Video editor

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Film Studies - Video editors assemble raw footage into sequences that convey narrative, emotion, and meaning. Film Studies builds an understanding of how editing rhythms, shot selection, continuity, and sound design shape a viewer's experience – the same creative decisions editors make when building a rough cut or refining a final edit.
• Art and Design - Video editors make constant visual decisions about composition, colour grading, and the overall 'look' of the final footage. A strong sense of aesthetics helps them choose the right shots, create smooth transitions, and ensure the finished product is visually compelling.
• Computer Science - Video editors work extensively with complex editing software and need to understand file formats, codecs, rendering processes, and how digital systems handle video and audio data. Deeper technical knowledge helps them troubleshoot problems, optimise workflows, and work efficiently with large amounts of footage.

Also relevant

• Media Studies - Video editors work across film, television, and online platforms, each with different audience expectations and production conventions. Media Studies helps them understand how content is constructed and consumed across these formats, so they can tailor their editing to suit the medium.
• English Language - Video editors need to interpret scripts, creative briefs, and director's notes accurately to understand the intended story and tone. Strong communication skills also help when discussing edits with directors, producers, and other team members to agree on the final cut.
• Music - Video editors frequently work with soundtracks, sound effects, and dialogue, and need a good sense of rhythm and timing to sync audio with visuals. Understanding how music creates mood and emotion helps them choose the right moments to cut and build tension or atmosphere in a scene.
• Drama - Video editors shape performances by choosing which takes to use and how to time cuts around actors' expressions and delivery. Understanding dramatic timing, emotion, and storytelling helps them bring out the best in a performance through the editing process.
• Design and Technology - Video editors benefit from understanding the design process – moving from initial concepts through rough drafts to a polished final product. This iterative approach mirrors how editors create rough cuts, refine them based on feedback, and solve practical problems with the footage they have.
• Business - Video editors often work freelance or set up their own companies, so they need to manage finances, negotiate fees, and market their services. Understanding how to price jobs, use agents, and build a client base is important for sustaining a career in this competitive industry.