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Who is a Film and Video Editor?
We dream in dissolves, but we think in cuts ~ John Hyjek, NBC News Editor
A career as a film and video editor is editing professional. He or she is responsible for compiling random video shots in a sequence with the addition of music, graphics and special effects to give viewers a real-time experience. All those videos or movies that you have ever seen on the screen of a theatre or commercial ad on a smartphone or television are the final result of post-production. The final video that you watch on the screen has never been shot the way it appears flawlessly on screen. It involves numerous cuts, shots, ambience and other unnecessary elements.
It is known as raw footage. When it reaches without being sequenced in raw format to the video editor. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Design Bachelor of Mass Media, and Master of Fine Arts to become Film and Video Editors. In this article, we will discuss the film and video editor job description, how to become a film and video editor in India, film and video editor role and responsibilities, film and video editor skills, film and video editor qualifications and film and video editor eligibility.
Film and Video Editor in a Nutshell
A film and video editor is a technical professional who applies his or her creative side to produce a final video. Such videos involve both technology and creativity. There are video editing software programs installed on computers through which a video editor puts various effects on picture quality, edits sound, adds music, cuts reels and arranges shots in a sequence that narrates a story in an intriguing manner.
Quick Facts for Film and Video Editor
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Industry
Entertainment
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
The career of a film and video editor is suitable for everyone regardless of gender. Men more often pursue this career as compared to women. We could say career as a film and video editor is more dominated by the male population. Whether a person is male, female or belongs to any other career, he or she can opt for this career. There is no discrimination in a career as a film and video editor on the basis of gender.
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Any special needs
Yes
Candidates with special needs can opt for this career. The career as film and video editor requires an eye to detail to select the elements to present on the final video from raw footage.
Table of Contents for Film and Video Editor
What is the role of Film and Video Editor?
Are you thinking about what the film and video editor role and responsibilities are? Film and video editors apply his or her editing skills in managing camera footage, dialogues, sound effects, graphics and special effects to create a final video or film product. He or she plays a crucial role in the post-production process. A film and video editor is responsible for the final outcome of a video with effective shots and storytelling that fetches the attention of viewers. The film and video editor job description is closely associated with the job description of the director to achieve the desired end result.
Coordination
The role of a film and video editor is to get a small brief from the director or production executive before working on the outline of the footage.
Assembling
The film and video editor role and responsibilities are assembling all raw footage with camera shots either recorded or transferred onto video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer. He or she inputs uncut rushes and sounds. A video editor synchronises and stores file footage on computers.
Editing
A film and video editor is responsible for reordering and fine-tuning the content to ensure logical sequencing along with all the elements such as appropriate shots, graphics, special effects, sound and music. It is done to ensure the smooth running of film and video.
Types of a Film and Video Editor
There are various sub-disciplines of a career as a film and video editor. Candidates can opt for any of these film and video editor career options or types of film and video editor mentioned below.
Television Studio Video Editor: A television studio video editor is a professional who works on a network in a studio or for a local company as a live programming editor. He or she is required to polish raw video products. A television studio video editor works with news or sports producers. He or she is required to be under frequent time pressure to fit the allotted slot of the programme.
Film Editor: A film editor is a professional who works closely with directors and producers. He or she is required to coordinate with them to select recorded scenes for editing, engage special effects, mix sound, music and dialogue to create a final product that is fine and complete. A film editor is often required to edit some material on the spot, be involved in basic sound work and work closely with other teams involved in the production such as lighting, special effects, making sound and music.
Multimedia Artist and Animator: A multimedia artist and animator is often known as a multimedia specialist. He or she creates, animates and edits videos for digital platforms. A multimedia specialist works within a team to set goals, and film and animate material, storyboard, and ideas. He or she is required to digitise everything to publish the finalised product online. Read the complete article to learn about how to become a film and video editor in India.
What is the workplace/work environment of Film and Video Editor like?
You must be wondering how a day in the life of a film and video editor is spent. Individuals who opt for a career as film and video editors work in production houses, post-production studios, newsrooms, and dot-com companies. There are numerous pros and cons of being a film and video editor. On several occasions, he or she may be required to coordinate with other professionals such as sound effects editors, music editors and assistant editors while working on a big project. A freelance video editor may often be required to work intensive hours. On several occasions, he or she may get inactivity between projects. At such time, a freelance video editor is required to follow up on potential work. A video editor is required to work under frequent time pressure as there are strict deadlines.
