Editor - Film​/TV​/Digital

Job Description

Film/TV/Video editors edit moving images on film, video, or other media. They may edit or synchronize soundtracks with images. They collaborate with producers and directors to create the final production.

Note:
This profile is targeted to those who want to work in the motion picture industry in Los Angeles or New York City. It does not focus on being an editor in broadcasting.

Rewarding Aspects of Career

• Always learning new things!
• Working with artist and creative folks!

“Editing TV and video is something I always wanted to do, and I did it for fun when I was a kid. So it's kinda like I get paid now to do something which has always been a hobby. So it's doesn't actually feel like work.”Matt McNaughten, Editor, TV Producer

• Technical
  :
  Avid, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, After Effects
• Time Management
• Problem solving

• Freelance
  :
  Most editors in the motion picture industry are freelance and they work project to project.
• Post Production/Visual Effects House
• Advertising/Digital Agency
• Broadcasting
  :
  News outlets

• Film
  :
  Feature films, movie trailers, short film, behind the scenes video
• TV
  : TV shows, reality shows, sizzle reels
• Music videos
• Digital/Web
  :
  Web series, promotional videos
• Other
  :
  Actor reels

If your dream is to be a film editor, know that you will mostly likely not secure a film editing position right off the bat. Many editors do other jobs (corporate gigs, music videos, digital) to pay their bills and wait for their film editing opportunity. Unless you are a famous editor, the film and tv editing gigs are few and far between.

Be flexible. The other gigs will allow you to hone your craft, prepare you for when you get the call to edit a feature film or television show and pay the bills.

• Long work days and irregular hours
• Difficult to break into the industry and stay in the industry: low pay when you start off.
• Working in a dark room for many hours alone

As videos online become more popular, there will be more work for editors in the digital space.

What kinds of things did people in this career enjoy doing when they were young...

• Loved film and television!
• Loved editing videos
  :
  These days you can edit videos through free online software. Technology has come so far, almost anybody who has access to a computer can edit videos.
• Wanted to be part of the storytelling process!
• You were the go to person in your family to edit the family’s home video.
• Loved puzzles and games!
• $2,575.88 per week (Union)

• Film/TV/Digital Editors need a bachelor’s degree in Film and TV Studies or something similar. Some complete a Master of Fine Arts program but EXPERIENCE trumps education.
  • OR take editing and film classes and major in another subject you are interested in. Editing is a creative process. The more experience and knowledge of the world you have, the more creative you will be, and the better of an editor you will be.
• Film Editors who work on small indie films have no formal educational requirements, but many also hold college degrees or attended formal training
• Film schools such as New York Film Academy offer short programs as well as full degree programs (see our list of Resources > Film Schools)
• Film/TV/Digital Editors should be familiar with popular editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve 17, Vegas Pro, Autodesk Maya, FUSION 17, The Foundry Nuke, Lightworks, ZBrush, Houdini, Boris FX Mocha Pro, Pixar’s Render Man, Modo, and After Effects
• They must also have strong organizational and storytelling skills
• Many students gain practical experience through internships/apprenticeships in studios, small production companies, film councils, nonprofits, or production guilds and unions
• Additional ad hoc certifications can help bolster your credentials, such as UCLA Extension’s Film Editing cert
• Stock up on courses in art, English, writing, design, and photography

Join audiovisual clubs to get hands-on experience

Watch a variety of production types, including films, TV shows, commercials, etc., and pay attention to how scenes are edited and how visual storytelling elements work

Learn how to read and…