what course should i take to become a video editor

by Amir Watsica 8 min read

What education is required to become a film editor? Most editor positions require a bachelor's degree in a field related to film or broadcasting, such as communications. Many colleges offer courses in cinematography or video-editing software. Coursework involves a mix of film theory with practical training.

What degree do I need to be a video editor?

Most video editors get their start after formal training at colleges and universities. A bachelor's degree related to video editing provides prospective editors with a well-rounded education in videography, the technical aspects of editing, camera operation, and artistry.

How do I learn how to use video editing software?

You can learn how to use video editing software in college classes or by using online resources provided by Apple, Avid, and Adobe. Other video editing programs include iMovie, Filmora9, DaVinci Resolve. Although they are less commonly used in professional film editing, being familiar with them can't hurt.

Is there a certification program for video editing?

Although video editing is a technical profession, there is no widely accepted certification, and certification is not required for employment in the industry. However, even once they have become part of the field, video editors should expect an ongoing educational experience.

What are the admission requirements for film editing courses?

Here are the general admission requirements you must qualify to pursue film or video editing courses: The basic qualification you need is 10+2 or equivalent higher secondary education in any stream or field of study with the minimum marks specified by your chosen university.

Which course is best for video-editing?

10+ Best Video Editing Courses in 2022Adobe Premiere Pro CC Masterclass: Video Editing in Premiere. ... Premiere Pro 2021 Video Editing Course from Beginner to Pro. ... DaVinci Resolve 2021 – The Complete Video Editing Course. ... Become an iMovie Master – Create Amazing Movies Today. ... iPhone Video Editing.More items...•

What certifications do you need to be a video editor?

Video Editors are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Apple Certified Pro- Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Certified Associate (ACA), and Digital Video Engineering Professional (DVEP).

How do I start a career in video-editing?

Here are 11 steps to take to begin, or grow, a career in freelance video editing:Choose and learn a genre. ... Develop and practice your skills. ... Consider getting a degree. ... Ensure you have the right equipment. ... Use a website to display your portfolio. ... Make connections and network. ... Consider volunteering or lowering rates.More items...•

Do you need college for editing?

That being said, while getting an education is definitely important, the short answer is no—you do not need a degree to become a film editor. In fact, while many colleges and trade schools have very good editing courses, you actually need more than a college program could give you in order to make it as a film editor.

Is there a degree for editing?

There are no specialist editing degrees, but many writing-heavy programs that can give you a good stepping stone to the profession. Most editors hold an undergraduate degree in a related subject such as English, Journalism, Communications, or even Law, if you hope to become a legal editor.

Do video editors make good money?

Video editors tend to make almost an average of $59,500 as an annual salary as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly rate of a video editor can be $40 (in the US). The professional editor can make $80,000, whereas a fresher can earn up to $40,000 per year.

Do I need a degree for video editing?

What qualifications do you need as a video editor? You don't need a degree to become a video editor. Some companies specifically advertise for graduates in related subjects, and it certainly won't do any harm to have a degree in something like film and television studies, media production or film and media.

Is video editing a good job?

In short, becoming a video editor is a great career. There are so many opportunities available and more innovative concepts are always on the horizon. The result is a career path that will support you for the foreseeable future.

What skills do video editors need?

Video editors need creativity and the ability to communicate effectively and work well on computers; they must also have a good eye for detail along with strong visual skills, coordination, and time management skills. Similar Occupations.

Is video editing a technical job?

Although video editing is a technical profession, there is no widely accepted certification, and certification is not required for employment in the industry. However, even once they have become part of the field, video editors should expect an ongoing educational experience. The rigorous time demands of the job leave little time for 'on-the-job' training for experienced video editors. They are likely to take formal courses outside the work environment to keep abreast of new developments in the industry.

What is a video editor?

A video editor is a multimedia professional who combines video, sound and graphics into one cohesive piece of multimedia. Video editors work closely with other creative professionals, such as graphic artists, actors and directors, to achieve the best possible outcome for the video.

What does a video editor do?

The most common tasks for a video editor include the cutting and rearranging of scenes. A video editor receives all of the recorded material, then removes and rearranges the scenes as necessary to tell the story.

Video editor salary

The average national video editor salary in the United States is $42,963 per year. However, this amount can differ based on industry and experience. For example, those with years of experience working at a large advertising firm may earn significantly more than the average, while those just starting out at a small business may earn less.

How to become a video editor

There are several paths you can take to become a video editor. Employers typically want hands-on experience with video editing software or a portfolio of previous work. Here are the steps you can follow to meet these requirements and become a video editor:

What does a video editor do?

In the simplest sense, a video editor takes the footage from a shoot and organizes it into a cohesive final product. For film and television, this happens in what is known as the post-production phase of a project, or after the principal photography has ended.

