3 answers
Jett
Student
2
Questions
Asked
803 views
What are the challenges of being a video editor?
#video #video editor
Login to comment
3 answers
Steve Lackey
Lead a team of video professionals
5
Answers
Fairfield, Connecticut
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I started out as a video editor and I now run a video department at a leading management consultancy. I actually love video editing, although I do very little of it now because my role has shifted. Here's my thoughts on editing:
+ You get to make lots of creative decisions on esthetics, depending on the particular client
+ You have the opportunity to be a thought partner on the content. Your client will likely appreciate your input if you offer it up in a professional and helpful way.
+ Understanding how to edit makes you a better shooter or producer. You'll be able to provide direction to a camera crew in a much better way if you are strong video editor.
+ You constantly are learning new techniques, tools, platforms, options, etc.
+ You can be the hero sometimes in pulling together a ragged storyline into something tight and coherent.
+ You develop a strong relationship with producers (they truly value a great editor)
+ If you work for a variety of clients, you'll learn new things about different topics.
+ The job is becoming increasingly portable, so you could potentially edit on the road for some projects.
+ You get to learn from others mistakes when they don't do something correct in the footage you're filming, so if you become a producer you will be more aware of pitfalls to avoid.
+ Being OCD about quality of your work is important in terms of not being sloppy. Producers and clients hate seeing sloppy edits, typos, layers turned off, etc. - always check your work!
Some guardrails/downsides
+ Deadlines rule, so hours can be uneven.
+ Projects/demand are lumpy, so income can vary if not on staff
+ Requires intense focus.
+ Eventually, cap out on hourly rate.
+ You get to make lots of creative decisions on esthetics, depending on the particular client
+ You have the opportunity to be a thought partner on the content. Your client will likely appreciate your input if you offer it up in a professional and helpful way.
+ Understanding how to edit makes you a better shooter or producer. You'll be able to provide direction to a camera crew in a much better way if you are strong video editor.
+ You constantly are learning new techniques, tools, platforms, options, etc.
+ You can be the hero sometimes in pulling together a ragged storyline into something tight and coherent.
+ You develop a strong relationship with producers (they truly value a great editor)
+ If you work for a variety of clients, you'll learn new things about different topics.
+ The job is becoming increasingly portable, so you could potentially edit on the road for some projects.
+ You get to learn from others mistakes when they don't do something correct in the footage you're filming, so if you become a producer you will be more aware of pitfalls to avoid.
+ Being OCD about quality of your work is important in terms of not being sloppy. Producers and clients hate seeing sloppy edits, typos, layers turned off, etc. - always check your work!
Some guardrails/downsides
+ Deadlines rule, so hours can be uneven.
+ Projects/demand are lumpy, so income can vary if not on staff
+ Requires intense focus.
+ Eventually, cap out on hourly rate.
Duane Conder
Broadcast Professional/Consultant
3
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Duane’s Answer
Seasoned episodic tv show editor Zack Arnold has a lot to say:
https://optimizeyourself.me/dear-hollywood-its-time-for-an-intervention-about-hours-we-work/
Good luck!!
https://optimizeyourself.me/dear-hollywood-its-time-for-an-intervention-about-hours-we-work/
Good luck!!
Jo Clemente
Trailer Editor
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jo’s Answer
Being a video editor can be challenging. However incredibly rewarding as well.
Cons :
1) takes a lot of patience, practice, and must be very detail oriented.
2) after your 1st edit, the cut no longer belongs to you, it belongs to your client. It’s up to you to make their changes no matter how dumb
3) over time it can wear on your body, especially your eyes from staring at monitors all day. Most editors wear glasses.
Pros:
1) if you work regularly the pay can be excellent.
2) everyday is creative
3) after the pandemic, many editors are working remotely
4) it’s a lot of fun
5) there are many types of editing from tv promos and movie trailers to long form like movies and documentaries to now YouTube and social media.
I encourage you to edit something everyday
Cons :
1) takes a lot of patience, practice, and must be very detail oriented.
2) after your 1st edit, the cut no longer belongs to you, it belongs to your client. It’s up to you to make their changes no matter how dumb
3) over time it can wear on your body, especially your eyes from staring at monitors all day. Most editors wear glasses.
Pros:
1) if you work regularly the pay can be excellent.
2) everyday is creative
3) after the pandemic, many editors are working remotely
4) it’s a lot of fun
5) there are many types of editing from tv promos and movie trailers to long form like movies and documentaries to now YouTube and social media.
Jo recommends the following next steps: