switching devices, and digital video effects programs to put together film parts.
- Creating sound effects by recording audio clips, or choosing from a list of sounds to be included in the final film.
- Performing all aspects of editing, including sound balancing, splicing, color correction, and color grading.
- Examining all tapes edited to find any problems and making recommendations for changes.
- Inserting sound effects, music, and graphics.
- Assisting in ensuring that the project follows a logical order.
- Supervising and managing all technical aspects of editing and video recording
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in film studies, cinematography, or a related field.
- Experience as a video editor.
- Practical experience with Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro X and editing software such as Avid Media Composer (Lightworks), Premier, Final Cut Pro X, and Final Cut Pro X.
- Creativity and artistic talent.
- Familiarity and understanding of special effects and 3D composition.
- Portfolio of film productions completed.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Capability to transform ideas into complete projects
Essential Skills
- Amazing Storyboard and Communication Skills
Editing and enhancing stories is key to understanding the best methods. It is important to view the video clip through the eyes of your target audience and consider how editing will impact the story that you are telling.
This does not mean you should be unable to communicate with others. You may notice that you are responding to fewer emails quickly if you think “Oh, I’ll respond to that later.
While it’s fine to set boundaries and not be constantly connected to work, communication should still be a top priority.
- Confidence
Confidence in your work is one of the best qualities to possess. You can’t convince yourself that you are capable of doing a job. Clients don’t expect you to be that confident.
While humility is fine, there comes a point when you have to show a client why you are the best candidate for the job. You must be able to do it, and if you can, let your client know.
- Expertise in Video Editing
This line of work requires creativity as well as technical knowledge. If you don’t have a style for editing video clips, you won’t be a great editor. Video editing and enhancing require that you are up-to-date on the latest technological advancements in your field.
You must be familiar with the most important tools in the video editing industry. Learn them and master them to become a great video editor.
- Patience
Professionals in the creative field need to be patient. You will face days when your creativity is impeded and you spend the entire day staring at a blank screen.
It is important to remember, however, that if you act in haste you may end up making things more complicated and chaotic.
You should take your time setting up things correctly. It is tempting to rush to get the final product to your TV, so it is best to take your time.
- Multitasking ability
Producer houses are always looking for a video editor who can work in a team and be able to multi-task while working under tight deadlines.
It would also be beneficial if the individual could solve problems, troubleshoot, and remain calm under pressure.
- Listening Skills
You will be working with clients who have an idea in mind. To execute the project according to their requirements, you need to carefully listen to them.
Asking questions is the best way to get to know their vision. After completing a draft, get feedback and suggestions from them.
- Problem-Solving skills
Some clients make unreasonable demands in any creative field. The same applies to editing. Editors may have to deal with some issues at times.
You can make mistakes while editing videos, this doesn’t mean that you have to abandon them. You might be in a similar situation to someone else.
Do not be an escape artist, but a problem solver!
- Good storyteller
Understanding the core elements of a story is essential to becoming a great video editor. An editor is a kind of narrator. He or she tells the story using various elements. To be able to do this effectively, you need to understand the plot, characters, climax, and twists.
Ask questions such as who is the intended viewer for this video? What message do clients wish to communicate? Does the context have any implicit or hidden meaning?
These answers will make it much easier to convey your message via video.
How to Become a Video Editor
- Learn a genre you like
A thorough understanding of the genre you are working in can help guide your video editing efforts, whether it is editing commercials or a feature-length movie. A genre can help you build a portfolio of work to present to prospective clients. To build your portfolio, you can research your genre and then start editing your clips.
- Practice and develop your skills
Learn how to use video editing software. Keep making samples of videos to improve your skills. Learning and seeking out peer or online advice and questions is a great way to keep your mind open to new possibilities. You don’t have to be satisfied with your portfolio. Keep working on projects that will help you learn new skills or sharpen the ones you already have.
- Consider getting a degree
Although a degree is not necessary for video editing, many choose to get a bachelor’s in film production or film studies. A degree can increase your chances of getting a job or show your dedication to the profession. You can also search for certification programs at community colleges or online.
- Ensure you have the appropriate pieces of equipment and gadgets
To produce high-quality videos, you need the right equipment. While initial expenses may seem high, it is possible to keep costs down by being proactive and planning. Talk to an accountant about how taxes affect video editors and what expenses may be deductible by the tax.
- Display your portfolio
You should think about how you would like to showcase your videos. Also, consider whether you want to create a website that features your work. Or, look at templates for video editors that you might find useful. This can make potential clients know that they are welcome to meet with you and view your work privately. To collect contact information and email addresses, you can create a form on the website. You can also email information about editing and videos to keep you in mind so that customers know who to contact for any event or project.
- Connect and build a network
You might consider creating a network with industry professionals who can help your business grow. You might find mentors, advisors, or freelance editors who can share their strategies and tips with you through your network. Although your network may be small, it could include family members and close friends. However, let everyone know that you are looking for work and ask them for referrals. You can join online groups, or visit your local college to find out if there are any video editing clubs or groups that you could join.
- Create an appropriate billing system
You might have other video editors working on multiple projects simultaneously for different clients. A system will help you track milestones, payment terms, and due dates. A system that tracks payments, logs expenses, and issues detailed invoices is essential.
- Create your online profile
Online opportunities to search for and bid on work are growing every day. Video editors can find work in freelancing forums, groups, or by signing up with a big company such as Fiverr and Upwork. You can upload a bio, sample of work, and rates to online promotion sites. To find out the average cost of video editing in your region, you can look into the industry.
- Continue to grow your business
You can network and update your portfolio as a video editor to keep finding new clients. Clients may be interested in hiring you for a series of projects. However, it is advisable to keep your interests separate to avoid being dependent on one client or job. You can offer your services to local theaters if you have experience in marketing videos. You can also hire production assistants and outsource certain aspects of your work as your career grows.
Where to Work
Most film video editors work from offices or studios. However, some edits can be done in archives or film libraries. Depending on the production, it is possible to work overtime, on shifts, long hours, or irregular hours.
Video Editor Salary Scale
The average salary of a video editor is $59,000. The average hourly wage for video editors in the US is $40. A video editor who is a professional can make as much as $80,000 annually, while an editor who is a novice can make as high as $40,000 per year.