What skills do I need to get video editing jobs?

Video editors are required to master industry software, such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, After Effects, and Da Vinci Resolve. These are the programs in which most of the work of a video editor takes place.

What are the best video editor jobs?

Many video editors begin their career working on student films, or on smaller independent productions with other early-career creatives. As they become more established, video editors can choose to work with production houses, or studios, and find full-time work with marketing and advertising firms.

What companies hire video editors?

Video editors are found in almost every media company these days, from news outlets to marketing and PR firms. The proliferation of social media and video sharing platforms, also helps expand the roles of video editors.

What are the different video editing projects you might work on?

Video editors work on projects ranging from short content to more long-form projects. Here are just a few different video editing jobs and projects you might work on as a video editor:

How to choose the right video editor job for you

When learning how to become a video editor, it’s key to find the right job for you. So, be sure to learn what interests you before searching for your next job. If you are interested in more narrative work, try shooting your own material and then editing it together, or find work on a student film and learn the ropes with other young creatives.

How much do video editors get paid?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, film and video editors make an average of $59,500 a year, with most of the editors working in the motion picture and video industries.

What Does a Video Editor Do?

Essentially, video editors work to tell a story by cutting, rearranging, and manipulating both video and supporting audio clips. Some video editors work with graphics and text as well to ensure the final product is ready for viewing.

Steps to Break into the Industry

Starting a career as a video editor doesn’t have to be challenging when you follow some key steps to prepare. It's important to remember there are countless ways to gain experience for a new career outside of the traditional four-year degree that requires a lot of time and considerable financial commitment.

Master the Software

Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most popular video editing applications used today for everything from social media work to feature-length films. The comprehensive software is available for both Mac and Windows-based computers and is classified as a non-linear editor.

Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is today’s primary center for learning and career development. Since 1990, our project-based classes and certificate programs have given professionals the tools to pursue creative careers in design, coding, and beyond.

What degree do I need to be a video editor?

Most Film and Video Editors positions require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting. Many colleges offer courses in camera operation or video-editing software. Coursework involves a mix of film theory with practical training.

How long does it take to become a video editor?

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be a Film and Video Editor. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

How to become a video editor?

1. Get a bachelor's degree in film production or communications. There are a lot of different skills you need to be a successful video editor. Majoring in film production, communications, or a related area will train you in many of those skills.

What is the job of a video editor?

Editors take the raw footage of a video and cut it into clips that tell a story. As a video editor, you might work on a film set, or you might work on a reality show, music video, trailer, or commercial. You can go to school for film production to become an editor, or you can be self-taught. Either way, you will probably need to start out on ...

How to make a reel for a video?

To create a reel, choose 60-90 seconds worth of film that shows off your editing skills. Each clip should be no longer than 15 seconds. Put your contact information at the beginning and end of the video, and in the video description. Start with your strongest work.

What does it mean to be an assistant editor?

As an assistant editor, you will prepare clips for the editor to work with. This most often means watching many hours of footage and selecting the clips that match the editor's vision for the project. You will also be asked to organize and label clips according to the editor's system.

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Education levels for Video Editors

Based on the requirements of Video Editor job openings on Indeed in the United States within the last three years.

Expected salary by experience

Based on resume data from Indeed users who reported working as a Video Editor in the United States within the last three years.

How can a video editor get ahead in this position?

A video editor must stay up to date with the greatest and latest in digital trends and technology. They should never stop honing their digital skills, which includes learning and adapting to new editing tools.

What are the qualities of a good video editor?

A good video editor exhibits qualities such as a good understanding and knowledge of motion graphics, creative thinking and excellent time- and resource-management traits. A good video editor always works toward bettering themselves with each video they produce.

How can anyone start in the field of video editing as a video editor?

Programs such as broadcast journalism and filmmaking tend to teach the basics of storytelling. However, if you never got a chance to go to college, you can still get your hands on editing software and a computer and you will be good to go. Employers value the ability of a video editor to edit and tell stories more than a degree.

Is there a preferred certification in the video editing field to become a video editor?

Yes. A video editor could be more competitive with a certification in Adobe Premiere or AVID. However, this is not mandatory for practicing video editors.

What is video editing?

Video editing, as the name suggests, is the job of editing and joining together segments of video footage, audio footage, VFX, graphics, music, sound effects and other elements in post-production, using specialised computer software, to create polished, finished content.

How long does it take to edit a reality show?

A typical video editor working on a reality TV show, for example, may have to wade through footage from four or five cameras, each running for 20+ hours, just to create one 20-minute episode. Video editing is normally done in an office, although during the pandemic most video editors have been working from their home computers.

Is video editing in demand?

Good video editors are currently in demand, and that's a trend that's set to continue. And this fact is reflected in the salaries for video editors, which are on par with some of the better paid jobs in the creative industries.

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