Career as Video Editor?

[nateo200]

I have to party disagree. Learning the software is something you have to do but it is like if you want to write a novel, yes you need to learn the word process but mush more importent is that you need to have some ideas that others people will pay to read. In your case you have to be such a good visual story teller that peole will pay to see your work

The software does NOT MATTER. we used to do this with a film cutter and glue, literally the cement stuff that comes in a little bottle. We had to bevel the edges and apply the stuff. The talent back then was not being really expert with glue just like now the talent is not knowing some software. Heck my 15 year old daughter taught herself FCP in a few weeks. Learning the software is like learning to work a word processor or a glue bottle.

The harder parts are things like pacing and if you show the person speaking or the one who is listening and how long to keep that medium shot on the screen. That is where the editor earns his money. Yes you might develope a "style' but always you are working for some one else. So you need to be able to work in his style.

Film School is a good place to learn this. That and do 100+ projects.

Also as was said here, have a plan B that pays the rent until you make it big

Best advice in this thread. Thread is old but its gold. I have it book marked and I believe I read and posted in here a while ago but Ill shoot again.

Not to be an ass toward ConfusedBatman but he seams to be stuck on FCP 7 and hates FCP X which is a whole can of worms I don't want to get into but choose a modern editing platform to learn, Premiere Pro you can't go wrong with and FCP X is being embraced more and more by the day so don't hate. Either way while transfering to a new editing software is a bitch the actual skill of editing is no different than say riding a bike or driving or anything else that requires both tools and skill, the tool shouldn't be the main focus. Would you not be able to ever ride a different bike than the one you learned on? Of course not! Other than that COnfusedBatman does however make good points, just make projects for the hell of it and make them difficult with difficult deadlines and learn from your mistakes, I learn something new everyday from editing various video whether its my dog rolling around in the grass in 4 different camera angles just to test how I can handle multicam editing or a recording of a symphony destined for Blu-ray output and web distribution. Scour the internet and find places where real editors and cinematographers post on blogs and forums and read their advice over and over. Take large scale concepts with multicameras, tons of microphones, etc. and record anything, I don't care if its squirels in your backyard but do it and you'll get your practice in. Classes can only go so far but the beautiful thing about just screwing around with your camera and editing software is its a great mix of practical experience and practice to allow you to move onto bigger projects. I don't claim to be a pro even though I do get paid on and off but this I know, compared to last year I am a 1000x better than at editing, cinematography, photography, sound editing, understand FCP and Adobe, etc. So get out their and like Nike says 'Just do it'!

 

[Siderz]

Learning the software is like learning to work a word processor or a glue bottle.

If you think using a fully fledged video editing software is as simple as applying glue to something, then why don't you hand a computer over to a nursery child and watch them try to edit a documentary?

 

[nateo200]

If you think using a fully fledged video editing software is as simple as applying glue to something, then why don't you hand a computer over to a nursery child and watch them try to edit a documentary?

I don't think he was saying it was easy nor would ANYONE think that. Its a valid comparison...no need to get all bent out of shape over it. I have a friend who drives race cars, hes won a couple of races, he totalled one of his cars and got a new one that was slightly different..doesn't mean his skill won't transfer or mean something...Why is everyone so defensive in here over which NLE to use...the only thing that matters is the final output and if its yay or neh...

 

[Siderz]

I don't think he was saying it was easy nor would ANYONE think that. Its a valid comparison...no need to get all bent out of shape over it. I have a friend who drives race cars, hes won a couple of races, he totalled one of his cars and got a new one that was slightly different..doesn't mean his skill won't transfer or mean something...Why is everyone so defensive in here over which NLE to use...the only thing that matters is the final output and if its yay or neh...

But driving is quite a bit different to learning an editing software; a lot of people drive, a lot of people use glue, not many people use editing software, editing isn't really a necessity for many people, but driving and using glue is.

There's a lot more to learn in using an editing software than to use glue, it's not a fair comparison.

I'm not trying to say "this NLE makes you a better editor than using that NLE", I'm just saying, there's a lot more to editing on a computer than using a splicer.

 

[nateo200]

there's a lot more to editing on a computer than using a splicer.

Obviously. Its not an impossible task though, cancer is deadly, does that mean if you get cancer its impossible to beat it? No reason to look at learning to edit/use an NLE as some insane task unless of course you teach classes on how to use an NLE for money or something. Regardless every type of editing from old schools linear editing systems and splicing to modern stuff has different difficulties and different things to consider.

 

[handsome pete]

But driving is quite a bit different to learning an editing software; a lot of people drive, a lot of people use glue, not many people use editing software, editing isn't really a necessity for many people, but driving and using glue is.

