The job of a video editor is interesting, and this job description guide contains all a good video editor should know.
It contains the duties and responsibilities to expect, the monetary benefits, and the essential skills a good video editor should have.
Some of the duties and responsibilities commonly featured in a video editor job description include reviewing shooting scripts and editing video shoots so that the audience does not get to see what it took to produce them.
To properly perform the above duties and responsibilities and even more, there are certain skills a video editor should have.
Employers look out for these skills because they make it easier for editors to perform their duties.
A perfect video editor should be given details and possess good team working and time management skills.
Video editors who intend to go into big-time filmmaking usually need to obtain a degree in filmmaking.
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What does a Video Editor do?
Video editors use video editing software to manipulate and edit video shoots.
They collate several video shoots into one perfect finished work, which aligns with what the scriptwriter and director envisage when scripting the shoots and making the videos, respectively.
The finished project obtained after an editor works on raw video shoots should be suitable for broadcasting.
The raw material that forms the finished work could be video footage, graphics design, special effects, sounds, and dialogues.
In some organizations, a video editor is also responsible for taking the raw video and photo shoots.
But they only assemble these shoots in others, while a videographer captures them.
To do all these, a video editor must be familiar with creative editing software such as premiere pro, Adobe Photoshop, and resolve.
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What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Video Editor?
To succeed as a video editor, it is very important to have a keen understanding of what your duties and responsibilities are.
Therefore, I will sincerely advise that you take this section of this job description very seriously.
Here are some of the typical duties of a video editor
1. Meeting with Clients
Before editing the video, video editors have to meet with clients via online platforms or face-to-face.
During such meetings, they know how clients expect the finished work to feel and look.
This is very important because it guides the video editor when editing to create a finished project that will satisfy the client.
2. Inputting Sound Effects
After assembling different footage, the video editor inputs perfect sound effects that suit each scene or action to give the video a better feel.
Such sound effects may include selected music, sounds, and voice-over.
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3. Improving Faulty Footage
During video shoots, mistakes sometimes occur.
Such mistakes include poor lighting, coloring, and even voice recording.
The video editor must try to improve any footage with errors.
4. Reviewing the Video Script
In order to produce a finished project that suits the director and writer’s goal, a video editor has to review the script.
He or she does this to follow the script outline and screenplay properly.
5. Staying up-to-date with new Edition Techniques and Software
If there is one thing everyone knows about technology, it should be that it keeps improving.
Therefore, for a video editor to stay relevant in this field, he or she should stay updated with new video editing software and devices.
Other duties and responsibilities of a video editor commonly featured in their job description include the following:
- Assembling and trimming raw footage.
- Capturing quality video and photo shoots.
- Adhere to all organization’s brand guidelines.
- Reporting to the company’s management.
- Develop a good understanding of the storyline and reason for making the video.
- Select a video’s appropriate equipment, lighting, lens, and sound effects.
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What Qualifications do I need to become a Video Editor?
Video editors do not necessarily need a bachelor’s degree; a high school diploma or GED is just enough to get the job.
But, a bachelor’s degree in visual arts, filmmaking, graphic design, cinematography, videography, or other related fields is always preferred.
This is because the things learned during formal education in any related field will benefit a video editor.
Also, a video editor must be familiar with compositing and special effects.
Of course, to become a video editor, you need to have experience in the use of photo and video editing software such as:
- Final cut
- Premiere pro
- Photoshop
- After effect
- Resolve
- Avid media composer
- Kine Master
Employers also look out for editors who will be capable of successfully completing a task on their own.
A video editor may obtain certification in special editing software from software vendors.Â
This certification usually requires attending or watching tutorials, preparing for an exam, and passing.
Although obtaining a certification is not mandatory, it shows competence.
What Skills does a Video Editor need?
As I said earlier, there are certain essential skills employers look out for in a video editor.
A good video editor who intends to succeed in this career path must possess some, if not all, of them.
Also, these skills are usually a part of the job description of a video editor.
Some of these skills include but are not limited to the following:
1. Time Management Skills
A video editor often has to deal with deadlines.
Therefore you must be able to manage time well if you must meet deadlines.
Any delay may delay a whole project and result in the loss of clients.
Moreover, no client will like to work with a video editor who does not meet up with deadlines.
2. Creativity
Combining colors, fonts, images, texts, sound effects, music, and shapes all in one project does require creativity.
Being creative is a vital natural skill a good video editor should have.
Its importance cannot be over overrated.
Therefore, like a good video editor, you must be able to think outside the box to create outstanding finished projects.
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3. Open-hearted
After presenting a video, you may receive so much criticism.
Without considering the time you put into editing, your clients may outrightly reject it.
This usually happens to video editors who are just starting their careers.
These can be annoying, but you must be open-hearted to receive constructive criticism.
 And try to improve in the areas where a client complains.
4. Communication Skills.
A video editor should possess solid communication skills.
This is relevant for negotiation and relating with clients and directors.
Also, good listening skills are very relevant; that’s the only way an editor can understand a client’s desire.
5. Negotiations Skills
This skill is a must-have for all freelancers. Whether video editors, graphics designers, content creators, or whatever.
If you must close good deals with clients, you must negotiate well.
Also, employers lookout for those with good eye coordination and give attention to details.
Where do Video Editors Work?
Here are some of the typical employers of video editors:
- Facebook creators
- YouTube creators
- Film industry
- Television broadcasting channels
- Government organizations
- Religious bodies
Advertisements are usually placed online or in local newspapers and television stations.
A freelancing video editor also signs up for some freelancer platforms such as work.
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How much do Video Editors make?
The average salary of a video editor in the United States is about $54,000 per year, according to Glassdoor
Typically, their salary ranges from $29,000 per year to $84,000 per year.
These figures are likely to differ depending on your location.
Some of the factors that influence the salary of a video editor include:
- Employer
- Location
- Experience
- Qualification
- Certification
Freelancer video editors usually bargain their pay with different clients.
Some of the factors that influence the charge of a freelancing video editor include:
- Length of the video
- Type of video
Video Editor Work Environment and Schedule
Typically, video editors work in offices or on video shooting sites where they capture quality shots.
A freelancing video editor may work in the comfort of his or her home.
A video editor may work full-time or part-time; working hours may vary depending on your employer.
Extra working hours may be required whenever a deadline has to be met.
Video Editor job outlook
Job opportunities for video editors are expected to increase continuously as the years go by.
With more people becoming Facebook and YouTube creators and organizations who require streaming services, video editors will be in need.
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Conclusion: Video Editor Job Description Guide
Creative individuals with a flair for making videos will make good video editors.
This job description was compiled with prospective video editors in mind.
But it can also serve as a template for the organization to create its unique video editor job description.
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