JL04 Task 1 - Film/Video Editor

A film or video editors job mainly consist off assembling recorded raw material into finished product suitable for broadcasting. The material they assemble can consist off camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects. This is a key role in the post production process and the editors skill can either have a negative or a positive effect on the final product. The editor can work as part as a team for bigger scale projects or independently when working on smaller projects. They also work closely with the director to achieve the desired goal.  Most Film/video editors and a employed on a freelance basis mainly working on short term contracts for post production studios, television companies and corporate employers. Editors can work on a number off projects such as television programmes, films, music videos, and commercials. 

Some of the activities involved are

The process of work for an editor involves:

•receiving a brief, and maybe an outline of footage and/or a shot list, script, or screenplay;

•assembling all raw footage, with camera shots either recorded or transferred onto video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer;

•inputting uncut rushes and sound, and synchronising and storing them into files on the computer;

•digitally cutting the files to put together the sequence of the film and deciding what is usable;

•creating a 'rough cut' (or assembly edit) of the programme/film and determining the exact cutting for the next and final stages;

•reordering and tweaking the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video.

Additional tasks may include:

•overseeing the quality and progress of audio and video engineering and editing;

•consulting with the director, producer and/or client throughout the post-production process;

•familiarising yourself with the style of specific directors;

•experimenting with styles and techniques including the design of graphic elements;

•selecting the most effective shot of a scene in terms of drama, story relevance or continuity;

•writing voiceover/commentary;

•suggesting or selecting music;

•if freelancing, negotiating rates of pay and conditions, managing business affairs, and/or liaising with an agent

The starting salary for an editor is £18,000-£25,000 which is mainly for television programmes. However editors at a senior level earn between £37,000-£70,000 which is at the higher end of the scale.