How to Become a Video Editor

There is no better time than the present to get started in a career in video editing. But, do you have what it takes to become a video editor in today’s busy and highly competitive film industry? We’re showing you how to become a video editor in hopes that the details we provide you with now will help you to decide whether this is the ideal career for you to use your talent in. Follow along to see if you’ve got what it takes to succeed in the field of film editing.

Consider Freelance Video Editing, Part-Time

Before you become a full-time video editor, it’s usually best to get your feet wet with smaller projects. In fact, before you quit your day job, consider freelance film editing on a part-time basis to gain the skills you need to advance in your career. Many freelance editors find that this allows flexibility to gain the skills necessary for a career while keeping the income from a typical job coming in.

Prior to the internet and advances in today’s technology in filmmaking, it wasn’t possible to freelance edit while holding a day job. There simply wasn’t enough time in the day. However, technology makes it possible to swing from one job to another with ease.

Before you make the decision to quit your day job, see if editing is really where your heart is. Take time to freelance and enjoy the flexibility that comes from freelance editing. If you find that you love the work, you can consider a move to full-time editing in the future.

Finding Clients

In your early days as a video editor much of your time will be spent trying to find clients that you can work for and hone your skills. Finding your own clients is a challenge for any startup.

As you work to find clients, consider the following:

• Spend time each day prospecting and if you are not prospecting, spend your spare time working on improving your editing skills.
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• Make a demo reel that shows your best editing in action. As your skillset improves, create new content that shows the improvements.
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• Ask your current employer if you can work with them as an editor. They may say no, but at least you tried.
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• Ask friends, family or anyone else what you can do to help with editing footage that they have. Continue to get your name out there as someone that can do the type of work you do.

Success is in the Planning

As you work to become a successful video editor, remember that your success lies in the steps you take to plan your business. Freelance video editing will require you to provide exceptional quality work to clients. While much of your early days will be spent seeking clientele, as you grow, your time will be spent more on honing your skills and improving the services that you offer.

With several clients, you will need to take time out to properly plan and keep your business organized. Freelance video editors often use the same systems used by various other businesses to track projects and keep things organized. Free options include Trello, Basecamp and Asana.

Make sure that you are planning your time wisely and that you are devoting time to practice, administration, and actual editing. This way you can deliver results that will make your clients satisfied with the work you do.

If you’re still looking for information on how to become a video editor, consider one of the many film schools that are located throughout the US and around the world to provide you with education in the field.