aka: picture editor
Films are shot out of order, so the editor is responsible for combining each scene to create the final cut. This job is a great career for anyone interested in working in film who doesn’t want to work on a set. The combination of creative and technical makes the job interesting and with lots of opportunities throughout media.
Keep reading to learn more about becoming a film editor. We’ll discuss the tasks of the film editor, necessary skills and training, pay expectations, and common career paths.
What Is a Film Editor?
The film editor (or picture editor) plays an important job role. It’s their job to oversee the editing of a film and to complete a final cut, which must match the director’s vision and tell the story in the most engaging way possible.
Their goal is to make the viewer so wrapped up in the story that they become unaware of the editor’s work. With this purpose in mind, film editing is often called an invisible art.
The film editor mainly works in post-production. However, they may start work in the planning stage, collaborating with the director to decide how the final film should look.
During filming, the editor receives rushes (dailies) so they can create a rough cut. Rushes are a rough edit of the day’s footage for the director and producer to view the film’s progress.
After production wraps, film editors cut together raw footage into seamless sequences using software. In addition to video, the editor works with audio, sound effects, graphics, and virtual effects to create the final film.
The editor then works with the director to refine the edit. It will undergo many drafts (or cuts) and it can take months before the picture lock (final cut). Lastly, they work with the sound designer and composer to complete the film.
What Does a Film Editor Do?
| Pre-production | N/A |
| Production | – Attend meetings with the director – Hire and work with the editing team – Organize and assemble footage – Create rough cuts from rushes |
| Post-production | – Edit the film footage in story order – Work with the director and producer – Oversee sound design, color correction, and music editing – Export film for distribution |
How to Become a Film Editor
Essential film editor skills:
- Film production
- Storytelling
- Film editing
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Patience
- Related disciplines like VFX
You don’t need a degree to find work as a film editor. However, some education and experience is a must.
For starters, it would be helpful to study film production so you understand the filmmaking process. An editor must also know how to use popular editing software such as Avid, Adobe, and Final Cut. There are many short editing tutorials and YouTube videos that can help you master these skills.
In addition, it’s important to build a portfolio as well as a variety of work credits to show off your editing skills.
Because editors can work on various project types and translate those skills from one to another, you can always do projects for social media, corporations, or the music industry first. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the editing process and software before applying to work at a major production company.
Something else to consider as you do your training is whether or not you want to specialize. Some editors have specialties like working with green screens and VFX. If you can get this kind of work on your resume and portfolio, it’ll make you a much more competitive job candidate.
Finding Film Editor Jobs
There are different ways to break into the film editing field.
One option is to find entry-level gigs for post-production runners (or post runners). They are similar to a film runner (also known as a production assistant) in that they complete basic tasks such as keeping the editing suits tidy. Large companies and studios might also offer editor training.
A good place to find jobs like post runner or editing assistant on industry-specific job listing sites. You can also apply directly with editing houses and large studios.
Another way to start your career is by working as an editor in other industries, like social media. You’ll be able to find these kinds of gigs on regular job sites like Indeed or LinkedIn.
Yet another option is to start editing for low-budget projects. That way, you can learn the job role through hands-on practice. When you’re ready, you can work up to higher-budget jobs.
Once you become established in the field, finding work will be easy, whether you work full-time for a studio or as a freelancer. Directors love to work with the same editors, so networking and making contacts in the industry early on will help you find work.
How Much Money Do Film Editors Make?
Minimum pay rate for editors: $48.46/hour
The film editor’s day rate depends on many factors. For starters, union vs. non-union member pay tends to vary quite a bit. Also, the type of job (full-time vs. freelance), location of the project, and production size and budget always affect crew rates. So, too, will your experience in the industry and any specialties you have as an editor.
