Film Editor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Film Editor, or Video Editor, is responsible for turning uncut footage from a film shoot into a finished, cohesive final project. Their duties include studying film scripts and using them to guide scene development, determining which camera angles to use and coordinating sound and visual effects in post-production.

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Film Editor Duties and Responsibilities

A Film Editor has a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:

  • A Film Editor has the responsibility of piecing together a vision based on the Director’s interpretation of the script. They will meet with the Director, often going on location to experience the story as it is recorded on film from the Director’s point of view.
  • Piece together a comprehensive story from a variety of locations and angles. Edit frame by frame as needed, to support the dialogue and complete the film.
  • Communicate with appropriate people regarding status of editing, the goal and vision for the film, working closely with Assistant Editors and Editors to prepare and revise footage and effects.
  • Work within the timeline established by directors and producers in order to turn the film around on deadline with initial, uncut version and with revisions.

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Film Editor Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

We are looking for an advanced photo/video editor who will be able to consistently edit content at a fast rate without losing efficiency. You will also be called on set to aid as a production assistant up to 3 times a week. The editing will be done remotely, whereas the production assistance will be on site in Manhattan. While on set, you may be given the opportunity to operate the camera to photograph the models: capture action shots, behind the scenes, as well as concepts planned prior to the shoot that you can assist in creating within the given parameters of the goal/theme of shoot. (SONY a7III camera) Please be able to provide any before and after photos that you've edited of advanced retouching/editing on shots of humans in which you removed acne and smoothed skin while maintaining texture, whitened teeth, removes flyaway hairs, color corrected and enhanced the image without the editing being noticeable whatsoever. You will also be expected to have the ability to create promotional content (flyers, posters, marketing material) with given photos, concepts and ideas for you to bring to life in the final product. We won't be able to train you and expect you to come equipped with the skills necessary to complete to tasks you'll be given on a regular basis. You be will be expected to be able to create short films and other curated videos from a variety of clips in which you'll retouch and clip together to create the final product. *Responsibilities* * Digitally create and edit marketing materials/advertisement * Retouch, edit, enhance photos using photoshop (must be advanced) * Edit videos using adobe premier (Must be advanced) * Handle requests and queries appropriately * Setting up film production set and maintain organization * Offer artistic insight in production * Maintain meticulous organization of filming areas by removing debris and sweeping floors (featured in full time position) * Help the director with planning and completing shots * Operate SONY a7III to capture shots and videos of models * Aid in set design, assist with wardrobe, regularly work with props and staging *Full time | Content curation 5 days a week done remotely + On site production assistance 3x week* *Skills* * Flexible schedule * Highly proficient in photo and video editing * Ability to multitask and prioritize daily workload * Excellent verbal and written communications skills * Discretion and confidentiality * Artistry and creative insight * Creativity * Understanding of fine arts * Advanced experience level * Quick turnaround time for content Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Pay: $10.00 - $22.00 per hour Benefits: * Flexible schedule * Professional development assistance Schedule: * On call Supplemental Pay: * Bonus pay COVID-19 considerations: Preferred non-vaccinated Application Question(s): * Are you able to provide ad example photo or video that you've edited yourself? If so, please attach here or sent to us: 313-598-[phone number]Shift availability: * Day Shift (Preferred) * Night Shift (Preferred) Work Location: Multiple Locations

Example 2

_Film Editor for Feature Film - Please visit company's website to apply. Forward resume and cover letter to contact email on website to apply. _ *_FILM Editor Intern JOB Description _* _DEEP is looking for a passionate, motivated Film Editor to work closely with the Director/Producer on a feature film. This person should be a passionate enthusiastic and creative hard worker with a desire to work in the film industry. _ DEEP is looking for a film editor to capture the vision of the director. The responsibilities of a film editor include assessing multiple hours of film, assembling footage, and meeting film deadlines. Must have excellent time management skills, the ability to turn a vision into reality, and be highly artistic. Must have exceptional video editing skills, a creative approach to problem-solving, and be able to work long hours. Film Editor Responsibilities: * Reading the scripts to understand the vision of the Director. * Reviewing footage and selecting scenes according to the vision. * Trimming segments of footage. * Collaborating with Sound Editors, Sound Effects Editors, and * Making multiple revisions as per the request of the Director. Film Editor Requirements: * Bachelor of arts in film and television, media or related field preferred. * Previous industry experience. * Strong knowledge of editing tools, techniques, and software. * Critical and analytical skills. * Great patience and concentration. * Organizational and time management skills. Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Internship Pay: $200.00 - $500.00 per month Benefits: * Flexible schedule Schedule: * 10 hour shift Education: * High school or equivalent (Preferred) Work Location: * Multiple locations Work Remotely: * Yes Work Location: Multiple Locations

