You might wonder if learning video editing will enable you to switch professions and if it will be a suitable career choice. Video editing is one of the most in-demand fields for people with skills. There are several job routes to select, each with unique attributes and benefits.
A video editor evaluates audio and video information and utilizes tools to combine pieces into a meaningful story. For intimate knowledge on everything video editing, keep on reading!
Is Video Editing A Good Career?
Video editing is a great career! It’s a job that allows you to work with people who are passionate about films, television shows, and music videos. You’ll be able to see how the final product comes together, and you’ll get to help create something truly remarkable. Additionally, video editing is a good career choice, offering lucrative compensation. But first, you must understand every aspect of video editing, from script to post-production.
The finest part of being a video editor is using your creative expertise. Let’s see what a video editing career may bring you!
1. Script to Post-Production
Video editors deal with movies from the screenplay to the editing room.
They assist with the following tasks:
- Producing the narrative and storyline
- Sound mixing
- Video designs
Additionally, video editors manage the film’s sequencing and continuity. They collaborate with filmmakers and producers as they create scripts and storytelling techniques.
Since they are in response to turning the raw video into meaningful content, video editors are in the growing market.
Generally, professionals of all levels from this career route can frequently find remote and freelance jobs.
2. Good Career Choice
Due to the enormous demand for internet films created by the rise of social media, video editing is a good career choice.
However, there are certain drawbacks, such as working alone and indoors all the time and spending a lot of time sitting down to polish a single video clip.
It also demands extensive technical knowledge, including familiarity with software and video editing techniques.
Video editors can work from home, start as freelancers, or launch content companies.
Becoming an editor is an excellent option if you’re looking to launch a side business in the digital space.
3. Lucrative Compensation
Video editing is a growing field that offers lucrative compensation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Video Editor earns $76,000 annually, with top earners making over $138,000.
However, wages might vary depending on expertise, location, and business size.
The amount of work video editors perform affects their pay. For example, freelancers might spend months working on a single film. At the same time, they might work without pay until the next job.
Full-time video editors working for production houses get benefits such as:
- Paid holidays
- Health insurance
4. Interest in Filming
Some video editors view themselves as enthusiasts with a passion for films.
Some start in their teens, constructing highlight mix tapes of their new favorite sports stars and posting them on YouTube.
They spent countless hours looking for online content but made a video making an evident passion.
In addition, they learned to master aspects of filming, like narrative, light, framing, and sequencing.
Lastly, they have learned a great deal about themselves in the process.
5. Qualifications and Education
Even though many video editors possess degrees in media or film, a college education is optional for employment as a video editor.
However, for entry-level roles, many firms require bachelor’s degrees; this also frequently applies to video editing.
A video editor with a bachelor’s degree is proficient in the following software:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Avid Media Composer
- Final Cut Pro
Additionally, there are in-depth certificate programs and individual video editing courses like Premiere Pro or Final Cut.
- Premiere Pro Class – Introduction
- After Effects Class – Introduction
- Clip Champ Training Course
6. Technology Savvy
To produce a visually appealing output, video editors require technical expertise that translates into competence in dealing with raw footage and technology.
Having previous experience in these concepts is beneficial:
- Using images
- Audio image manipulation
- Tools and software
Technical abilities include:
- using video editing tools to rearrange video content
- examining the screenplays, scenes, and storylines
- combining uncut video
- determining the overarching vision in collaboration with the film director
- modifying a scene to suit the director’s intent
Finally, as a video editor, having strong memory, clear communication, attentive listening, adaptability, and networking are all necessary soft skills.
7. Demo Reel and Showcase
You can take on projects you come across at the start of this career. However, the income is minimal.
This step lets you sharpen your editing capabilities and create a portfolio that clients can evaluate when applying for significant projects.
Make a demo reel demonstrating
- the kinds of videos you edit,
- the many abilities and techniques you’ve refined, and
- any well-known initiatives you’ve worked on early in your career.
Another way to obtain expertise is by networking. Therefore, you need to broaden your network and interact in more discussions with individuals in the sector.
You can also take the following routes:
- Search gigs
- Pitch your Expertise
- Launch a Project
8. Career Outlook
According to BLS, the total number of editors will grow by 12 percent year over year this decade, with 9,400 new job openings annually.
Additionally, the most common projects in starting your entry-level editing career take place in industries like:
- Scripted films
- reality television
- News
- Sports
- Documentary films
- Scripted television
- Commercials
Video editors also have opportunities on the following career paths:
- Film Editor
- Event Video Editor
- Web Video Editor
- TV Studio Editor
- Broadcast Engineer
Overall, the volume of video editing employment will rise due to the increase in internet-only streaming services and the growth of online video marketing.
9. Demanding Work
Whether you work as an employee or freelancer, taking no action in the video editing industry might be challenging. Employers typically send emails requesting additional revisions in the early morning, and it’s difficult to say no to clients.
However, video editors have the opportunity to work from anywhere, so they only need to come to the office occasionally. Instead, they can do it from any location around the world.
Due to this flexibility, some professionals frequently set aside time for self-improvement, reflection, and character-building.
10. Challenges in Video Editing
Most experienced editors will note that video editing takes for around 1 to 1.5 hours every minute of edited video. At the same time, editing a 30-minute video could take approximately 40 hours.
An aspiring social media influencer spends an average of 20 hours weekly managing social media.
However, some video editors spend more than 100 hours a week concentrating on the revenue their channels produce.
To generate a steady income, one must put in hard work, which leaves them with little time for hobbies and other activities outside of work.
11. Insufficient Social Interaction
You will have fewer opportunities for social connection than others as a video editor. As a result, you might spend more time completing a task without speaking to your colleagues.
Additionally, editors typically work independently without many interactions. Therefore, it’s essential to keep in touch with colleagues and clients.
Working alone can cause a significant lack of social interaction, which may eventually result in interpersonal isolation. But on the other hand, it also allows one to refocus on the task.
To learn more, you can also see our posts on Film Making, Photography, Web Design, and Acting.
Conclusion
Video Editing is a great career choice if you are passionate about storytelling, film, and media. It is a career that can be done from home or a studio and allows for flexible hours. It is also a rewarding field where you can make your own schedule and create content for multiple platforms, including social media, websites, TV shows, and commercials.
The best part about this career is that you’ll never be bored doing the same thing daily. You’ll always have something new to learn and apply to your work.
Video editing is fast-paced and challenging, but it’s rewarding because you can see your work come together by watching your finished product!
However, video editing is time-consuming and tedious work. It is not only about promises of salaries, fame, and glamor.