Film and Video Editor - Career Profile

What does a Film and Video Editor Do? Where does a Film and Video Editor work? ACR takes a look:

About Film and Video Editors

Film and video editors are responsible for the cutting, assembling, and processing of film footage for multiple forms of digital media such as television shows, movies, and music videos. In addition to editing, today’s film and video editors have experience in sound effects, special effects, and animation.

Film and Video Editor Jobs

Film and video editors guide the pace and telling of a story. They select the best takes of scenes and splice them together to create the most entertaining finished piece. They use a variety of editing software to achieve the goals of the piece. Some of the most common types of software used in the film and video-editing industry are Final Cut Pro, After Effects, Motion Graphics, and Avid Media Composer.

Film and video editors work in film production studios, editing studios, post-production studios, radio and television broadcasting, advertising and public relations agencies, web companies, in mobile technology, gaming studios, and animation studios. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, film and video editors also work in manufacturing and reproducing magnetic and optical media; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services; and sound recording.

Film and Video Editor Salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the most current annual wages for most occupations. Median annual wages for film and video editors are $50,930. The lowest 10 percent earn $25,960 per year and the highest earn $111,860 per year.

Salaries may be higher or lower depending on everything from experience to company location. For example, California film and video editors average around $84,760 per year while Illinois film and video editors average $60,195 per year.

Becoming a Film and Video Editor

To become a film and video editor for an animation studio, consider earning a degree in animation or a degree in film and video with an animation focus. Most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in a relative field from an accredited college, university, or art and design school. Entry-level positions may only require internship experience or experience in a support position (in addition to a degree), while advanced positions will require a minimum of 2 years’ professional experience. It is important to keep in mind that larger (top) studios that work on large-scale productions may require an advanced degree and more than 5 years’ experience in the industry.

Job Trends for Film and Video Editors

Because the motion picture industry is always expanding, the demand for film and video editors will continue to expand. The demand for film and video in interactive productions, the Internet, and advertising will also drive employment growth in the industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of film and video editors is expected to grow 12 percent over the 2008–18 decade, which is as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018