Video editing jobs – permanent and freelance
Video editing jobs – part of the post-production process – are many and varied but all demand a combination of creative flair and technological know-how.
Editing is one of the three key skills that make up television and film production, the others being writing and shooting.
In other words, pre-production, production and post-production.
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Video editors’ responsibilities
Editors are responsible for assembling recorded material into a finished product suitable for broadcasting and may work on a variety of productions including feature films, TV programmes, commercials, music videos and corporate training videos.
The raw material they work with may consist of camera footage (known as “rushes”), dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects and their role is a key part of the post-production process. An editor’s skill can determine the quality of the final product.
Today, more and more people are editing their own video footage using various computer-based software programs to create content which invariably ends up on YouTube.
However, at the other end of the scale – the top end – there’s a bit more to the art of editing. It still involves computers but instead of them being in people’s bedrooms, they’re usually in hugely expensive edit suites in one of the country’s ‘media hubs’ (such as west London, Soho and Manchester).
What video editing jobs are available?
We at Frame 25 often hear the same questions coming up on a regular basis regarding video editing jobs. For example…
- Can/do people make the transition from amateur editor to professional?
- What video editing jobs are available?
- Are there freelance editing jobs?
So we decided to write about the various positions.
Many amateur video editors wonder if the skills they have learned creating their own projects or home movies can actually be developed and refined into a career. The simple answer is yes.
Like every other worthy pursuit, it takes time and effort but the opportunities are extremely attractive for many people.
Depending on the product and/or client, an editor may be given creative freedom and become very involved in creating the narrative, structure and tone of the programme or film. In other situations, however, they might only be hired as “someone to operate the machine”.
Generally speaking, though, editors need the following characteristics to succeed:
- A good sense of timing to put together pieces that flow well
- Attention to detail
- Patience
- The ability to meet tight deadlines
Edit Assistant
One of the most common routes into this area of work is the Edit Assistant role. It’s the edit assistant’s job to organise and store the rushes for quick and easy use by the editor when required and duties will also include ingesting and/or digitising the content, logging tapes and perhaps some basic cutting, too.
Offline Editor
Offline editors work in a highly creative role (‘offline’ means “not under the direct control of another device” – via automation, for example) and operate alongside the director to select shots and piece them together.
Online Editor
Online editors’ work is more technical and includes tasks such as correcting faulty footage, grading/colouring and adding visual effects and titles. They must prepare the final edit for transmission and deliver it to the required specifications.
Lower budget productions may see one editor carrying out both the offline and online editing.
The majority of video editing jobs are taken on a freelance basis, with editors working on short-term contracts for post-production studios, television companies and corporate employers.
What technology should editors learn?
Digital technology, specialist computer software and high-quality digitisation of sound and pictures have effectively replaced the traditional method which saw editors manually cutting the film.
There’s a growing number of software programs that broadcasters and filmmakers use to edit footage but an increasing number of producers are investing in Adobe video editing technologies, such as After Effects and Premiere Pro.
Premiere Pro ranks among the top video editing programs available today and is becoming the preferred editing tool of broadcasters, filmmakers and commercial producers: the BBC, The Tonight Show and films such as The Social Network all use or have used Adobe video editing talent and technology.
Frame 25’s own roster of clients includes producers of high-quality broadcast content who are always looking for talented and experienced Adobe video editing professionals.
Getting started
Have you read our post, Creative Media Jobs And How To Get One? There’s a lot of really useful advice in there from various people including experienced freelance editor Matt Michael. It’s worth reading now if you haven’t already done so.
Looking for freelance editing jobs?
If you’re already a freelance editor and are looking for more work, let Frame 25 make life easy for you. We pay our freelancers directly which means you don’t have to chase employers and we’re always looking for experienced, talented and reliable editors. Click here to see our latest video editing jobs