Videos are trending in the market as people like watching videos rather than spending time reading long articles. Another benefit is that they are easy to understand and viewers connect well with them. This can improve brand awareness and increase conversions.
You can become a professional video editor as its demand has increased tremendously over the years in almost every sector like the media, entertainment, and the marketing sector.
If you have decided to become a video editor but are confused about where to start and the roles and responsibilities, don’t worry.
Here, we will answer all your questions.
What is the Role of a Video Editor?
As a professional video editor, your job is to combine moving pictures to narrate a story. You will use graphics, footage, VFX, and sound to create a video. These elements are used in different types of video production like:
· Films
· Music videos
· TV Shows
· Documentaries
· Social media video
· Commercials
· News and sports events
· VR experiences
· Marketing videos
· Corporate training
A video editor works closely with their team and clients to create a professional-looking video. You can work as a freelancer or opt for a 9 to 5 job in an office.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Video Editor?
·The first skill that a video editor requires is storytelling. You should be able to make videos from the consumer’s point of view and think about how your edits will affect the story you want to tell.
·The next important thing is communication skills, as a video editor needs to communicate with their team members and clients. Good communication is a must to convey the right message to both your team and consumers.
·Creative skills are essential, as video editing is more than learning about a video editor and its functionalities. Creating unique videos takes a lot of creativity.
·Attention to detail in their work makes a video editor successful. The editor needs to look at every frame of the video and decide what to keep and what to discard to create the best content.
How to Become a Successful Video Editor?
Many people are not even aware that this is a lucrative full-time profession. On the contrary, there are people who know about this profession but do not know how they can become a video editor, the educational skills, and the experience required.
Here are a few steps to help you become a professional video editor:
Step 1- Get a video editing degree
You can choose from a range of certifications and degree programs if you want to pursue video editing as a career. You should at least have a bachelor’s degree if you want to work as a full-time professional in the film industry. Video editing schools offer Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in video editing.
These degree programs focus on various topics like:
· Video
· Editing
· Scriptwriting
· Digital Imaging
· Film Production Management
Step 2 – Seek specialized training
Various video editing schools train students on different kinds of video editing software. Getting these kinds of training makes video editors experts in particular software, but if you are a beginner, you should start with the basic training and then opt for specialized training. Once you have the basic knowledge, it becomes easier for you to learn to work with new software as per your employer’s requirements.
Step 3 – Obtain certification
Professional certification is not mandatory, but it is recommended as it gives you an edge over other video editors. Although different vendors offer their own certifications, you should know that most video editors make their careers work without any certification.
Step 4 – Get experience
Experience is the main aspect that every employer looks at. You should do as many projects as possible as it helps build your skills and gain experience. The more you work, the more confident you will be to work on projects independently. You will also be able to lead teams and move to advanced positions.
So now you know the few simple steps you need to follow to become a pro in the video editing sector.
Educational Requirements
You are probably wondering what the minimum education requirements for becoming a professional video editor are.
Here is the answer:
If you wish to work in a domain related to film or broadcasting, then you require at least a bachelor’s degree in the affiliated sector.
But it differs from industry to industry as various employers train employees according to their own software. In fact, most editors undergo specialized training on one software and keep learning as they take on new projects.
If you are a beginner, you need to learn the basics and be aware of some of the major types of software used in video editing.
How Much Does a Video Editor Earn?
You must be waiting for the answer to this question, as in the end, everything is about the return. The demand for video editors is skyrocketing and will continue to in the coming years.
On average, as a video editor, you can make £18000 as a beginner in the UK and can go up to £45,000 as your experience increases. In the US, you can earn anywhere from $26,560 to $110,790.
How To Get Your First Editing Gig?
To get work as a video editor, the first thing you need to do is create a demo reel that displays the different editing techniques you know and the type of projects you have worked on. This is a great way to create your portfolio. Once you have made your demo reel, start networking with people and search for jobs on well-known and reliable platforms.
Start your video editing journey today by opting for a course, practicing every day, and making the right connections.