There's a lot more to learn in using an editing software than to use glue, it's not a fair comparison.

I'm not trying to say "this NLE makes you a better editor than using that NLE", I'm just saying, there's a lot more to editing on a computer than using a splicer.

So the glue bottle mention might have been a bit hyperbolic, but the point is that way too many people exaggerate the importance of picking a certain NLE to learn. Sure, there are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. Some more pronounced than others. But for someone looking to learn the craft, just pick one and go. There's really not much more to it than that.

And let's face it, learning any of these programs isn't exactly rocket surgery. It's the talent you develop that will keep you in this business for the long haul. It's only the ignorant employers who will value software knowledge over ability. You don't want to work for them anyway. Besides, no one looking to work in this business should expect to be tethered to one specific platform/workflow their entire careers.

 

[adamneer]

So the glue bottle mention might have been a bit hyperbolic, but the point is that way too many people exaggerate the importance of picking a certain NLE to learn. Sure, there are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. Some more pronounced than others. But for someone looking to learn the craft, just pick one and go. There's really not much more to it than that.

And let's face it, learning any of these programs isn't exactly rocket surgery. It's the talent you develop that will keep you in this business for the long haul. It's only the ignorant employers who will value software knowledge over ability. You don't want to work for them anyway. Besides, no one looking to work in this business should expect to be tethered to one specific platform/workflow their entire careers.

while I agree that you shouldn't be tied down to one editing program, you are absolutely wrong in the fact that learning AVID is a must in this field. the workflow in FCP and especially FCPX is so different than AVID that it is not something producers are willing to take a chance on you being able to quickly pick up on it. they will use someone they know and have worked with before, even if that person is more expensive 99% of the time. you cannot just break into post production with a broad but general knowledge of the workflow, especially when you are not already in the "circle of friends". College was great for learning FCP and inspiring passion for video in me, but terrible in giving me real world skills and the ability to find work in post. the worst part is, college professors will pump up your ego (if you do well with your projects) telling you that if you're good enough, post houses will MAKE a job for you. they want it to seem like their program produces jobs and a lot of college film professors have NO experience in the actual field. so bottom line is, learn to edit on a "prosumer platform" like FCP7 or Premiere AND learn on AVID. And then market the hell out of yourself until you can infiltrate the professional cliques to get actual work. The only other option is to fall back on another skill or do boring freelance corporate and wedding videography.

 

[LethalWolfe]

For doing your own work in your own time it doesn't really matter which NLE you use as long as it meets your needs.

When your NLE puts food on the table it's a different set of rules. Deadlines, budgets and/or existing workflows/infrastructures all have a hand in dictating what NLE(s) you should be using and how well versed you need to be in that NLE in order to beat out the other 50 professional editors going for the same job.


For example, as a freelance editor in LA I know Avid and FCP7 as those are by far the most used NLEs on the productions I want to work on. I'm curious about X, PPro and Lightworks but in my the professional development time I allot myself I work on improving my skills in AE and DaVinci Resolve because those programs offer me a marketable skill where as knowing X, PPro and Lightworks do not (at least not at this time).

 

[rei101]

As an experience video editor myself...

DO NOT BECOME A VIDEO EDITOR.

I am 38 years old and I am switching to real state. After so many years and projects I see even my colleges struggling. The industry is offering between $21 to $35 an hour for people with 10 years of experience.

Video editing was huge until 2008 when everything collapsed. Today there are too many kids who can do most of the job. Look at your self... you still in high school and probably a summer camp can make you a really good editor, multiply that for X number of kids in your country + the ones who already graduated and the ones who will graduate after you.

A video editor is not the person doing the business, is a person who depends on someone else doing the business. It is a labor position. Forget about buying a house or supporting a family.

I mean, you can be really good and be part of some show or something, ou can. But I would rather do something with more opportunities. At 28 you will be trying to date a girl but you won;'t have money to do it while most of your high school friends would be doing a lot better than you.

I graduated from Full Sail back in 1998. I can still calling the school for job placement, and guess what? during this year they have sent me probably 3 positions and any of them good. I asked them and they told me: the industry is looking for social media, no video editing.

Now, you can do your video editing career if you want, I bet you will be a good. But do your home work and take a look at the places that do video editing and how they live. They probably will show you a very ice side of it because THEY ARE STUCK IN IT and they ego won't let them tell you the truth.

And... if you are a good video editor and want to work at a TV station... be careful with management because when they see someone "too good" they see you as a threat and they will make your life a living hell until fire you. They know they will not find another position like that in the field and they care less about you.

