Film/video editor

As a film/video editor, you'll manage raw material, such as camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, music, graphics, and special effects to produce a 'final cut' of a film or video product. This is a vital part of the post-production process where your skills can determine the quality and delivery of the finished result. You'll usually work closely with the director to achieve the desired vision.

Employment tends to be on a freelance basis, and you'll most likely work on short-term contracts for studios, television companies, and corporate employers.

Digital technology, specialist computer software, and high-quality digitisation of sound and pictures have effectively replaced the traditional manual method of editing film. In some instances, you may be given creative freedom, while in others, you'll just be required to operate the necessary machines.

Types of film/video editor

You may work on a variety of productions, including:

• commercials
• corporate training videos
• feature films
• music videos
• television programmes.

What does a film/video editor do?

As a film/video editor, you'll need to:

• work to a brief/outline or a shot list, script, or screenplay
• assemble raw footage with camera shots, either recorded or transferred onto video tape, such as if you're doing linear editing
• input uncut rushes and sound, as well as synchronise and store them into files on the computer
• digitally cut files to put together the sequence of the film or video and decide what's usable
• create a 'rough cut' (or assembly edit) of the programme/film and determine the exact cutting for the next and final stages
• reorder and fine-tune the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video.

You may also need to:

• oversee the quality and progress of audio and video engineering and the overall editing
• experiment with styles and techniques, including the design of graphic elements
• write voiceover/commentary
• suggest or select music
• carry out online editing, which may also include finalising technical aspects, such as correcting faulty footage, grading and colouring, and adding special effects.

How much does a film/video editor earn?

• Starting salaries for editors in the early stages of their career are in the region of £21,000 to £26,000.
• As an experienced film/video editor, you can expect to earn between £31,000 and £38,000.
• Senior editors, and those late in their career can potentially earn higher salaries of over £50,000.

The role is not considered an entry-level job and it's normal to start at lower pay, possibly as a runner, where salaries could be around the national minimum wage. You may then progress to assistant editor where you can earn more before reaching the full editor position.

Most editors are freelance and are paid on a contract basis. Rates vary, so it's best to check for freelance rates with individual companies or via the Broadcasting Entertainment Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU). If you get work through an agency, they'll negotiate rates and then take either a percentage or a flat fee.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does a film/video editor work?

Hours of work vary depending on the production. You may be able to do standard office hours for some employers. Long and unsociable hours are likely if you're working on television or feature film projects.

Shift work may be required if editing studios are booked at night. When there are deadlines to meet, you should expect to work overtime. Much of your work will be conducted on your own or with a director, and you'll be spending a lot of time at computers using editing software. Travel may also be part of your job, such as if you need to attend a different editing suite.

How do I become a film/video editor?

You don't need a foundation degree, HND, or other degree to be a film/video editor in the UK, but it's important to demonstrate your commitment when trying to break into the industry. You can do this via a relevant qualification, a portfolio of work, or both, to evidence that you have the necessary skills for the job. If you are considering a degree or HND in film or media production, the following subjects are relevant:

• communication and media studies
• fine art or visual art
• graphic design
• information technology/multimedia
• photography, film or television.

You'll need to be proficient in using specific editing software packages, such as Avid or Final Cut Pro. Courses that cover these applications are available at varying levels, but they can be expensive. Make sure you research them fully to find one that matches your career and training goals.

A good degree of computer literacy and an aptitude for working with digital equipment is essential. Having experience in the latest technologies may help you stand out from the competition.

A postgraduate qualification isn't essential, but there are media courses available that will provide you with extra skills to give you an advantage. Search for postgraduate courses in media production.

What skills does a film/video editor need?

You'll need to show:

• a keen eye for detail and a critical mind
• creativity and a passionate interest in film and video editing
• the ability to listen to others and to work well as part of a team
• excellent competencies when it comes to general computer use, with an affinity for digital software and technologies
• organisational and time management skills
• the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• communication skills, both written and oral.

Where can I get film/video editor work experience?

You need to be extremely determined to succeed in the world of editing. You should be willing to get involved and be prepared to do the most basic of tasks. Gaining work experience in other areas of media production will give you the chance to demonstrate this and help you decide if the industry is right for you.

You'll be expected to have pre-entry experience and will need to show evidence of having worked on film or video production or post-production, preferably via an up-to-date and well-prepared showreel.

If you're at university, you can join a film-making society to learn editing techniques. Any films you work on can be used as a portfolio that showcases your skills when you're starting out.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs film/video editors?

Film/video editors are employed by:

• animation companies
• broadcast companies
• film companies
• independent production companies
• post-production companies/facilities
• video/computer games companies.

Some post-production companies and larger independent companies offer long-term contracts and employ a few editors in-house. Broadcast and film companies typically have their own editors, but they all use freelancers on a regular basis. Some companies only use freelance editors.

The television industry is increasingly project-based and, as a result, there’s been a rise in the number of freelancers employed at all levels. You may apply for freelance opportunities to build a portfolio of work and gain a reputation.

Look for job vacancies at:

• 4rfv
• Mandy
• Production Base

Vacancies for film/video editors in the UK are rarely advertised and competition is fierce, even for adjacent media roles such as runner. Send speculative applications, which detail your specific skills, to as many production companies and post-production houses as possible. To help identify relevant contacts, use key industry resources such as:

• Kays
• KFTV - Screen Global Production
• The Knowledge

Getting to know people in the industry and building good working relationships is very helpful for finding opportunities. As a freelancer, you can also advertise your services through dedicated websites and social media.

Where can a career in film/video editing lead?

During the early stages of your career, you'll typically begin as a runner or trainee before working your way up to a position such as assistant editor. You can expect to work in this capacity for around three to four years before moving on to become a qualified film/video editor.

A proactive approach and willingness to start at the bottom are essential for forging a career in this fast-changing industry. If you're able to relocate for a job, this may also be helpful, particularly in the early stages of your career.

In post-production or broadcasting companies, progression may be from runner, digitiser, or assistant editor to senior editor. Larger employers provide well-structured career paths. Experienced in-house editors may move to management roles.

Career development for freelancers takes the form of progressing from small productions to larger or more prestigious projects. It's vital to establish a good reputation and develop your networking skills to succeed. Building strong working relationships with directors, production managers, and producers is valuable as they're often able to take preferred editors with them onto new projects.

While relevant qualifications can be beneficial, career development is based more on experience and practical involvement within the industry and on developing a strong network of contacts.

Learning while you're working is the most effective way of developing your skills further. A combination of observing experienced professionals and experimenting with your own work is the best way to develop the necessary technical and creative skills.

Short courses are available, covering relevant topics such as:

• finance for freelancers
• post-production audio
• use of software editing packages
• visual effects.

ScreenSkills provides a list of approved training providers.

It's also important to keep up-to-date with the media industry and technological advancements.

Recent examples include the arrival of 8K resolution and advances in post-production automation through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). There are also continuing developments in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the creation of short-form content on social media and sites like YouTube.

You may choose to extend your skills into camera or sound work to open up more employment opportunities and to maintain a network of contacts. A range of courses are available through BECTU.