Career Advice for a Film and Video Editor

When you become a Film and Video Editor, you will be responsible for editing video footage, assessing its length, assembling footage in line with the Director’s vision, and meeting strict deadlines.

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How to Become a Film and Video Editor

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Film and Video Editor

Should you wish to work as a Film and Video Editor you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Film and Video Editor

  • At least two A-levels.
  • T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production.
  • Level 4 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Creative Media Production.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Media Production or Film and Television.

Key Responsibilities for a Film and Video Editor

  • Reading scripts and briefs to understand the director’s vision.
  • Reviewing film and video footage, selecting scenes and trimming segments.
  • Performing revisions requested by the director.
  • Collaborating with other video professionals such as sound technicians, cinematographers, and effects editors.
  • Using video editing software and tools.
  • Inserting graphics, sound effects, music, and dialogue.

What to expect as a Film and Video Editor

Working as a Film and Video Editor, you will need patience and the ability to work with others. You will leverage video editing software skills and work using your initiative to meet the director’s vision. You may work in a film or TV studio, in an office, or from home.

Recommended Film and Video Editor Jobs

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How to get Film and Video Editor Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Film and Video Editor job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Film and Video Editor application. If you have not held a Film and Video Editor position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Film and Video Editor role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Film and Video Editor CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Film and Video Editor application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Film and Video Editor in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Film and Video Editor 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Film and Video Editor and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Film and Video Editor experience.

How to get Film and Video Editor Experience

What does it take to be a Film and Video Editor? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Film and Video Editor jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Film and Video Editor through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Film and Video Editor Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Film and Video Editor part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Film and Video Editor or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Film and Video Editor freelance work

If you have impressive Film and Video Editor qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.