So... if you want to do video editing to later on make money, focus in making money right now and save your self a lot of time.

Read a book called: Rich Dad, Poor Dad. It is about how to understand money.

 

[Siderz]

And... if you are a good video editor and want to work at a TV station... be careful with management because when they see someone "too good" they see you as a threat and they will make your life a living hell until fire you. They know they will not find another position like that in the field and they care less about you.

That doesn't make sense...surely they'd rather treat you better so that you don't try and move on?

How does being a good editor make you seem like a threat?

 

[LethalWolfe]

DO NOT BECOME A VIDEO EDITOR.

Any creative field is going to be a grind where there's always more people willing to work than jobs available (especially in really big markets like LA or NY) and, IMO, the flood gates opened in the late 90's/early '00's when DV, 'fast enough' desktop computers and affordable NLEs started democratizing the industry. You always have to keep learning and improving because there are no longer high cost barriers to entry (which can either be threatening or liberating depending on your point of view). If someone is looking for a predictable/reliable job that comes w/a large paycheck then getting into editing probably isn't the right path for them.

 

[rei101]

That doesn't make sense...surely they'd rather treat you better so that you don't try and move on?

How does being a good editor make you seem like a threat?

Because the owner of the company congratulates you a lot and the general manager feels envy. When you are a good video editor you are very organized and take care of several productions at once. When the general manager is a person without structure and huge debts is when he start to see you as a threat.

It happens in many tv stations at least in Miami. The old people know they have no room in any other company, they are obsolete, basically retired but working. And when they spot someone too good they play games. I got fired because the general manager told human resources a bunch of things about me until he mentioned I was about to delete the entire server because I was into depressions. Next day I got to my job and directly to the room with human resources and the lawyer. At least they gave me a month and a half of payment.

 

[notjustjay]

It seems to me that this is a job that is all about working hard and following your dreams.

The stronger that aspiration is, the harder you're willing to work in the face of the odds, and the more likely you are going to succeed.

I am not a professional video editor, though I dabble in it here and there. I think I have some reasonable artistic skill, and I definitely have the technical skill in the sense of learning how to work an NLE, but this is a hobby, not a job aspiration. I do this to relax, and if it stresses me out, I put it away and come back to it later. No deadlines, no pressure, no clients, and no money. I consider it to be a sideline hobby, maybe doing projects for friends and charitable organizations I volunteer with.

If you don't love it, you might want to consider another field. An example: I work as a software engineer. I've followed this career path since I was a kid, learning programming starting when I was 9 years old. I love this stuff, I've been immersed in it all my life, and anyone who knew me saw this as an obvious career path. My coworker sitting across from me is a software tester in his mid-20's. He asked me once which programming languages would be best to learn. His goal: to be working at Google in five years. Now, I wish my coworker all the luck in the world, but it's going to be very difficult for him to achieve that goal if he's just now starting from scratch. Not impossible. But difficult.

But if you've been making short films since you were a kid, if you love editing, if it's not about the money or the fame, if all your friends already call you the aspiring filmmaker... then hopefully you've got something worth running with. Good luck!

 

[dodge this]

The best thing about the media industry is that there is so much diversity of viewpoints.

And mine is this: make yourself as multi skilled as possible, no matter what industry you choose. If you focus on just being an editor.... And there are no editor openings nearby... Welcome to asking people if they want fries with that to pay your rent.

My undergrad is in mass media production. I have used the umbrella of skills taught in this diverse degree to work in local tv on the production side (camerawork, writing, old school AB editing, some editing in avid... Still having Vietnam-style flashbacks of avid hell), worked in radio, web design, political campaign media consultant, and now I teach media production. My school wants me to just teach video editing.... But I teach more. Because I believe you need a wide variety of skills to be valuable to an employer. The more diverse your media knowledge is, the more career paths will open up for you.

 

[LethalWolfe]

The best thing about the media industry is that there is so much diversity of viewpoints.

And mine is this: make yourself as multi skilled as possible, no matter what industry you choose. If you focus on just being an editor.... And there are no editor openings nearby... Welcome to asking people if they want fries with that to pay your rent.

Specialist vs Generalist is a frequent debate but I think it basically boils down to two practical questions. What do you want to ultimately do in your career and how viable is that goal in your current geographical location? For example, an editing specialist in Oklahoma is going to have a hard time getting work but so will a production generalist in Los Angeles that wants to edit a network TV drama.

Speaking in generalities, specialists will make more money but have fewer employment opportunities while generalists will make less money but have more employment opportunities.

