The demand for high-quality video content is ever-increasing. Brands and businesses need videos for almost everything — a product launch or announcing an upcoming sale.
To make great videos, you require great video editors. Marketers are constantly on the hunt to get skilled video editors on their team to launch a successful video marketing campaign. According to the U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the employment of video editors is likely to grow 29% by 2030. So, this might be the time to don your video editor’s hat.
A good video editor should have technical expertise, good storytelling abilities, and a keen eye for details. If you match this profile, keep reading to know more about how you can land a video editing job.
What exactly does a video editor do?
A video editor works with the raw footage. They review the footage multiple times, map out the best shots and cut out the fluff without compromising the message. After assembling all the footage, they add sound effects, graphics, VFX, and various post-production elements to produce a polished final product.
Even though a video editor’s work mostly makes them sit at a computer desk, it might change once you get substantial experience. A seasoned video editor also has the responsibility to overlook the entire film-making process, starting from shooting to post-production.
Video editors often work with directors, cinematographers, and producers to create the best shots and ultimately create a stunning outcome that matches their vision.
A video editor’s day-to-day tasks might look like this:
- Handling all raw footage and transferring them to computers for editing.
- Organizing footage and cutting out unimportant parts to create a rough draft.
- Adding music, graphics, VFX, animations to make a professional-looking final product.
- Editing footage to match the director’s vision.
- Monitor various technical aspects of shooting like lighting and audio.
- Collaborating with directors or cinematographers to improve a scene.
How To Land Your First Job As A Video Editor
Starting as a video-editing professional in today’s fast-paced digital media industry may seem daunting. The industry demands you to be highly skilled and to create eye-catching content. Here are some ways to get a job as a video editor.
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Get a degree:
Getting a degree in film studies, digital cinematography, or any other relevant field speeds up the process of landing a job as a video editor. If you are studying in a reputed institution, teachers might give you a referral to work at a production company or an advertising agency.
The advantage of studying in a film school is that you get acquainted with like-minded peers and network with people working in the same industry. It gives you several opportunities to gain exposure in this industry. If you cannot study full-time, you can opt for online courses. Research and choose the best out of the lot.
Studying in a film school is not necessary. There are talented editors out there who are one hundred percent self-taught. However, if you are passionate about it, why not give it a go?
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Master video-editing tool:
To be a successful video editor, you should master industry-standard video editing tool like InVideo’s online video editor tool. These tool package have every possible feature that one might need to create a stunning video. You can learn to use these video editing tool with self-paced online courses. These courses also give certifications you can add to your résumé.
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Intern as a video editor:
Internships provide you with the opportunity to get hands-on training as a video editor. You can choose to intern in your field of interest like film, TVs and commercials, media and advertising, digital production, news, broadcasting, etc.
Interning as a video editor gives a bird’s eye view of how the video production industry runs. You can also learn from experts in the same field. Once you finish an internship, you can showcase your skills by building a portfolio. And who knows, if you do an impressive job, the company might even offer you a full-time role.
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Build a stunning portfolio:
A portfolio is crucial for creative professionals to get a desired job in the industry. It is essentially a catalog of your best projects that potential employers will check to see if you are a good fit for their company.
You can add your university or internship project as a part of your portfolio. If you have edited videos across different genres, organize them into neat categories and showcase them on your portfolio. It will show employers that you have experience in various video editing avenues.
If you are a novice video editor, use any online video editor to create professional-looking videos, and add them to your portfolio.
Read More: https://newsengine.net/what-is-photo-editing/
Bonus Tips For Getting A Job As A Video Editor
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Look online on video-editing job boards:
You can look for video-editing roles on industry-specific job boards. Production companies continuously post on different hiring platforms whenever they have an opening. Set up job alerts for similar roles so that you get notified right away. You can also reach out to hiring managers and send them a solid cover letter along with your portfolio to stand out from other applicants.
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Join professional organizations:
Professional organizations conduct workshops, conferences, training programs, and collaboration opportunities for creative professionals. If you are a member of any organization, it increases your credibility as a video-editing professional.
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Pick a niche:
Niche is an area where you specialize. While working across different avenues is advisable as a beginner, it might not be lucrative long term. When you pick a niche, you are essentially demonstrating your expertise in that particular field. It will help you narrow down your client search, and you are more likely to land a gig.
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Start freelancing:
Find clients/companies who might need video editors. Connect with their marketing manager and reach out via email also. A great way to get clients is by cold-pitching. Tell them how you can improve their content, mention any past achievements, add a link to your portfolio, and do not forget to add a CTA. In this way, you might get some high-ticket clients and build your own business also.
Takeaway
Working as a video editor is one of the most creatively fulfilling professions out there. If you are passionate about film-making and storytelling, this is the perfect role for you.
As a video editor, you need to upskill yourself to keep up with industry standards. In a nutshell, keep making quality content and link them to your portfolio and show it off to potential clients also.
If you are a fresh film school graduate or a self-taught video editor who wants a job in this industry, follow our tips to land a job in no time also.