4 answers
Jack
Student
Canton, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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I looking to be a film and video editor
I have 5 questions about this job
1. What is the best place to start practicing
2. What are some programs to have/avoid
3. Wat are good schools to go to
4. What is the best way to practice
5. What is your favorite part of the job
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4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Jack,
1. Where should I begin my practice?
The ideal starting point for honing your film and video editing skills is your personal computer. You can utilize free video editing software like Lightworks or Blender, or use built-in editing tools in iMovie or Windows Movie Maker. Try your hand at editing your own video clips or movies, or explore free stock footage available online.
2. Which software should I use or avoid?
Renowned video editing software programs include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, and DaVinci Resolve. These applications offer a plethora of features and tools for video and audio editing, but they can be quite costly. If you're a beginner, it might be more beneficial to start with a free or inexpensive option like Lightworks or Blender. Steer clear of basic or limited tools that might not offer the required functionality and flexibility for more sophisticated editing tasks.
3. Which schools are recommended?
Numerous schools and universities provide degrees and programs in film and video editing. Some of the top-rated institutions for film and video editing are:
- University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts
- New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts
- American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory
- UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television
- Columbia College Chicago
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- Boston University College of Communication
- Loyola Marymount University (LMU) School of Film and Television
- Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
- Ringling College of Art and Design
When selecting a school, take into account factors like the program's curriculum, faculty, facilities, location, and cost. Checking the school's alumni network and career placement resources might also be beneficial.
4. How should I practice?
The most effective way to practice film and video editing is to begin with simple projects and gradually take on more intricate ones. This approach helps you steadily develop your skills and confidence. Experiment with various techniques and styles, such as using diverse transition effects or color grading methods. Also, solicit feedback on your work from peers, instructors, or industry professionals. This can help you pinpoint areas for enhancement and learn how to better articulate your ideas through visual storytelling.
5. What do you love most about your job?
As a film and video editor, I relish the creative process of crafting a narrative through visuals and sound. Collaborating with directors and producers to comprehend their vision and translate it into reality through editing is a joy. I also appreciate the challenge of addressing technical issues and devising creative solutions to intricate editing dilemmas. I find the work of film and video editing to be gratifying and fulfilling, as it enables me to use my skills and creativity to tell stories that inspire, entertain, and educate audiences.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
- "The Best Film Schools in 2022" by The Hollywood Reporter
- "The 15 Best Video Editing Software Programs in 2022" by PCMag
- "How to Become a Video Editor: A Step-by-Step Guide" by Indeed Career Guide
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
1. Where should I begin my practice?
The ideal starting point for honing your film and video editing skills is your personal computer. You can utilize free video editing software like Lightworks or Blender, or use built-in editing tools in iMovie or Windows Movie Maker. Try your hand at editing your own video clips or movies, or explore free stock footage available online.
2. Which software should I use or avoid?
Renowned video editing software programs include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, and DaVinci Resolve. These applications offer a plethora of features and tools for video and audio editing, but they can be quite costly. If you're a beginner, it might be more beneficial to start with a free or inexpensive option like Lightworks or Blender. Steer clear of basic or limited tools that might not offer the required functionality and flexibility for more sophisticated editing tasks.
3. Which schools are recommended?
Numerous schools and universities provide degrees and programs in film and video editing. Some of the top-rated institutions for film and video editing are:
- University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts
- New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts
- American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory
- UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television
- Columbia College Chicago
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- Boston University College of Communication
- Loyola Marymount University (LMU) School of Film and Television
- Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
- Ringling College of Art and Design
When selecting a school, take into account factors like the program's curriculum, faculty, facilities, location, and cost. Checking the school's alumni network and career placement resources might also be beneficial.
4. How should I practice?
The most effective way to practice film and video editing is to begin with simple projects and gradually take on more intricate ones. This approach helps you steadily develop your skills and confidence. Experiment with various techniques and styles, such as using diverse transition effects or color grading methods. Also, solicit feedback on your work from peers, instructors, or industry professionals. This can help you pinpoint areas for enhancement and learn how to better articulate your ideas through visual storytelling.
5. What do you love most about your job?
As a film and video editor, I relish the creative process of crafting a narrative through visuals and sound. Collaborating with directors and producers to comprehend their vision and translate it into reality through editing is a joy. I also appreciate the challenge of addressing technical issues and devising creative solutions to intricate editing dilemmas. I find the work of film and video editing to be gratifying and fulfilling, as it enables me to use my skills and creativity to tell stories that inspire, entertain, and educate audiences.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
- "The Best Film Schools in 2022" by The Hollywood Reporter
- "The 15 Best Video Editing Software Programs in 2022" by PCMag
- "How to Become a Video Editor: A Step-by-Step Guide" by Indeed Career Guide
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Laura Weinberg
Television Editor
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi there!
You can start practicing on iMovie or any editing program on your phone. Just shoot some footage & practice cutting it together.
Avid and Premiere are the most widely used professionally in the US.
There are lots of great schools for film/TV programs: Boston University, NYU, USC, UCLA and many more.
My favorite parts of the job are:
Sitting by myself for hours & hours and trying to figure out how to make the footage tell the story in the best way.
Putting all the pieces together; problem-solving.
Complaining to other editors about the footage I have but still trying to make it work.
You can start practicing on iMovie or any editing program on your phone. Just shoot some footage & practice cutting it together.
Avid and Premiere are the most widely used professionally in the US.
There are lots of great schools for film/TV programs: Boston University, NYU, USC, UCLA and many more.