 

[handsome pete]

Specialist vs Generalist is a frequent debate but I think it basically boils down to two practical questions. What do you want to ultimately do in your career and how viable is that goal in your current geographical location? For example, an editing specialist in Oklahoma is going to have a hard time getting work but so will a production generalist in Los Angeles that wants to edit a network TV drama.

Speaking in generalities, specialists will make more money but have fewer employment opportunities while generalists will make less money but have more employment opportunities.

That's pretty spot on.

 

[macbookairman]

Seeing as how this thread has come back alive 5 years since I started it, I suppose I'll give a little update with where I'm at. Hopefully it'll be helpful for anyone else in the same position I was in.

I did in fact end up going through a film program instead of pursuing aviation. I won't specify what school I'm at, but I went with a more generalist approach. I've studied all aspects of film, even though my sole interest is in editing. And I've found that having a deeper understanding of cinematography, writing, set design, etc. has given me a new perspective while editing. I see more in my footage than I would have before, and thats just one reason why I've grown to love the more "generalist" approach. That's not to say specializing at a place like Full Sail is bad. I'm hoping to spend some time at the edit center soon, thanks to the suggestion of another poster in this thread.

No matter which route you take, one of the biggest things you've got to do is make connections and put yourself out there. I've got several short films under my belt now, have started an apprenticeship with an editor, who is getting me a great internship in L.A. I don't know where this road is taking me, but I love it and I'm making money at the same time so I can't complain.

 

[LethalWolfe]

I did in fact end up going through a film program instead of pursuing aviation. I won't specify what school I'm at, but I went with a more generalist approach. I've studied all aspects of film, even though my sole interest is in editing. And I've found that having a deeper understanding of cinematography, writing, set design, etc. has given me a new perspective while editing. I see more in my footage than I would have before, and thats just one reason why I've grown to love the more "generalist" approach.

Thanks for the update.

When learning I certainly feel that a generalist approach is best. Filmmaking is such a collaborative effort that getting a feel for what everyone does gives you a much better perspective on the process and how to achieve the results that you want.

 

[Tylers86]

This thread is a good source of info for people looking to go to school and/or have a career in this industry. I thought I'd contribute something I havn't seen others talk about too much.

I'm 27 right now and it was 3 years ago I decided I was interested in pursuing a career in either film or television production. I have dabbled in digital media since around 1999, making dragon ball z/MMA/motocross videos and websites, animating in 3dsMax, making stop motion videos in after effects, etc. as a hobby. I got big into the sport of Downhill Skateboarding around 2007 and was inspired to make videos and photographs of it. It was this that pushed me to make some sort of career out of what I was doing.

I was kind of naive observing the digital media landscape profession at first, and started going to a community college for Radio, Television and Film. During that first semester, I was introduced by one of my teachers to the Multimedia program. It was very different than RTF, with a lot more class emphasizing graphic design fundamentals, interactive media, the web and motion graphics. It was truly what I find myself more interested in, and I switched majors the next semester.

I got a job at a web design company specializing in ecommerce that same semester by replying to an ad on Craigslist. I lied about how good I was at HTML/CSS to get the job, but made them aware of the program I was enrolled in as well as my other photography/video/after effects skills. I was hired on as a "Multimedia Specialist". My web development deficiencies were obvious the first week, but my boss talked to me and was OK as long as I was willing to learn. A few weeks in, one of our clients asked if it was possible to make new product photo's for them, of which there were over 200. This was assigned to me and these photo's became my daily work for the next few months.

I worked there for 2 years and ended up being responsible for over 520+ billed hours of product photography/post processing alone. I photographed all kinds of products from light bulbs and street lamps, dog beds, dogs on dog beds, veterinary supplies, pillows and sheets, guns, handmade jewelry and so on.

During this time I also got big into Motion Graphics and have become an advanced After Effects user and have produced multiple motion graphics projects for the web and corporate training, and even a Kick Starter video.

I recently started a new job working as a multimedia generalist, mainly I am administrating a business' websites, online presence and developing the brand. I am in my last semester of my Associates Degree in Multimedia and once I am done I am moving back to my home state to start my Multimedia business.

Starting all of this a few years ago I initially thought I was interested in becoming a tevelsion/film editor. It wasn't on my agenda to develop product photography and ecommerce skills, but its what I have kind of fallen into and have began specializing in. There is a lot of demand for product related multimedia production and is what I will emphasize in.

