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Film and Video Editors

An occupation in Arts and Humanities

Jobs in New York
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Job Description

Edit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.


Interests

Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.


Tasks

1. Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.

2. Study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.

3. Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.

4. Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.

5. Mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.

6. Determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.

7. Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.

8. Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.

9. Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.

10. Program computerized graphic effects.

11. Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.


Skills

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.


Knowledge

Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.


Education

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.


School Programs

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Film and Video Editors. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Film and Video Editors, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.



Photojournalism. - A program that focuses on the use of still and motion photography in journalism and prepares individuals to function as news photographers and photographic editors. Includes instruction in photography, journalism, studio procedures and techniques, camera and equipment operation and technique, news editing, print and film editing, news scene composition, subject surveillance, media law and policy, news team field operations, and professional standards and ethics.


Radio and Television. - A program that focuses on the theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and distribute audio and video programs and messages, and that prepares individuals to function as staff, producers, directors, and managers of radio and television shows and media organizations. Includes instruction in media aesthetics; planning, scheduling, and production; writing and editing; performing and directing; personnel and facilities management; marketing and distribution; media regulations, law, and policy; and principles of broadcast technology.


Communications Technology/Technician. - A program that generally prepares individuals to function as workers and managers within communications industries. Includes instruction in business economics; basic management; principles of interpersonal and mediated communications; radio, television, and digital media production; and related aspects of technology and communications systems.


Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician. - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the production of radio and television programs, and related operations, under the supervision of broadcast and studio managers, directors, editors, and producers. Includes instruction in sound, lighting, and camera operation and maintenance; power and feed control; studio operations; production preparation; broadcast engineering; related computer applications; and specialized applications such as news, entertainment, live talk, sports, commercials, and taping.


Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Other. - Any instructional program in audiovisual communications technologies not listed above.


Cinematography and Film/Video Production. - A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film; film technology and equipment operation; film production; film directing; film editing; cinematographic art; film audio; techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos; the , use of computer applications to record or enhance images, audio or effect and the planning and management of film/video operations.


Wages

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$34,570 for entry level workers, and $81,270 for experienced workers.


Job Outlook

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 3,420 Film and Video Editors employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 3,730  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 30 job(s) each year, and a total of 60 job openings each year.


Additional Resources

Audiovisual and Broadcast Directors - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Television, video, and motion picture camera operators and editors - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.


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Technical Directors/Managers - Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

Sound Engineering Technicians - Operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.

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