Does Film and Video Editor require travelling?
Not Likely
Individuals who opt for a career as film and video editors do not require travelling on a regular basis.
Employment Shifts
Full Time, Part Time, Hourly Basis, Work From Home
Individuals who opt for a career as film and video editors find employment full-time, part-time, on-call and work from home. The employment shift varies depending on the organisation and its requirements.
Employment Nature
Contractual, Permanent
Individuals who opt for a career as film and video editors find employment on both a permanent as well as a contractual basis. The duration of contractual employment depends entirely on the requirements of the organisation or clients. It may depend on the completion of a project or for a time duration of several months. Post-production studios hire video editors on a short-term basis.
Work Place
Virtual Workplace, Office, Work From Home, Production Houses, Newsrool Electronic Media, Newsroom Digital Media
The workplace of a film and video editor depends on employers. He or she may work in an office environment, newsroom, and production houses.
Presence in Geographical Area
Semi-urban, Urban
Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai and New Delhi provide alluring employment opportunities to film and video editors.
Time Pressure
Likely
Individuals who opt for a career as film and video editors are required to work under frequent time pressure. A video editor working in a newsroom of electronic media is required to publish a five to seven-minute news package (video) in twenty to twenty-five minutes. He or she is provided with the assistance of a production executive to work in a fast-paced environment. Time pressure varies depending on the workplace and type of project.
Overtime Details
Individuals who opt for a career as film and video editors are often required to work overtime due to excess work pressure and deadlines.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 50 Hours
Individuals who opt for a career as film and video editors work a minimum of fifty hours per week. Work hours may vary depending on the deadline and the final duration of the project (video or film) to be edited.
How to become a Film and Video Editor?
Steps to become a Film and Video Editor
If you are someone who is interested in videos and how they have made so perfect and would love to edit the videos as a professional then a career as an Film and Video Editor is the best option for you. If you are someone who wants to opt for video editing as a career and looking for the details on how to become a Film and Video Editor in India then below we have mentioned the steps for how to become a Film and Video Editor.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Film and Video Editor?
You must be wondering how to become a film and video editor? So, in this section, we will be answering the most commonly asked question of how to become a video editor. A career as a film and video editor requires several skill sets for effective functioning. We have mentioned below the crucial skills that provide support in establishing a successful career as a film and video editor.
Time Management Skills: A film and video editor has to work under frequent time pressure to meet deadlines. Skipping deadlines may impact the whole business of the organisation. It also affects the working schedule of other related professionals. If a video of a certain concept is not finalised before the event when it is scheduled to be released, it may become difficult to fetch the production cost.
Organising Skills: A video editor may get numerous projects to finish on a specific date. He or she may be required to work on multiple projects at the same time. In such situations, organisation skills play a crucial role. A little mismanagement may ruin the whole effort of editing and producing a fine video.
An Eye For Detail: Video editing requires patience as well as concentration. An eye for detail is required in a career as a video editor. A wrong shot or sequence may ruin the whole narrative of the story. A video editor is required to add special effects and graphics to avoid glitches cut after cut.
Communication Skills: A video editor must possess strong communication skills. He or she is required to communicate with other professionals to obtain the required goal. A video editor is required both verbal and written skills are required. He or she is required to save each file footage with a specific identity to get it whenever it is required.
Video Editing Software: A video editor is required to function on at least two major video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro and other video editing programs. The requirement of functioning on a certain software may vary depending on the organisation. Several media houses own specific software that they get built from software companies directly for the entire production process involved in the functioning of the organisation.
Popular Online Arts And Crafts Courses and Certifications
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Film and Video Editor?
We have provided below a list of certification courses that aspiring individuals may opt to upgrade their skills and knowledge.
| Digital Filmmaking Course in India | Explore Filmmaking: from Script to Screen |
| Digital Filmmaking Course in India | Diploma in Video Editing and related software |
Internship Availability
Internships play a crucial role in the initial phase of career development. It brings learning opportunities and industry insights. Internship increases the chances for candidates to get full-time permanent employment opportunities in the same organisation. Video editing interns get to observe and learn various processes involved in video production through the tutelage of professionals in the field of entertainment.
