A film or video editor prepares the final version of a film or a video, ready for broadcast. They work on projects for films, TV programmes, commercials, music or promotional videos and corporate videos for businesses.

The Work

You could be:

• examining the raw footage 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 and synchronising the soundtrack: music, background noise, narration and dubbing, adding audio sound effects such as automated dialogue replacement (ADR)
• using specialist software, such as Final Cut Pro, After Effects and Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) Suite
• putting all elements together to produce the final version.

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.

The starting salary for film or video editors is usually around £18,000 to £22,000 a year but trainees will start at a lower rate. With experience this can rise to £45,000 a year, sometimes more.

The majority of film or video editors work on a freelance basis. Rates of pay depend largely upon the type and size of production. The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU) recommend freelance rates on their website.

Conditions

• You will work with computers and other complex equipment in an editing suite or studio.
• You will work long and irregular hours, under constant pressure to meet deadlines.
• You might work as a team with other types of editors on larger projects.
• You may spend periods on location, away from home.

Useful Subjects

• Graphic Communication
• Media
• Music Technology

Getting In

• A course in film, media or media production would be useful.
• Most successful applicants have educational qualifications, from Highers to degrees.
• A degree (SCQF Level 9), HND (SCQF Level 8) or HNC (SCQF Level 7) in any art-based or media subject is particularly relevant. 
• You might get in through the Modern Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (SCQF Level 6/7).
• You need relevant work or voluntary experience to build a portfolio and make contacts in the industry.
• A lot of entrants start as runners (see Runner) then move up to second or first assistant and eventually editor.
• You would probably start as an assistant editor for a film, TV or video company.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

3689

4.4 %

RISE

2029

3853

  United Kingdom

2024

79095

6.1 %

RISE

2029

83951

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You must have:

• creativity
• a willingness to work long hours
• an eye for detail
• good problem solving skills
• a patient, methodical approach
• good communication and team work skills
• IT and technical skills.

You need:

• to keep up to date with new technology
• to be able to work to deadlines
• a commitment to meet high standards
• the ability to visualise the final product
• a high level of concentration.

Training

• Specialised training is mostly on the job: working as a runner, digitising materials and sound editing, and then moving into video editing.
• The National Film and Television School offers a two-year full time MA course in Editing. See website for application dates for the next intakes.
• Screenskills provides a list of relevant courses on their website.
• BBC Academy run various short courses. See their website for details.

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 (for example, Gaelic, Urdu and Punjabi) is increasing.

More Information

If you are aged 18 or over you may be interested in The Network. The Network is held each year alongside the TV Festival in Edinburgh. If selected you would attend for four free days of masterclasses and workshops which will provide you with the skills, knowledge and contacts to start a career in TV. You can usually apply from January to May.

Trainee Finder is ScreenSkills flagship new entrant programme which offers paid work placements across a range of roles in film and TV. Applications are currently closed for the 2024-25 programme. Recruitment will usually begin around September of the year before placement. Find out more and apply online by visiting the Film Trainee Finder website.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.