Introduction to the Career

A film/TV editor is a creative professional who edits and assembles raw footage into a coherent and aesthetically-pleasing final product. As an editor, your main task is to work with the director to craft a film or TV show according to their vision. You’ll be responsible for selecting the best shots, adjusting pacing, sorting out sound, and refining the overall quality of the final product.

Career Values, Traits, Skills

To succeed as a film/TV editor, you’ll need a number of important values, traits, and skills. Firstly, you need to be creatively-minded, with a strong passion for film and storytelling. You should also be highly detail-oriented, with the ability to pick out the best bits of footage and create a polished end product. Other important traits include good communication (since you’ll be working closely with the director and other members of the team), patience, and the ability to work well under pressure.

From a technical standpoint, a good film/TV editor also needs strong computer skills, with proficiency using popular editing software, such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro. Familiarity with sound design and color correction is also highly valued.

Career Path

The most common way to become a film/TV editor is to work your way up through the industry. Many editors start as interns or runners and work their way up to becoming assistant editors. From there, they can move on to becoming full-fledged editors.

It’s also possible to study film and video editing at college or university. A degree or diploma in film editing or a related field will give you a good foundation, as well as the opportunity to network with other people in the industry.

Salary Range

The salary range for film/TV editors can vary depending on a number of factors, including your level of experience, your portfolio, and your location. Generally speaking, editors can expect to earn between $30,000 and $80,000 per year, with more experienced editors earning upwards of $100,000.

Tips for Success

If you’re looking to succeed as a film/TV editor, you’ll need to work hard and hustle. Here are some tips to get started:

• Build a strong portfolio of work that showcases your skills and style
• Network with other people in the industry, including directors, producers, and other editors
• Be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up
• Be confident in your abilities, but also open to criticism and feedback
• Stay up-to-date with the latest editing software and trends

References

If you’re interested in learning more about film/TV editing, or want to connect with other editors and filmmakers, the following resources may be helpful:

• American Cinema Editors (ACE)
• Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG)
• EditFest
• Cinema Eye Honors for Nonfiction Filmmaking
• Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program