Film and Video Editors

A Day in the Life

You will begin most of your days as a film and video editor by meeting with the director or client for whom you are working. The director or client will provide you with guidelines for how the film or video should be edited and will then leave you alone to do your work. If you are new to the field of film and video editing, you will likely work with an experienced editor for several years before you head your own editorial team.

In order to edit film and video, you will use a computer and a special type of software known as non-linear digital editing software. You'll sort through each and every frame of the film, cutting the scenes that the director wants removed and creating transitions between scenes. Depending on where you work, you may also be responsible for ordering sound effects, title sequences and credit sequences for a production.

If you choose to work as a film editor, you will decide whether you want to work on theatrical or non-theatrical projects. When you work on theatrical projects, you'll be able to see your handiwork playing in movie theaters. If you choose non-theatrical work, you'll see your editing in TV shows, documentaries, educational films and made-for-TV movies.

If you choose to work as a video editor, you will likely handle commercials, network title sequences and private jobs. You'll use the same type of software as a film editor but will generally have more creative freedom. You may take several days or weeks to complete each project. You'll begin each project by meeting with your client or employer and will then work independently.

As a film or video editor, you will catalog each and every scene in a project according to its slide number. You'll then send this information to a film or video processing house where a negative of the project will be made. It will be your responsibility to check the negative for any errors. You'll have the honor of delivering this finished project to your director or client.