Film Editor Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This article focuses on the film editor job description. You’ll discover what they do, as well as their primary responsibilities and duties.

It also highlights the common requirements for being hired for the film editor role and the salaries they usually get, please read on:

What Does a Film Editor Do?

The film editor job description involves working with materials like video camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics, and special effects to create a completed film or video product.

It also entails editing, effects, and rendering of video motion pictures.

The film editor position is a crucial one in the post-production process and their work will have an impact on the final product’s quality and timeliness.

It is the duty of the film editor to take direction from the film director, producers, and other team members.

As a film editor, you will usually work closely with the cinematographer to ensure that you are matching up their thoughts on how they want a scene to look in the final product.

You will assemble raw footage into sequences that create a logical, cohesive story.

The film editor will use a variety of software to do this, such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer.

In order to achieve the desired effects, film editors  may need to perform some basic video editing tasks such as adding titles and credits, removing or changing audio, or making color corrections.

To create an attractive sequence, the film editor may also add transitional effects such as fades and dissolves between scenes to provide smooth transitions for the audience from one section of the film to another.

More on Film Editor Job Description

For each shot, the film editor will decide on a camera angle that best suits it, whether involving high angles, low angles or a full shot.

They’ll also choose and place sound effects and music that support the mood of the scene, and glue it all together with seamless editing that makes each scene flow into the next.

If you’re working on a commercial, you might be in charge of directing actors and asking them to deliver lines over and over until you’re able to get just the right shot and take.

You may also be responsible for dealing with any re-shoots needed.

For each project, the film editor will determine the best pace by which it should play out, such as slow or fast motion effects or a combination of both.

Film editors must be organized and keep track of all the material they are working on, as well as the various people they are working with, in order to avoid any duplication of efforts.

Additional Information on Film Editor Job Description

In order to create a great film or video, it’s imperative that the editor maintain a positive relationship with those around him/her and be able to take feedback graciously.

The film editor must be comfortable and familiar with using computers since they will be working with them for most of the day.

It is important that they have an interest in story structure, film making techniques, and the art of editing.

Excellent communication skills are a must, as the film editor will be required to relay your ideas and suggestions to others both verbally and in writing.

Creativity and problem solving skills are also a must for the film editor as they might need to solve some on-set problems on the spot.

Since this is a fast-paced industry, the film editor should be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.

They usually work with deadlines so it’s imperative that you can meet them without sacrificing quality.

Film editors must have a passion for film and video and a desire to continuously learn and grow as an editor.

They must be able to work alone as well as in collaboration with others.

Film Editors Job Description Example/Sample/Template

The film editor job description is usually made up of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:

• Ensure being on the same page when it comes to how the cinematographer wishes things to appear in the completed product
• Collect and organize raw material in sequences that make logical, linked narrative arcs
• Determine the optimum pace at which each narrative should move, such as slow or fast motion effects or a mix of both
• Maintain a good rapport with family, friends, and co-workers. Accept constructive criticism well
• Perform computer-related activities for the majority of the day
• Take orders from the film director, producers, and other team members
• Work closely with other members of post-production, such as sound editors and visual effects artists
• Work alongside the Director to make sure their vision is brought to life through video delivering
• Edit movie footage to create a cohesive and enjoyable film
• Work with the director to develop the film’s story and style
• Coordinate with other crew members to ensure that the film is shot and edited according to plan
• Ensure that all the visual and audio elements of the film are consistent, correct, and complete
• Prepare the movie for its theatrical release or other commercial showing.

Film Editor Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before or are presently working as a film editor and are writing a new resume, you can create a compelling professional experience section by applying the sample film editor job description provided above.

The professional experience section of your resume will be effective in convincing the recruiter/employer that you are the right person for the job, especially if the new job that you are seeking requires some work experience as a film editor.

Film Editor Requirements: Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge for Career Success

Here are major requirements you may be expected to fulfil if you are seeking the film editor job:

• A degree in film, video or a related field
• Strong editing skills using video software, such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer
• Knowledge of digital cinematography and the post-production process
• Experience in film production, including shooting and sound recording
• A creative eye and a good sense of story
• Time management abilities and the ability to function well under pressure are a must
• Excellent communication, team building, and interpersonal skills.

Film Editor Salary

The average pay for a film editor is $60,000 per year according to Comparably website. The pay for film editors varies depending on their level of experience and skill.

Most editors earn between $47,000 and $120,000 per year.

Film editors may be offered additional compensation for their work on a particular project, such as a bonus or a share of the film’s profits.

Conclusion

This post is helpful to individuals looking to get into the film editor career. They will be able to learn about what film editors do, including the duties and responsibilities that characterise the job.

This will enable them to decide if the film editor career is what they want to do.

This article is also useful to recruiters/employers seeking competent individuals to hire as film editors.

They can apply the film editor job description example provided above in making a detailed description of the role for use in recruiting the right person for the position in their organizations.