Video editor

film editor
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Print and publishing, marketing and advertising
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Career outlook for video editor

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£18,000

Experienced

£45,000


Currently employed in Scotland

9,200

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would bring together pictures and sound to produce a finished piece for film, TV or the internet.

You would be part of a post-production team that joins together material recorded by the camera and sound crews and adds any extra effects. You could work on projects from feature films and TV programmes to corporate videos, commercials and music videos.

Typically, you would:

  • Agree a finished ‘look’ for the final footage with the director
  • Transfer film or video footage to computer
  • Check the footage and decide which shots to keep and which to cut out
  • Cut and join shots using editing software
  • Keep a clear idea of the storyline, even though you may be editing scenes out of sequence
  • Create a 'rough cut' from the chosen material
  • Digitally improve picture quality
  • Use computer software to add titles, graphics, sound and any visual effects
  • Put all the elements together, in order, for the final version
  • Create DVDs or format footage for streaming online

On larger projects, you could be one of several editors with different jobs and specialisms. You could create the ‘rough cut’ as an offline editor, produce the final version of the footage as an online editor or edit the sound effects.

Working conditions

Hours

Your hours will depend on the production you are working on. You may work standard office hours or you could be required to work shifts. You may need to be flexible and work at short notice if necessary. You may often work extra hours to meet project deadlines. In some cases, you could work up to 50 or 60 hours a week.

Environment

Post-production editing takes place in enclosed studios and editing suites, where you would spend long periods working on computers.

UK employment status

Full-time

38%

Part-time

14%

Self employed

48%

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  • Time management
  • Taking initiative
  • Developing a plan
  • Attention to detail
  • Recalling
  • Working with technology
  • Verbal communication
  • Cooperating
  • Observation
  • Creative

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

 Although there are no set entry qualifications required to enter this job, some applicants have gained a qualification in a relevant field prior to looking for work.

An apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (SCQF Level 7), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in film & television, advertising, business, communication, marketing or media production can be helpful in this field.

You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. 

Useful subjects

  • English (required by most courses)
  • Maths
  • Social Studies subjects such as media
  • Technologies subjects such as graphic communication

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry and digital skills such Skills for Work Creative Digital Media (SCQF level 4) or Creative Industries (SCQF level 5).

Qualifications such as the National Progression Award (NPA) in Digital Media Editing (SCQF level 5) can be achieved while in the job.