So You Want to Be a Film Editor

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So You Want to Be a Film Editor
By Staff
Jun 30, 2008 - 10:43:20 PM

What does a career in film/video editing involve? Editors prepare the final broadcast version of films or TV productions.

In a process known as "post-production", they take raw footage, choose the best shots and put them in order, and add sound, graphics and special effects. Skilled editors can have a big influence on the quality of the finished piece.

As a film or video editor, you would normally use digital technology and computer software to edit sound and pictures. You could work on projects including feature films, TV programmes, corporate videos and commercials.

Your day-to-day work would involve discussing the needs of the project from the director or client, transferring film/video footage to computer, examining the footage and deciding which shots to keep and which to cut.

You would cut and join shots using editing software, always keeping a clear idea of the storyline, even though you may be editing scenes out of sequence.