Film or Videotape Editor

A film or videotape editor prepares the final version of a film or a videotape, ready for showing.

The Work

You could be:

• examining the tape frame by frame


• discussing with the director which frames to keep and which to cut


• arranging the remaining footage into a meaningful order


• cutting and splicing film using editing software


• editing scenes out of sequence while keeping a clear idea of the storyline


• digitally enhancing the quality and adding captions, graphics and special effects


• preparing the soundtrack: music, background noise, narration and dubbing, adding audio sound effects such as Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR)


• synchronising it with the film


• downloading footage and using editing software to produce the final version.

Conditions

• You will work with computers and other complex equipment in a darkened cutting room.


• You will work long and irregular hours, under constant pressure to meet deadlines.


• You may spend periods on location away from home.


• You will probably face regular periods of unemployment between jobs.

Getting In

Because of digital technology there are fewer vacancies nowadays for editing assistants. Competition is intense.

• You need amateur experience of photography or drama and basic understanding of film or video editing or both.


• Most successful applicants have educational qualifications, from Highers to degrees.


• A degree or Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC or HND) in any subject is acceptable, but a qualification in film and TV studies is particularly relevant.


• You need relevant work or voluntary experience to build a portfolio and make contacts in the industry.


• Some entrants start as runners (see Runner).
  
• Applicants should be over 18 and must have good eyesight for close work and normal colour vision and hearing.


• You would probably start as an editing assistant for a film or video company.

What Does It Take?

You must have:

• creativity


• the ability to work quickly to deadlines


• an eye for detail


• a patient, methodical approach


• good communication and team work skills


• the ability to visualise the final product


• good hand and eye co-ordination


• technical skills and a willingness to keep up to date with new technology.

Training

• Specialised training is mostly on the job: working as a runner, digitising materials and sound editing, and then moving into picture editing.


• The National Film and Television School offers a full time 2 year diploma course in editing as well as a course in Digital Post Production. See website for application dates for the next intakes.


• Skillset, Scottish Screen and the British Film Institute provide lists of relevant courses on their websites.
• Scottish Screen and Skillset offer bursaries of up to £1000 to people working in the Scottish film, TV, animation, computer game and interactive media industries.


• BBC Training and Development run various short courses including a 3-day course in The Craft of Editing. See their website.

Getting On

• Industrial or commercial video companies sometimes have permanent staff, but film companies usually hire freelance editors on short-term contracts for particular productions.


• Because most work is freelance and temporary, there is little chance of promotion. By developing your network of contacts and gathering a portfolio of previous contracts you can apply for better-paid jobs.


• The number of job opportunities in broadcasting involving community languages (Gaelic, Urdu, Punjabi) is increasing.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• whether you are freelance


• the demand for the job.

More Information

The Network scheme is run in connection with the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival (MGEITF). 150 young people got the opportunity in August 2009 to work behind and in front of the camera and make useful contacts.

Find information on the next programme on the MGEITF website (see Addresses).

You can download application forms from their website (see Addresses).

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.