Film & Video Editors

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“Cut!” While credit for a film’s success may go to the director, it’s often editors who turn hours of raw footage into an enjoyable blockbuster movie. Film and video editors select and cut film and video footage of actors and settings and arrange it into stories with a clear sequence and meaning or to achieve certain emotional or psychological effects. These film professionals often look closely frame by frame to ensure that the final product achieves the desired impact. An editor might work at a Hollywood studio… spending hours alone in the editing booth… or in an office producing video content for a media company. Many editors work in motion picture and video industries or in television broadcasting, and some are self-employed. Editors need creativity and the ability to work collaboratively with producers and directors to achieve a common vision. Most jobs require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting. As in most industries, technology has had a profound impact. Today, most editing is performed digitally using specialized software. Film editors typically choose to specialize in one type of software, and some employers offer training in the type of specialized editing software they use. Internet-based video creation services have provided additional platforms and opportunities for editors.