Video Editor

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £45,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How To Become a Video Editor

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
training schemes run by broadcasters
specialist course

College / University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate course in:

film and television studies
media production
film and media

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in any subj

A college qualification could help you to get practical skills like using editing equipment and software. The most useful courses include work placements and the chance to build contacts in the industry. Courses include:

Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production
Level 4 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Creative Media Production

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

Apprenticeship

You can get started in this job through:

Level 3 Broadcast production assistant apprenticeship
Level 4 Post production technical operator apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Employers often value technical skills and personal qualities, like patience and creativity, more than formal qualifications. It's common to move into video editing in film or TV by starting off as a production runner and working your way up.

Other Routes

You may be able to get training through one of the new entrant training schemes that broadcasters and film bodies offer, for example:

You could also take short courses in video editing run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of media production and communication
the ability to work well with others
knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day duties you might:

agree a finished 'look' for the final footage
transfer film or video footage
use editing software
keep a clear idea of the storyline
create a 'rough cut'
digitally improve picture quality
create DVDs or format footage to view online

Working Environment

You could work at a TV studio or at a film studio.

Career Path & Progression

Once established, you might use an agent to find work and negotiate your fees.

You could set up your own company.

Volunteering Opportunities

Experience is highly valued and can give you a taste of what it's like to work in the industry. It can also help you to get practical skills. Getting experience is also a great way to make contacts with people who already work in the industry. Not all jobs are advertised, so your contacts could help you find paid work later on.

You could get relevant experience from:

editing student or community film productions
working for an editing equipment hire company
creating and editing films for charities
work experience as a runner in an editing facilities company

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

Tips & Information

Career tips

As you get experience, you could make a 'showreel' DVD or online profile of productions you've worked on to demonstrate your skills to employers when looking for work.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in editing from ScreenSkills.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.