Internships also provide an opportunity to network with professional connections at the initial stage. Such connections may provide better opportunities in the future. Candidates are required to find internship opportunities at production companies. A video editing intern is responsible for producing fine shots from raw footage. He or she is required to coordinate with directors to obtain the required goals.
What is the job outlook for Film and Video Editor?
People are becoming more aware of the functioning of the entertainment industry and the business involved in it. The entertainment industry has developed over the years. The film and video editor job outlook is a fascinating industry that attracts everyone. Candidates can find numerous opportunities with a variety of workplaces such as production houses, and newsrooms, unlike earlier when the industry was limited to a few.
Candidates are required to begin with internships to establish a career as a film and video editor. Most candidates start their careers from the bottom level. They work as an intern video editor in production houses. Candidates climb up the ladder of senior roles and responsibilities in production companies with the years spent in the industry. Employers prefer to work with candidates who have prior experience. Networking and connections play a crucial role in getting better opportunities in the entertainment industry. Film editors usually work from an office or studio space. Scroll down to read how to become a film and video editor in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Film and Video Editor
Que. What is the average fee of a Bachelor of Mass Media Programme?
Ans.The fee varies depending on the institute. Government colleges charge an economical fee while private colleges charge a hefty fee. The average fee of a B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) programme is Rs. 60,000 per annum.
Que. What is the average salary offered to freshly graduate candidates in B.Des. Animation programme?
Ans.The salary varies depending on skills and experience. Employers prefer to hire candidates with prior work experience. Candidates with prior internship experience pose a higher chance of getting a full-time job role. The average salary offered to fresh graduates in the B.Des. Animation programme ranges from Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 600,000 per annum.
Que. Does a diploma in VFX effects worth it to become a film and video editor?
Ans.Yes, a diploma in VFX effects is efficient for establishing a career as a film and video editor. It provides support to acquire both theoretical and technical skills required to function in the industry.
Que. What education is needed to become a film and video editor?
Ans.There is not any such specific academic requirement to opt for a career as a film and video editor. Several employers prefer candidates with a minimum bachelor’s level degree or diploma. A relevant degree in cinematography, filmmaking, vfx or animation provides support to acquire the technical skills of a film and video editor. Candidates are required to begin internships at production houses to get a full-time job role as a film and video editor.
Que. What is the average stipend provided to video editing interns?
Ans.The stipend provided to video editing interns varies depending on the organisation. The average stipend offered to candidates with prior video editing internship experience and who have made progress in their work is Rs. 8000 per month.
Que. What qualifications do you need to be a film and video editor?
Ans.The qualifications required to become a film and video editor are a bachelor's degree in Film and film production.
Que. How long does it take to become a film and video editor?
Ans.It will take 4-6 years to become a film and video editor.
Que. What should I study to become a film editor?
Ans.You can take a diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree in video production, filmmaking, broadcasting, media communications or any other related degree.
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Questions related to Film and Video Editor
Im currently studying in class 12th. I want to pursue a career in Film and Television Production, but my mother is telling me to first complete a course such as B.Tech and get a degree, and then study Film Production. I havent got to any JEE coaching. What should i do?
Hello,
It is good that you have identified your passion and know what you want to become in future and pursue your career in. The good news is there is B.Tech course related to our field also like B.Tech.(TV, Film Production and Media Technology).
I will list out some of the colleges that offer such courses:
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Punjabi University, Patiala
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Amity University, Noida
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Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
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Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
Appear for the entrance exams this year, if you do not get a good rank then I would suggest that you take a year drop and appear for the next year.
Good Luck
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Thomas Alva Edison with his assistant William Laurie Dickson invented the first motion graphic project in 1890. It used celluloid film to create motion pictures.
Fact 2
In the 1900s, people used scissors and tape to trim unnecessary footage until the invention of the first editing machine.
Fact 3
Iwan Surrier invented the first editing machine in 1924. It was known as Moviola.
Fact 4
Conard A. Nervig was the first person to receive an Oscar for film editing.
Fact 5
The first video recorder-AMPEX was introduced in the industry in 1956. It was the first device to use the magnetic tape to record video.
