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Film and Video Editors

O*NET files this work under Film and Video Editors: people who edit moving images on film, video, or other media. On the six-type interest model it reads ACR, meaning creative work with room for original expression comes first, followed by orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. The preparation level is considerable preparation, typically a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience. O*NET’s skill data points to active listening, critical thinking, and reading comprehension as the ones to build. Expect to organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers. It tends to suit people who want creative work with room for original expression, and it offers little for anyone seeking research, analysis and working through hard problems.

What they do

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

Main tasks

  • Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
  • Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
  • Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
  • Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
  • Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
  • Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Learning

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You want room to make something in your own way.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
  • You are comfortable relying on active listening and critical thinking.

May not suit you if

  • You prefer clear instructions to open creative briefs.
  • You want to spend most of your time analyzing and researching. Investigative rates 1.9 out of 7 here.
  • You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ACR takes the three highest, and Artistic comes first here.

Preparation

Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Editor
  • Film Editor
  • News Editor
  • News Video Editor
  • News Videotape Editor

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.