Video editor

Video editors bring together images and sound for use in film, TV and online productions.

Also known as: Film editor, picture editor

• Starter salary£24,000 a year
• Experienced£48,000 a year
• Typical hours39 to 45 a week

What you'll do

As a video editor, you could:

• work with the production team on the 'look' they want to achieve
• do a rough edit of footage taken from each day's filming
• piece together footage filmed out of sync into storyline order
• use editing software to digitally improve picture quality
• support colleagues who add the soundtrack and effects
• produce a 'final cut' for the producer and director's approval
• keep up to date with changing technology, software and editing techniques

Working environment

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

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

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

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 and private training providers

University

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

• film and television studies
• media production
• film and media
• creative media arts

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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 subject for a postgraduate course

College

You could do a college qualification to learn some of the practical skills needed to use editing equipment and software.

Courses include:

• creative media production
• film and television production
• digital media
• art and design
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You can apply for a place on an apprenticeship with a production company. Apprenticeships include:

• Production Assistant - Screen and Audio Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Post Production Technical Operator Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Work

You could get into this career by starting as a production runner or editing assistant with a post production company and work your way up.

Employers will look for personal qualities, like patience, creativity and the ability to organise your time.

Volunteering

Getting hands-on experience is a great way to improve your skills and make contacts with people who work in the industry. Not all jobs are advertised, so your contacts could help you learn about opportunities for paid work.

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
• editing clips and videos on social media platforms
• working on entries for short film festivals

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

Other routes

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

• BBC Careers
• Channel 4 Production Training Scheme
• ITV Careers
• BFI Film Academy

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

Career path and progression

With experience, you could work on programmes that run for several series, join the crew of larger budget films, or become head of an editing department for a TV or film production company.

You could also work freelance and set up your own company. You might also specialise, for example, working on documentaries, sporting events or animated films.

Career tips

Skills in common video editing software will be useful when looking for work.

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

Guides for this industry

• Creative & Media: pay, interviews and getting started →

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• Job roleTV or film sound technician
• Job roleTV or film production runner
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