Salary and Outlook
According to the US Department of Labor, there are 48,100 people employed as film and video editors in
the United States.
The median annual salary is $62,680.
Entry level employees earn approximately $37,060 per year and senior employees earn approximately $138,910
per year.
Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.
Job Duties
- 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.
- Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.
- Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
- Discuss the sound requirements of pictures with sound effects editors.
- Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.
- Manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make the parts into a continuous whole, working closely with people in audio, visual, music, optical, or special effects departments.
- Program computerized graphic effects.
- Study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.
- Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.
- Piece sounds together to develop film soundtracks.
- Confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches needed to increase dramatic or entertainment value of productions.
- Determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.
- Mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.
- Record needed sounds or obtain them from sound effects libraries.
- Conduct film screenings for directors and members of production staffs.
- Develop post-production models for films.
- Collaborate with music editors to select appropriate passages of music and develop production scores.
- Estimate how long audiences watching comedies will laugh at each gag line or situation to space scenes appropriately.