|
Television/Motion Picture Editors
Overview » Industry Pathways » Performing Arts 
Television/motion picture editors work closely with directors to make sure every shot in every scene of a film or television program flows together seamlessly. They are the behind-the-scenes workers who carefully review all the raw footage to create the version the director wants. Editors enjoy using their technical expertise and creativity to fine tune all the details and are very important in the video and film industry. Some people believe these workers can make or break the final production!
Film and video editors edit soundtracks, film, and video for the motion picture, cable, and broadcast television industries. Producing successful images requires understanding the vision of the director and carefully crafting each scene to produce the desired visual and audio effects.
Film and video editors held about 21,000 jobs in 2006. More than half of the salaried film and video editors worked for motion picture studios. Most editors worked in large metropolitan areas.
Television, video, and motion picture film and video editors can expect strong competition for job openings because the work is attractive to many people. Those who succeed in landing a salaried job or attracting enough work to earn a living by freelancing are likely to be the most creative, highly motivated, able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, and adept at operating a business.
Employment of film and video editors is expected to grow about average for all occupations through 2016. Computer and Internet services will provide new outlets for interactive productions. Job growth also is expected in radio and television broadcasting as consumers demand more variety.
Employers usually seek applicants with a “good eye,” imagination, and creativity. Television, video, and motion picture editors usually obtain their skills through on-the-job training or formal postsecondary training at vocational schools, colleges, universities, or photographic institutes. Formal education may be required for some positions.
With easy access to video cameras, computers, and top-notch software, many editors can piece their video footage together on their computer, producing a very creative personal production! This is a great way to test out your interest and skills at editing. Many high schools offer video and film production courses, and students can easily become “producers” at their local television cable access stations.
Typical annual earnings for film and video editors were $47,870 in 2007.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
The American Film Institute: http://www.afi.com
Information about employment opportunities for film and video editors is available from local offices of state employment service agencies, local offices of the relevant trade unions, and local television and film production companies that employ these workers.
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center.
|