The video editor job is completely creative and compelling, and it is a well-paid job. Youngsters who are looking to work in the media and entertainment industry should enhance their skills and knowledge to gain success in their careers. Video editing is the process of rearranging video shots to create fresh work. Editing is a post-production process and the task includes titling, color correction, and sound mixing. The main goal of editing includes removing unwanted footage, choosing the best footage, creating the flow, adding effect graphic music, altering the style and pace of the video, and finally giving the video a particular angle.
What does a Video Editor Do?
Video editors belong to the post-production team and they work together with the camera and sound crews adding an extra effect. They usually work with films, feature programs, videos, music albums, and commercial videos. They use specialized computer software to generate polish and finished content. Professional video editing remains a complex job and it includes all small kinds of edits. The editing work is performed in an office and you can even work from home using your personal computer. Depending on the type of video footage, editing, and size of the project the job includes various task:
- Capturing quality photographs and video
- Working on and off-site
- Accepted the finished look for the final footage with the director
- Transferring the video footage to the computer
- Examining the footage and deciding which shot has to be removed
- Cutting and joining shots using editing software
- Keeping a clear idea about the storyline
- Improving the picture quality
- Using software add title, sound, graphics, and special effect
- Putting all the elements together to create a final video
- Formatting the footage to stream online
- Regularly coordinating with the marketing team
- Following the company’s guideline
- Working together with teammates creatively
- Presenting the final work to the senior management
Useful steps to become a video editor
Video editors help movies and other forms of video come to life by editing videos to convey the story or a message. Professionals who are looking to pursue a career in this field can learn more about each step in becoming a video editor.
Step 1: Attending the video editing program
There are many certificates and associate degree programs available in video editing and multimedia and most professional editors need to hold a bachelor’s degree. These degree programs are available in various areas like film making, video production, broadcasting, and mass communication. The college provides a bachelor of art or fine art degree, and most of these programs are available on-campus. Some digital media courses may be available to learn online. These programs will allow students to learn editing using various software and equipment. Some of the topics covered in degree programs include scriptwriting, video, digital imaging, and film production management. Although it is not required students can pursue a master’s degree in video editing if interested. Master’s degrees will help you learn more advanced skills and advance in their career. Remember along with the degree all entry-level positions require experience in a similar field.
Step 2: Pursue training
Training and experience are main if looking for career growth. Specialized training will help students learn about various kinds of video editing software. Some employers will provide training in a particular type of software. To become an expert, you must be knowledgeable about various software used for editing videos and movies. It is not possible to start video editing without proper training, so you need to understand the basic process and concept of video editing and how to use the software.
Step 3: Get certification
Professional certification is not typically required but it is a better way to demonstrate competence in the field. Some company’s hire certified video editors to edit their programs. Some certifications come in different levels such as the advanced course. Most certifications require candidates to meet minimum education, experience, and pass the exam. It is good to hold a certificate that showcases your knowledge using mixed media techniques and having a diploma in creative media production.
Step 4: Gain experience
What you need most is to gain expertise in video editing. Any kind of experience like editing your project or your friend’s project will do. Let everyone know you are looking for an editing task and should never hesitate to accept any editing works. Video editors should work on various projects to enhance their skills and build a reputation. As you gain more experience, you will be able to work on projects independently. You will get more creative freedom on various projects. Initially, you may require to start your career as a junior but once you gain enough experience you may be hired for a senior role.
Skills needed to become a video editor
Becoming a good editor is challenging and you need to possess few skills in this field. Few essential skills will help you to get you to the next level of your career.
- Great communication and storyboard skills – See the video clips and imagine the target market and know how exactly your edits impact the story you are forming. Give priority to communication and spend some time to reply to emails.
- Remain confident – You must be confident in your work. Remember you are selling yourself as much as your work, so you must sound confident.
- Expertise using various video editing tools – Being creative and techno-savvy, you must remain updated using various editing tools.
- Have patience – You need to spend a lot of time using a computer and it takes time to create a perfect product. So you need patience and no need to be in hurry.
- Expert in multitasking – Production houses keep on working with a video editor and the job is usually a teamwork. So the individual needs to be a problem solver, troubleshoot, and remain calm under pressure.
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