Who is a Film and Video Editor?

A film and video editor is a highly skilled film industry employee who edits movies or videos. The success or ultimate failure of the production lies in their hands. The final production must be a coherent project that incorporates the story-line and personality of the starring actors. Many in the industry consider film editing to be an art that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated, with some dubbing film editing as ‘the silent art’. The history of film editing is a long trek, going back to the early heydays of Hollywood. As technology grew, the job descriptions of film editors expanded, to include the field of video editors.

Film Editing – Job Description and Duties

Editors work closely with the director of a film, mostly during post-production. During a film’s production (the time when the actual filming takes place) an editor may be given access to the material shot each day, known as dailies in the entertainment industry. This allows the editor to note which shot takes and angles the editor may want to incorporate into the final cut of the movie.

After all filming is complete, an editor typically works with the director in selecting which takes and shots from production are the most consistent with the director’s vision for the finished film. Film editors work long hours manipulating scenes with technical video editing equipment and putting together preliminary versions of the film, known as cuts. These cuts are critiqued by the director, financiers and sometimes the actors. The cuts are then revised until the final cut of the movie is ready for audiences.

Editors must be very diplomatic because often the vision of the director will be very different from those with a financial stake in the film, usually the producers. When disputes regarding the film’s look arise, it can be the editor’s job to create a middle ground that all parties are comfortable with.

Film editors must work well with teams, despite often working alone in dark rooms, looking over film footage. They need good eyesight and creative sensibilities to do well in the profession. Their work hours can be irregular, inconsistent and driven by the needs of the projects on which they work.

What is the workplace of a Film and Video Editor like?

Employers for film and video editors include television stations, cable companies, and film and video companies. Another arena of employment is in independent studios.

These professionals must be able to work as team players with others in the industry. Fellow employees might include other film editors, sound and lighting technicians, makeup and costume artists, actors, directors and company owners. Although those in this field work as a group, they often find the main portion of their job is performed independently.

Film and video editors spend a large portion of time in projection rooms, cutting labs or computer rooms, editing the films alone. Workers in the film industry find that they are sometimes required to work long hours, especially during movie post-production. Those working in TV studios find the work hours are more traditional, putting in a 40-hour workweek.

Film Editing Courses

Film editing programs include courses that prepare students to edit video footage that may be used for commercials, documentaries, television shows and films. Institutes like Pixeltoonz Academy not only focus  on editing but also include instruction in screenwriting, sound, acting, directing, production and post-production. Diploma and master’s diploma programs related to film editing often incorporate internships, seminars and final projects. Some programs have a practicum or require a thesis, especially at the master’s degree level.

 

To know more about Film Editing course, contact Pixeltoonz Academy now, which is your one stop destination for all your technical training courses.

Now it’s time to take action and show the world what an awesome film editor you can be!

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