Film and Video Editors

Career summary

#no directly matching wois occ, closest is 9826, but only part of it applies. No alt titles., checked 2/25/15 lh

Before they do any editing, film and video editors review the script with reporters, producers, and directors. They discuss the story line and what scenes the director thinks are most important. Editors need to know what the reporters, producers, and directors expect of the film so that they can edit it to match the creators' vision.

Once the edits are made, film and video editors review the film and correct errors. Editors go through the review and edit cycle several times until they are satisfied with the result. They may add dialogue, music, and special effects. They work closely with people who specialize in audio, visual, music, and special effects.

Film and video editors often specialize in certain types of television or film. They may edit:

• Short commercials
• Music videos
• Instructional films
• Soundtracks
• Movies
• Documentaries
• News reports

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Animators and Multimedia Artists
• Audio-Visual Specialists
• Camera Operators
• Editors
• Photographers
• Producers and Directors
• Sound Engineering Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to film and video editors.

• Study scripts and learn more about projects. Meet with producers and directors to discuss the projects.
• Determine the most dramatic and entertaining scenes and sequences of films.
• Mark a frame where a shot or sound will begin or end.
• Trim film pieces to certain lengths and put pieces back together.
• Work with others in audio, visual, and special effects to determine the sound, dialogue, music, and additional visual effects needed.
• Add music, dialogue, and sound effects to film, using editing equipment.
• Set up and use computers and other equipment to add graphics and other effects.
• Review film once it is edited and put together.
• Screen films for directors and coworkers.
• Make additional edits after reviewing the film.
• In most cases, transfer film to computer format so that editing can be done by computer.
• Supervise the work of those who cut and put together film scenes.

Common work activities

Film and video editors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Think creatively
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Process information
• Document and record information
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Analyze data or information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, film and video editors:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of job-required social interaction. They spend time working alone while editing, but also work with coworkers and talk to the creators of films.
• Communicate daily with coworkers and clients by telephone, e-mail, or in person. They communicate less often by letters and memos.
• Are responsible for the outcome of others' work.
• Usually work in a group or as part of a team on a daily basis.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Work somewhat close to coworkers. They often share the same office space.

Work performance

• Must be sure that the job is done accurately. There is the potential to make serious errors that are difficult to correct.
• Make decisions that strongly impact coworkers, especially when working together on a project. They rarely consult supervisors when making decisions.
• Make decisions on a weekly basis that affect a client's final product.
• Set most tasks and priorities for the day without consulting a supervisor or manager. This is because they do many of the same tasks, such as cutting and splicing film, over and over.
• Abide by strict deadlines on a daily basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each work. However, there is the potential to work long, irregular hours to meet deadlines.
• Work about 40 hours per week. However, they may be without work between projects.

Physical demands

Film and video editors frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for film and video editors to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for film and video editors to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Skills and abilities

Film and video editors need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Broadcast Journalism
• Communications Operations Technology
• Digital Communication and Media
• Journalism
• Photographic, Film, and Video Technology
• Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Animation, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
• Cinematography and Film/Video Production
• Communication and Speech Studies
• Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Film Studies
• Mass Communication Studies
• Multimedia and Intermedia
• Music Technology
• Photography
• Radio and Television
• Recording Arts Technology

Training

To work as a film or video editor, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Education after high school

Most film and video editors have a bachelor's degree in a field related to film or broadcasting, such as communications. Many colleges offer courses in cinematography or video-editing software. In these programs, you learn about film theory and receive practical training.

While formal education is important, you learn to edit by doing it. Proven ability is most important. Employers look for creative people who have the necessary technical skills. It is helpful to have an understanding of digital cameras and editing software.

Work experience

Participate in a film club in high school or college, if your school has one. Many schools have a film or video studio where you can learn to create and edit short programs.

Try to participate in an internship with a film company or television station while you are in school. Work in one of these settings is good background even if you are not involved in editing.

On-the-job training

New editors generally receive on-the-job training, regardless of how they gained their skills. Training usually lasts up to three months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Commercial Photography
• Film and Videotape
• Photography

Many film and video editors are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Film and video editors get hired mainly on the basis of their reputation. Employers look for film and video editors who understand film. They also look for editors who are open to others' suggestions. They especially look for editors with strong visual understanding who pay close attention to detail. Film and video editors who do good work may be asked to work repeatedly with certain directors and producers. Film and video editors should be able to work creatively and cooperatively with others while editing projects.

Costs to workers

Some film and video editors are required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues. Some workers join professional associations or trade groups, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Film and Video Editors 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by the number of projects editors complete. Working on a film may keep an editor busy for months. However, unless they have lined up other projects, editors may go without pay until they find another project.

Film and video editors who work full time for a film or production company usually receive benefits. Common benefits include paid vacation and health insurance. Self-employed film and video editors must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 27% of film and video editors are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Television stations
• Movie and TV production companies

National outlook

Job growth is expected to be much faster than average for this occupation. American films are in demand all over the world, so film companies will continue to produce as many films as possible. In addition, cable and Internet video media create more opportunities for film editors.

This occupation is attractive to many people. Thus, there will be a lot of competition for jobs. Those with experience at a TV station or movie production set and experience with specialized editing software will  will have the best opportunities.

Other resources

American Journalism Review 

American Society of Cinematographers 
PO Box 2230
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Artist Trust 
1835 - 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
866.218.7878
206.467.8734

Broadcast Education Association 
1771 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-2891

IATSE Local #15 
2800 First Avenue, Suite 231
Seattle, WA 98121
206.441.1515

International Animated Film Society 

National Association of Broadcasters 
1771 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.5300

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

Society for Cinema & Media Studies 
640 Parrington Oval
Wallace Old Science Hall, Room 300
Norman, OK 73019

Society of Professional Journalists 
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 North Meridian Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317.927.8000

TV Jobs 

Washington Filmworks 
1411 4th Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
206.264.0667

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Film and Video Editors (27-4032.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Film or Videotape Editor (962.262-010) 
• Optical-effects Layout Person (962.361-010) 
• Sound Cutter (962.382-014) 
• Supervising Film-or-videotape Editor (962.132-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Artistic/Enterprising/Investigative
• Artistic/Investigative/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Arts Skilled