Video editor
Video editors bring together images and sound for use in film, TV and online productions.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you might:
- agree a finished 'look' for the final footage
- transfer film or video footage
- use editing software
- keep a clear idea of the storyline
- create a 'rough cut'
- digitally improve picture quality
- create DVDs or format footage to view online
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio or at a film studio.
Career path and progression
Once established, you might use an agent to find work and negotiate your fees.
You could set up your own company.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of media production and communication
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- training schemes run by broadcasters
- specialist courses run by private training providers
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate course in:
- film and television studies
- media production
- film and media
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More Information
A college qualification could help you to get practical skills like using editing equipment and software. The most useful courses include work placements and the chance to build contacts in the industry. Courses include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
- Level 4 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Creative Media Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma
More Information
You can get started in this job through the following advanced apprenticeships:
- Broadcast production assistant
- Post production technical operator
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
Employers often value technical skills and personal qualities, like patience and creativity, more than formal qualifications. It's common to move into video editing in film or TV by starting off as a production runner and working your way up.
Experience is highly valued and can give you a taste of what it's like to work in the industry. It can also help you to get practical skills. Getting experience is also a great way to make contacts with people who already work in the industry. Not all jobs are advertised, so your contacts could help you find paid work later on.
You could get relevant experience from:
- editing student or community film productions
- working for an editing equipment hire company
- creating and editing films for charities
- work experience as a runner in an editing facilities company
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.
You may be able to get training through one of the entry level training schemes that broadcasters and film bodies offer, for example:
You could also take short courses in video editing run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
Career tips
As you get experience, you could make a 'showreel' DVD or online profile of productions you've worked on to demonstrate your skills to employers when looking for work.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in editing from ScreenSkills.
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