If you are passionate about editing raw footage to turn it into a compelling story, consider becoming a video editor. In the era of dynamic content that can be seen quite literally everywhere, video editing is a very promising direction.
There are several paths you may take, all of which will help you to make interesting clips and movies that educate or entertain audiences. In this post, we’ll look at what a profession in video editing entails, what pros do, what skill set is required to become one, as well as job prospects and much more.
Let’s start with the basics: What is the video editor’s competence?
In one word, editing is not mechanical, but creative work. Joining frames in a special program and adding effects is only a part of what a video editor does. The range of duties of a good specialist is much wider. Here’s what it usually looks like:
• import of footage into the system;
• review of all material and selection of the most successful frames;
• working with the video director to determine the overall vision
• arrangement of frames in the correct order on the timeline;
• merging episodes;
• adding effects;
• work with music tools and sound effects;
• color correction;
• adding text to video;
• coordination of the film with producers and directors;
• export and conversion of the film.
Video editors’ primary working instrument is a computer, laptop, or tablet loaded with a suite of professional video editing software. A skilled video editor can create a new storyline from the captured frames, deleting the unneeded and adding something that significantly alters the nature of the movie theme. While performing the assigned tasks, the video editor maintains close business communication with the director and other professionals.
In theory, the editors do everything according to the script. They receive a clear technical task, which they should strictly fulfill. Therefore, an editor is not always a creator, but primarily a performer who realizes someone else’s vision. And yet, those editors who can show a creative approach to video processing are very valuable and receive quite a competitive salary.
This is not about special effects and motion design, but about the expression of an artistic idea through editing. For example, you can use side-by-side or cross-cutting for this, which will increase the involvement of viewers in the video.
Since in practice scripts are often written by people who don’t know much about editing, it’s up to a top-notch editor to come up with a cool idea for the best way to express the meaning of a video.
Is video editing limited to video editors only?
In short, no. Here are some common video editor jobs:
#1. Movie editor. As a rule, film editors work on site for feature films, short films, and independent movies. To edit cinematic sequences, they normally team up with the major director, cameraman, and sound engineer. In addition to editing, they must study the screenplay and take on close collaboration with the director to ensure that the final video is appropriate for the story being presented. Before editing a scene, some editors even visit the spot during filming to grasp its goal.
#2. TV content editor. Such specialists work for bigger or smaller production businesses, gathering footage for major TV genres such as sitcom scripts, documentaries, instructional videos, or music clips. They frequently work under tight schedules and must provide flawless final products. Some TV editors assist in monitoring the show’s design, lighting or camera position, and sound during production to ensure that they suit the edited video.
#3. Animator. An animator produces moving visuals and cartoon tales. They are often in charge of developing numerous components such as characters, backdrop designs, and settings. The majority of these pros sketch these drawings and then attempt to record them as animated pics.
#4. Editor of marketing videos. The majority of video editors on marketing teams develop instructional, informative, and entertaining promotional clips for a specific audience. They may work on a wide range of video editing projects, including ad campaigns, product demos, and tutorial videos. Most video editors research and adhere to a business’s brand standards to ensure that they satisfy the necessary needs, reflect the brand’s image and correctly represent the firm.
What about skills?
Video editors are people who have a great deal of tenacity, pedantry, and a high level of attention to detail. They are also executive, demanding of themselves and others, and prone to tedious and time-consuming tasks. It is essential for them to be able to react neutrally to criticism and to seek a compromise in their job. A video editor must be prepared to regularly learn new tools and keep abreast of current trends. Success in the career necessitates creative abilities, refined taste, and an awareness of the industry’s trends.
Moreover, a video editor needs to be sociable and flexible because part of success in the film and video industry is networking – getting to know the right people.
When it comes to hard skills, a video editor needs to own a video editing software package. Among these are often called DaVinci Resolve, Vegas Pro, Final Cut Pro, and many other professional programs.
In addition to video editors, it is great to be able to work in other programs, such as video converters, if you need, say, to convert MXF to MP4, process and mix sound effects in Adobe Audition, create animation and effects in After Effects.
Finally, a couple of tips
- Learn and gain experience. Edit everything that can be edited! Take apart, for example, family archives, and make a video from disparate videos from vacations or birthdays.
- Follow the news. One creative instinct and experience are not enough to be successful. You also need to be an expert from a technical point of view: the better you understand editing programs, the higher you are valued. Update the software you work with in time, study new products, and read industry news.
- Take freelance projects. A good and fresh source of vacancies is Telegram channels. Look for orders on freelance websites. Also, create a profile on LinkedIn and look for acquaintances there. Be sure to join thematic groups on social media, and answer other people’s comments and questions.
- Get inspired. As we have already said, visual experience is important for a video editor. Whether you’re in the business of editing wedding videos or making feature films, it’s always a good idea to follow and learn from prominent professionals in your field.
Try your hand at editing right now. We believe you will succeed. Good luck!