Creative Media Sector: Job Roles Part 2 - Film Editor

Film Editor

Self Employed or Contract?

The majority of editors work as freelancers and are paid on a contract basis but if you are acquired to work through an agency they negotiate rates and take it from there.

Freelancing involves periods of intensive work, but there may also be times of inactivity between projects which may be used to follow up on potential work. They are often compete for work and may be involved with several productions of different sizes at any given time as a lot of time is spent working on computers. It is possible for freelance editors to work from home if they have their own equipment.

How much money would you make out of this?

A typical starting salary is: £18,000 - £25,000 for those employed by a television or post-production studio however this is not typically an entry level/graduate job. Most Editors start working as runners and then assistant editors before reaching this post.

When you become a senior editor there’s a chance that the salaries for this post will be £37,000 - £70,000.

How many working hours?

The hours for this job may vary depending on the production and may be standard office hours. Some the work may be involved if editing studios are booked at night but when there are deadlines to meet, long hours and overtime may be required especially if you want to keep your job.

What kind of training would you need for this job?

There are no specific qualifications are required and so this area of work is open to all graduates however work experience is extremely important and you will need to show evidence of having worked on film/video production or post-production within or outside your degree, preferably via an up-to-date and well-prepared showreel.You should be selective about the courses you choose to ensure they fully match your career and training aims. If you have experience of the very latest technology, it may reduce the competition you face but general computer literacy and an aptitude for working with digital equipment to achieve results are also important.

Applying for the Job

Here is something I found on the Internet about a Editor job. It's didn't say much about what experience that is required but I hope the word "Junior" meant as it says - someone with not much experience

References

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/film_video_editor_job_description.htm