Job Description

Film/TV/Video editors edit moving images on film, video, or other media. They may edit or synchronize soundtracks with images. They collaborate with producers and directors to create the final production.

Note: This profile is targeted to those who want to work in the motion picture industry in Los Angeles or New York City. It does not focus on being an editor in broadcasting.

Rewarding Aspects of Career

Always learning new things!

Working with artist and creative folks!

“Editing TV and video is something I always wanted to do, and I did it for fun when I was a kid. So it's kinda like I get paid now to do something which has always been a hobby. So it's doesn't actually feel like work.” Matt McNaughten, Editor, TV Producer

Technical : Avid, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, After Effects

Time Management

Problem solving

Where do they work?

Freelance : Most editors in the motion picture industry are freelance and they work project to project.

Post Production/Visual Effects House

Advertising/Digital Agency

Broadcasting : News outlets

Different types of work Film : Feature films, movie trailers, short film, behind the scenes video

TV : TV shows, reality shows, sizzle reels

Music videos

Digital/Web : Web series, promotional videos

Other : Actor reels

If your dream is to be a film editor, know that you will mostly likely not secure a film editing position right off the bat. Many editors do other jobs (corporate gigs, music videos, digital) to pay their bills and wait for their film editing opportunity. Unless you are a famous editor, the film and tv editing gigs are few and far between.

Be flexible. The other gigs will allow you to hone your craft, prepare you for when you get the call to edit a feature film or television show and pay the bills.

Long work days and irregular hours

Difficult to break into the industry and stay in the industry: low pay when you start off.

Working in a dark room for many hours alone

Current Industry Trends As videos online become

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Editor - Film/TV/Digital