How long do film editors work

If you attended a well-known film program, there's a significant chance your instructors may have connections in the film industry.

Contact them to learn about possible job opportunities or if they can provide a letter of recommendation. Related: 7 Networking Tips for Getting a Job. Before working as a professional film editor, you can learn more about the industry by completing an internship or apprenticeship.

Depending on the assignment, you might be allowed to edit films independently or you might assist the staff video editor with their clips. Although it isn't a requirement, an internship can be a great way to gain video editing experience to add to both your resume and portfolio. This opportunity can also help you learn more about the regular routine of a film editor before you decide to pursue it as a full-time position. Once you've started gaining experience, you should practice using them regularly.

Challenge yourself to learn new film-editing techniques, then put these skills to use by finding editing opportunities. Ways you can practice your video-editing skills include:. After working on various projects and practicing your skills, you can showcase these samples on your online portfolio. You can create a portfolio by building a website that features your edited videos. When you apply for positions, hiring managers will request your previous work to ensure you have the desired skill set for the job.

The videos on your website should be easy to locate, categorized based on genre, length or project type and contain a brief description of the project. Research various film editor jobs online to better understand the type of position you're interested in, as well as what employers are looking for.

From there, you can incorporate the skills listed in the job ad and feature them on your resume. If you're interested in becoming a film editor, review answers to these frequently asked questions:.

According to the U. Some film editors will pursue full-time positions with post-production companies, while others serve as freelance editors. Freelance film editors can receive payment either hourly or once each project is complete, depending on the agreed-upon terms. The amount of money film editors make can also depend on the location they work in, the genre of film they're making and the overall budget for the film.

As technology continues to advance, online streaming services will produce more television and film opportunities. Because of this, the need for production workers, including film editors, should increase.

Although most employers don't require specific film-editing certifications, many that are available can make your resume stand out. For example, you can get certified in popular software used to edit films, such as:.

Listing these certifications on your resume can show your advanced knowledge and should strengthen your skills to work on larger, high-paying projects. Assistant editors must now have strong computer skills to work in the industry. While some editors stay removed from the project during the filming process so as not to steer the director away from his or her concept of the film, many of them do visit the director on set while production is under way.

Film editors work closely with sound editors and musical directors as the film nears completion. Long hours and significant isolation while actually editing can make even the most positive-minded film editor question the career choice.

But an interesting, well-edited film can restore faith in the profession. Paying Your Dues Film editors need extensive academic and professional experience. Standard coursework should include filmographies, basic editing, and commercial editing. Some aspiring editors may take directorial courses and direct plays or films; this training typically proves helpful in the working world. It costs a lot to borrow film-editing equipment from the university and graduate school film departments that have it.

Most aspiring film editors work as interns, production assistants, or animation-editing assistants while in graduate school. Once out of school, editors usually work in the production field or for an established film editor for little money.

People who want to pay their dues and become independent, self-supporting film editors take note: 4—10 years of on-the-job training before making enough connections, building up a significant body of work, and being able to start your own editing service is more than common. Beginning film editors are expected to bring some proficiency in computer editing tools to the trade even as they get their first on-site training in the technical skills of editing, cutting, splicing, and seamlessly integrating different scenes.

Long hours and low pay are mitigated by a rapid learning curve. Beginners gain valuable experience by working with sound and music editors. This collaboration is a must for editors who wish to continue in the profession. Five-year veterans have gained more responsibilities, a network of contacts, and enough editing experience to begin a solo career, join an existing editing company as a partner, or go under contract for a large production house.

For editors to be successful, forming close relationships with directors and producers is significant. They often share the same office space.

Work Performance Must be sure that the job is done accurately. There is the potential to make serious errors that are difficult to correct. Make decisions that impact coworkers, especially when working together on a project. They rarely consult supervisors when making decisions. Make decisions on a weekly basis that affect a client's final product. Set most tasks and priorities for the day without consulting a supervisor or manager.