Film and Video Editor

Source: https://www.recruiter.com/careers/film-and-video-editors/

OVERVIEW

Between the camera and the audience comes a very important job. Film and video editors edit soundtracks, film and video for the motion picture, cable and broadcast television industries. They select the scenes captured by the camera operator and put them in a sequence. It sounds simple - it isn't.

In addition to creativity, a thorough understanding of what needs to be communicated drives each decision. And there are so many decisions: Should a scene be paced quickly with many fast cuts? Or would slow shots add more drama? Would the close-up work better here, or the wide-angle shot?

Usually, the editor does not make these decisions alone. Working with a team of people ranging from the director to the client often requires patience. Tight deadlines in news or artistic temperament of co-workers can make this a very stressful job.

Film and TV courses in college or career schools can help enormously. And because this is a job that unites artistry with highly technical skill, schools often have professional equipment. However, because the technology is constantly evolving, it's necessary to continually update your skills with additional training. Once, editors worked with just scissors and tape. Now computers are used. But the goal of the editor is the same as it has been since motion pictures were invented - to tell a story, scene by scene.

DAILY TASKS

• Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
• 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.
• Record needed sounds, or obtain them from sound effects libraries.
• Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.

SALARY

Film and Video Editors tend to make the most in the following industries

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing $67,480

Information $65,630

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation $55,070

Public Administration $47,100

Retail Trade $44,850

Educational Services $43,870

In general, they earn less within the industries below

Manufacturing $40,500

Other Services (except Public Administration) $41,870

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services $43,240

Wholesale Trade $43,270

Educational Services $43,870

Retail Trade $44,850