Tips on Becoming a Multimedia Editor in Alabama

Lately, all sorts of artists in Alabama pursue careers as professional media editors.  The basic job of an audio-visual editor involves arranging taped footage into well-timed sequences, based on the instructions of directors and producers.  Advances in digital technology have created a vigorously increasing local demand for audio-visual editors.

Alabama Schools and Training Programs for Multimedia Editing

Assorted Alabama Universities, colleges and film schools provide professional instruction in multimedia editing design.  Popular Alabama film schools include South University in Montgomery, Sanford University in Birmingham, Auburn University in Auburn and Oakwood College in Huntsville. 

Also available are numerous accredited online art schools like the Academy of Art University, Full Sail University, Stratford Career Institute, DeVry, University of Phoenix, National University and quite a few others.  Some online film schools also provide supplemental local facilities.  University of Phoenix has a campus in Birmingham. 

Working as a Multimedia Editor in Alabama

Alabama businesses hire multimedia editors for many purposes such as animated productions, feature films, interactive games, corporate videos and educational media, among other things.  Alabama sound and video editors often work for local TV stations like Alabama's ABC and WIAT-TV in Birmingham, 31-Productions and WHNT (New York Times) in Huntsville or Public Television and WNCF-TV in Montgomery, for example.  Alabama sound editors are often employed by local radio stations like Cox Radio and WZZK in Birmingham, American Broadcasting Solutions and WRTT in Huntsville or Bluewater Broadcasting and Montbrook Broadcasting in Montgomery, to name just a few. 

Full time professional multimedia editors employed in the state of Alabama can expect to earn about $40,000 to $50,000 per year, on average.  This figure does not reflect the incomes of part time animators or local freelance professionals.  

Skills of a Professional Multimedia Editor

Professional audio-visual editors are typically employed in the mass media industry, and are usually familiar with all film making and broadcasting methods and techniques.  The multimedia editor's main task is the organization and manipulation of raw audio-visual footage.  Audio-visual editors demonstrate advanced interpersonal skills such as communication, collaboration,  patience, persistence and maddeningly precise attention to detail.  Multimedia editing also involves technical skills such as proficiency with computer operating systems and familiarity with digital editing software packages like Adobe Premier, Unreal Editor or Final Cut.  Editors are also skilled at traditional cut-and-tape editing techniques, which are still in use today for purposes such as information transfer and movie remakes.