Example 3

*Description: * We are looking for a talented video editor to assemble recorded footage into a finished project that matches director’s vision and is suitable for broadcasting. Also have abilities to create eye catching short snippets in a fast turnaround time frame. Ultimately, as a film and video editor, you should be able to bring sight and sound together in order to tell a cohesive story. *Job Responsibilities* ⦁ Manipulate and edit film pieces in a way that is invisible to the audience ⦁ Take a brief to grasp production team’s needs and specifications ⦁ Review shooting script and raw material to create a shot decision list based on scenes’ value and contribution to continuity ⦁ Trim footage segments and put together the sequence of the film ⦁ Input music, dialogues, graphics and effects ⦁ Create rough and final cuts ⦁ Ensure logical sequencing and smooth running ⦁ Consult with stakeholders from production to post-production process ⦁ Continuously discover and implement new editing technologies and industry’s best practices to maximize efficiency ⦁ Abilities to coordinate with marketing team *Job Skills & Qualifications* ⦁ Proven work experience as a video editor ⦁ Solid experience with digital technology and editing software packages (e.g. Avid Media Composer, Lightworks, Premiere, After Effects and Final Cut) ⦁ Demonstrable video editing ability with a strong portfolio ⦁ Thorough knowledge of timing, motivation and continuity ⦁ Familiarity with special effects, 3D and compositing ⦁ Creative mind and storytelling skills ⦁ BS degree in film studies, cinematography or related field *Preferred: * ⦁ Portfolio of past worked on Job Types: Part-time, Internship Pay: $1.00 per month Schedule: * Monday to Friday Education: * Associate (Preferred) Experience: * Final Cut Pro: 1 year (Preferred) * Adobe Photoshop: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: Remote

What Does a Film Editor Do?

Film Editors work as part of the post-production team at a video and film production company to carry out a director’s vision for how each shot in a movie should be put together. They use storyboards to trim video clips to the appropriate length and arrange them in the correct order to tell a logical and compelling story. Film Editors use software and digital tools to create transitions between different camera angles. They determine the appropriate sequence for different shots and add sound effects and musical scores to evoke different emotions in the viewer.

Film Editor Skills and Qualifications

A successful Film Editor candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for their duties.

  • Strong attention to detail: The main focus of the Film Editor is to notice every detail about the movie and how it contributes to the story. Something as simple as a misplaced coffee cup in a period piece can destroy the integrity and authenticity of the piece so it’s imperative that the Film Editor has a keen eye and is able to spot even the slightest misplacement.
  • Advanced communication skills: Communicating constructively is important for the Film Editor role. Working with fellow creatives can often be difficult as the art being created is a work of passion and love. Being able to express the goal, keeping in mind the emotional response and potential pushback, while encouraging revisions and adjustments is a skill necessary in this position.
  • Aware and respectful of deadlines: A film house or Producer may have a set timeline for the final cut of the film. The Film Editor must be aware of this deadline and work with this date in mind. They must edit all music and effects, as well as perform all revisions needed within the allotted period, with little to no allowable delay.

Film Editor Salary Expectations

The data is not available for the average salary of a Film Editor. However, salary will vary greatly upon experience and the specific project the Editor is working on.

Film Editor Education and Training Requirements

While there are no specific educational requirements to become a Film Editor, a bachelor’s degree in film, broadcasting or another related field could be helpful.

Film Editor Experience Requirements

A portfolio of work will be requested when applying as a Film Editor. This can be comprised of previous work as a Film Editor, internships you have completed, or apprenticeships where you may have worked closely with another Editor.

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Frequently asked questions about Film Editors

 

What is the difference between a Film Editor and a Videographer?

Videographers are in charge of capturing specific shots on set, while Film Editors piece together those shots after filming. Both Videographers and Film Editors use a director’s instruction and storyboard to guide their work, but Videographers work on getting all of the essential visuals for a Film Editor to use and turn a still storyboard into a complete film. Videographers actively work with actors and a film crew to get appropriate framing and movement, while Film Editors rearrange different filming perspectives to achieve a dynamic scene.

 

What are the characteristics of a good Film Editor?

Good Film Editors are organized, creative and meticulous when arranging raw footage and deciding how to piece it together. They use artistry to decide which effects to use and the appropriate timing for different key plot events. Because their role is to bring a director’s vision to life, good Film Editors must be able to follow clear instructions and accept feedback. Successful Film Editors are extremely patient and may have to produce multiple versions of the same film for the production team to review. They pay attention to small details to create seamless transitions and create a movie frame-by-frame.

 

What are the daily duties of a Film Editor?

Film Editors often work independently in a film studio, meticulously organizing and studying the footage provided to them. They spend time in projection rooms and film labs to see how their editing looks in different formats and make the appropriate adjustments. Film Editors examine tapes for possible errors and break them into useable segments. They regularly create backup copies to preserve their work as they use different types of linear editing software to make all necessary changes. At the end of the production process, they work with audio engineers to improve sound quality and create consistent volume control.

 

What should you look for on a Film Editor's resume?

A Film Editor’s resume should emphasize their portfolio of past editing experience and they types of software and editing tools they are familiar with. When hiring a Film Editor, look for candidates who have worked independently and as part of a team to ensure that they can handle the collaborative aspects of film editing and be able to self-manage during long hours ediitng in the studio.

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