My favorite parts of the job are:
Sitting by myself for hours & hours and trying to figure out how to make the footage tell the story in the best way.
Putting all the pieces together; problem-solving.
Complaining to other editors about the footage I have but still trying to make it work.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Jack
John Sklba
Content Creator Creature
6
Answers
Arlington, Tennessee
Updated
John’s Answer
1. What is the best place to start practicing
With whatever idea motivates you to edit. Want to make anime music videos, top ten dunks from your favorite NBA player, a video about your friends, whatever, just do it. Editing is a journey filled with many edits along the way.
2. What are some programs to have/avoid
In this field, the more you know, the more value you have. Software, hardware, 3D animation, all of it feeds into things editors might do or end up doing along the road. I'm a fan of Adobe Premiere. Others swear by Avid. Blackmagic's Divinci has a lot of editors who champion it. It doesn't matter which one you use, so long as you are using one. If all you have access to is Windows Movie Maker, use windows movie maker. Remember the objective is to edit content to share with others. It doesn't matter how you do it, just that you do it.
3. Wat are good schools to go to
I'm of the opinion school is not necessary to make a living in this field. I don't have a degree in editing and yet that is my primary source of income. Networking and some skills matter far more than a piece of paper you went into debt for. There's so much free information about editing out there, paying for that information is almost unnecessary. Now it might give you access to the technology you wouldn't have otherwise, but the knowledge on how to push the buttons in the software is freely out there.
4. What is the best way to practice
Sit down and do it. Make something. Go talk with people who are making something and offer to edit it.
5. What is your favorite part of the job
My editing life is rather unique to most editors I would imagine, so take that into mind. I have freedom of my time so long as I can get the work done. Bored at 2 am, let's edit. Wanna go to the cheese festival on a Wednesday at 3 pm, not a problem. If I drive a single day in a week, that's a lot for me. You can't get that freedom in a lot of situations, and I cherish it immensely.
Start downloading video and making edits.
Network with people trying to make content you can edit.
Learn an editing software in and and out.
Turn off the volume of a movies or show, and watch the edits. See how they ebb and flow. Compare shows like an animated action cartoon and a police drama to see how the edits compare and contrast.
Make notes when you see a bad edit and come up with a solution for how you would fix it. Fixing problems is a big part of an editors job.
With whatever idea motivates you to edit. Want to make anime music videos, top ten dunks from your favorite NBA player, a video about your friends, whatever, just do it. Editing is a journey filled with many edits along the way.
2. What are some programs to have/avoid
In this field, the more you know, the more value you have. Software, hardware, 3D animation, all of it feeds into things editors might do or end up doing along the road. I'm a fan of Adobe Premiere. Others swear by Avid. Blackmagic's Divinci has a lot of editors who champion it. It doesn't matter which one you use, so long as you are using one. If all you have access to is Windows Movie Maker, use windows movie maker. Remember the objective is to edit content to share with others. It doesn't matter how you do it, just that you do it.
3. Wat are good schools to go to
I'm of the opinion school is not necessary to make a living in this field. I don't have a degree in editing and yet that is my primary source of income. Networking and some skills matter far more than a piece of paper you went into debt for. There's so much free information about editing out there, paying for that information is almost unnecessary. Now it might give you access to the technology you wouldn't have otherwise, but the knowledge on how to push the buttons in the software is freely out there.
4. What is the best way to practice
Sit down and do it. Make something. Go talk with people who are making something and offer to edit it.
5. What is your favorite part of the job
My editing life is rather unique to most editors I would imagine, so take that into mind. I have freedom of my time so long as I can get the work done. Bored at 2 am, let's edit. Wanna go to the cheese festival on a Wednesday at 3 pm, not a problem. If I drive a single day in a week, that's a lot for me. You can't get that freedom in a lot of situations, and I cherish it immensely.
John recommends the following next steps:
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
86
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Although I'm not a film editor, I did do some research and will take a stab at answering some of your questions!
1. A great place to start is to learn. Some places to start are Lynda.com or watching YouTube videos about Adobe Premier Pro (or whatever software you're interested in). There are also free online courses or MOOCs (ex: Coursera) out there. Along with learning, practice what you learn. Open up the software and play around with the features or edit simple videos.
2, The one's that I've seen recommended the most on CareerVillage include Adobe Premier Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Avid. It seems like Adobe products are popular when it comes to editing and widely used so getting familiar with them would be a good idea.
3. Good schools include American Film Institute (AFI), USC, NYU, UCLA, and Chapman. This is not ranked in any way or a complete list but most of the schools that have a good film program are in LA because that is where all the major studios are located.
I'd suggest looking through the questions tagged film on CareerVillage because past students have asked some really fascinating questions you might also be interested in https://www.careervillage.org/questions/tagged/film
1. A great place to start is to learn. Some places to start are Lynda.com or watching YouTube videos about Adobe Premier Pro (or whatever software you're interested in). There are also free online courses or MOOCs (ex: Coursera) out there. Along with learning, practice what you learn. Open up the software and play around with the features or edit simple videos.
2, The one's that I've seen recommended the most on CareerVillage include Adobe Premier Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Avid. It seems like Adobe products are popular when it comes to editing and widely used so getting familiar with them would be a good idea.
3. Good schools include American Film Institute (AFI), USC, NYU, UCLA, and Chapman. This is not ranked in any way or a complete list but most of the schools that have a good film program are in LA because that is where all the major studios are located.
I'd suggest looking through the questions tagged film on CareerVillage because past students have asked some really fascinating questions you might also be interested in https://www.careervillage.org/questions/tagged/film
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Jack