Given the overlap that exists between editing video and crafts like photography and motion graphics, I would have to say that video editing is starting to fall under the umbrella of multimedia. Although my program still has separate curriculum for the two majors, you could get a two year degree in one while dabbling in the other and come out with 3-4 years of knowledge. If you are already getting familiar with Premiere Pro and digital media principles (compression, codecs, ratios, etc.) you have a launch pad to start learning After Effects/motion graphics, or photography on your own. This could make you more marketable.

My career is still very early but I am one of very few people in my whole schools program who have the prowess, the experience and the fabrication acumen that I do in this field. When it comes time to critique projects in class, consistently the same individuals are producing work of much greater quality than the others, even though we have all been in school for the same amount of time (generally). What makes the difference is that we sharpen our skills constantly, making new things everyday, starting new projects and kicking ass. That what it takes, and its completely possible.

 

[PicardsDome]

http://www.reddit.com/r/editors/

 

[CaptainChunk]

Seeing as how this thread has come back alive 5 years since I started it, I suppose I'll give a little update with where I'm at. Hopefully it'll be helpful for anyone else in the same position I was in.

I did in fact end up going through a film program instead of pursuing aviation. I won't specify what school I'm at, but I went with a more generalist approach. I've studied all aspects of film, even though my sole interest is in editing. And I've found that having a deeper understanding of cinematography, writing, set design, etc. has given me a new perspective while editing. I see more in my footage than I would have before, and thats just one reason why I've grown to love the more "generalist" approach. That's not to say specializing at a place like Full Sail is bad. I'm hoping to spend some time at the edit center soon, thanks to the suggestion of another poster in this thread.

No matter which route you take, one of the biggest things you've got to do is make connections and put yourself out there. I've got several short films under my belt now, have started an apprenticeship with an editor, who is getting me a great internship in L.A. I don't know where this road is taking me, but I love it and I'm making money at the same time so I can't complain.

It's great to hear that you're doing well!

DO NOT BECOME A VIDEO EDITOR.

Funny. I know plenty of people involved in the real estate business that will say "DO NOT BECOME A REAL ESTATE AGENT." Entertainment and real estate are both highly competitive industries that are built on relationships and self marketing skills. In either industry, there's only so much work to go around and many others want the same pieces of it that you do.

And this is why I have diversified myself a fair bit. Over the last 5 or so years, I've made the transition from specialist to generalist. While I still enjoy editing (and would love to do it exclusively), I also maintain employment working for an indie comic book publisher and I even work the occasional DIT job on a film set. I put in a lot of hours between all of that, but I'm still thankful that I'm working period, given the current state of the economy.

Adaptability is KEY in freelance. I have a friend who was a tech journalist for over 25 years. He hasn't worked as a writer in the last 3 years because he simply refuses to adapt to the changing landscape of his chosen profession. Even his industry has become democratized by blogs and other forms of Internet journalism. Younger talent is willing to work for considerably less money and employers/clients know this. But his solution is to not work at all and complain while drawing from early Social Security because he's not done with being a specialist and it's the only thing he really knows. It's really easy to sit back and demonize an industry that was once prosperous for a lot of the old timers, but I think what a lot of people fail to understand is that technology has made a lot of these changes inevitable. In the end, you can't really blame the industry. You can only blame yourself for not being prepared.

 

[nateo200]

The updates from people in this thread are extremely welcome and motivating!

 

[linuxcooldude]

The key is to adapt and find new markets to ply your trade. For instance:

DO NOT BECOME A VIDEO EDITOR.

I am 38 years old and I am switching to real estate.

I know of one person who films houses for real estate agents to put online. It increases chances at houses getting sold if they see what it looks like before they decide to see it in person.

Myself, I work part time for a online marketer. I edit his videos and take care of his online distribution to the various sharing sites.

Sure, its not Hollywood blockbusters, but I can work at home most of the time, work around my schedule and get a weekly paycheck.

 

[notjustjay]

I know of one person who films houses for real estate agents to put online. It increases chances at houses getting sold if they see what it looks like before they decide to see it in person.

I think that's a great idea, as someone who is frustrated by cheesy slideshows and poorly done real estate websites.

 

[MacBookProzak]

The key is to adapt and find new markets to ply your trade. For instance:

I know of one person who films houses for real estate agents to put online. It increases chances at houses getting sold if they see what it looks like before they decide to see it in person.

Myself, I work part time for a online marketer. I edit his videos and take care of his online distribution to the various sharing sites.

Sure, its not Hollywood blockbusters, but I can work at home most of the time, work around my schedule and get a weekly paycheck.

This is a GREAT post... this is more true to life with alot of editors and filmers. Work and paychecks a majority of the time come from the non-Hollywood type stuff. Get creative and think WAY outside the box.