Film and Video Editors : Training, Salarh & Career Information
Career Information
Film and Video Editors: Career, Salary and Education Information
Running the camera for a television show or motion picture is just the beginning of the filming process. First of all, films (or even 20-minute t.v. shows) are not created in one shot. Instead, individual scenes are created and recreated, over and over, at different times, from various angles, with different lighting, etc. Once all scenes are shot, they are painstakingly put together. This piecing-together process is one of the jobs of film and video editors.
The process is like a true 3-D puzzle. Film and video editing requires a sharp eye (and ear) for visual-artistic value (angles, lighting, circuitous movement of objects on screen), sound effects and music, and timing. Among the many complex tasks in film and video editing is gauging how the audience will react to a certain scene; this will influence the time spent there. For instance, how long will an audience laugh at a scene and be ready for something new?
A Day in the Life of a Film and Video Editor
Film and video editors spend most of their time in cutting rooms, projection rooms, and on shooting stages. Modern cutting rooms tend to be small, well-lit spaces with 3-4 editing benches, film bins, and viewing machines.
For larger projects, such as motion picture films, several editors work together, each with specific tasks. Together, their job is to choose scenes to keep and delete; trim film segments to certain lengths; insert music, dialogue, and sound effects; and review, review, review until it is correct.
Larger projects include more editors. Film and video editors help coordinate all aspects of the project. Sound effects editors focus on the sound effects, recording or obtaining necessary sounds. Music editors primarily work on music requirements of projects, including opening and closing soundtracks and scene music. Assistant editors provide general support to other editors.
When working for smaller and lower-budget projects, one or two film and video editors might perform all editing tasks.
Film and Video Training & Education
Most film and video editors acquire their skills through film schools offering bachelors' degrees, which many employers seek in new hires. Film schools offer courses on equipment, techniques, processes, and the artistic qualities of filmmaking.
In addition to earning a degree in film studies to enhance training and job opportunities, those new to the industry:
- join professional organizations such as American Cinema Editors (ACE)
- seek apprenticeship programs, such as through the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians
- subscribe to industry newsletters
- seek part-time and summer jobs
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Film Careers & Job Outlook
Most film and video jobs are found in Los Angeles, although some are also available in San Francisco and other large cities, especially New York. The biggest employers of film and video editors are motion picture and video industries and radio and television broadcasting.
The glamour associated with the field brings in many applicants, creating keen competition. But the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports better job opportunities for film and video editors than camera operators: projected job growth between 2008 and 2018 is 12 percent for film and video editors (compared with 9 percent for camera operators).
Film and Video Editors Salary Information
Film and video editors' salaries were a median $50,790 in 2009, according to the BLS. Median entry-level positions tend to range between $25,400 and $33,880. The top ten percent of salaries were better than $112,960. States hiring the highest concentrations of professionals in the field are California and New York.
