Video Editor Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

By | July 15, 2023
Video Editor Job Description
Video editors ensure the quality of all materials used by a production company.

This post provides exhaustive information on the video editor job description, to help you learn the work they do.

It highlights the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities that commonly make up the video editor work description.

This article also presents the major requirements for getting hired as a video editor by most recruiters/employers.

Please, keep reading:

What Does a Video Editor Do?

The video editor job description entails responsibility for the creative work of a video production, including conceptualizing and implementing the final cut based on what is written in the screenplay or show bible.

It also involves giving consideration to continuity issues in order to help maintain the cohesiveness of a production from start to finish, using knowledge and techniques related to sound and picture editing.

A video editor works with different post-production special effects software packages that are used in film, such as Adobe Premier and Final Cut Pro.

Usually, a video editor works in collaboration with their audio engineer and director of photography to help create and edit these different elements of a production.

The video editor role involves helping to create a storyboard that illustrates how shots should be arranged and edited when using the various functions of the different software packages.

Using their knowledge of the different post-production software packages, video editors are able to color correctly different media files being used in a video production.

Another task of the video editor is that they work with the director in order to create different versions or cuts of a video program.

These are then presented to clients or company executives for consideration in order to help them decide which version is most appropriate for their needs.

Video editors use their visual and audio techniques to provide technical assistance during presentations using multimedia equipment.

This position usually is a creative professional who is skilled at planning, organizing, and editing video programs.

More on Video Editor Job Description

They provides creative services, such as additional editing, transcription or dubbing work as needed during a production

This is in addition to their main duties of creating/editing a different cut based on what is written in a script or show bible.

Furthermore, the video editor is responsible for ensuring the quality of all materials used by a production company.

They may edit or add special effects to different shots or scenes in order to help improve their appearance.

Video editors may also recut material based on client’s requests, using knowledge and skills related to post-production sound and picture technology.

They are responsible for conforming and editing video footage in order to provide media that meets the needs of a production company’s clients.

Video editors may present their work to clients, executives or other professionals in order to ensure that the project is meeting their needs.

Video Editor Job Description Sample/Example/Template

The video editor job description consists of the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:

  • Taking photos and recording video clips to use in a video
  • Working with the director to determine the order of scenes and how each scene will fit together with the others to tell a coherent story
  • Collaborate with the production designer, art director, and vfx artist to create graphics, titles, or visual effects within the contained environment of the shots taken for a particular project
  • Using nonlinear editing software such as Avid or Final Cut Pro to edit videos together from raw footage gathered during shooting. May also use computer animation in their shots
  • Providing a storyboard of shots to be used in a video
  • Working with the director to determine the order of scenes and how each scene will fit together with the others to tell a coherent story
  • Analyzing the budget and use that analysis to plan the video’s style, tone, and length
  • Create specific music for the video based on the script by working with a composer
  • Working with the director, actors, and crew to create practice videos using a green screen or in front of a blue screen
  • Determine the most appropriate shots from practice videos, including establishing shot sizes and angles, to be used in final production video by working with editors

More Video Editor Job Description

  • Analyzing scripts for feasibility of shooting scenes as written; report any problems to producers or directors
  • Selecting shots from among those taken during shooting that reflect director’s concept of project
  • Previewing selected footage with director/producers/coworkers on workstation monitor or projection system
  • Delivering video projects to specified media by agreed-upon deadline
  • Creating storyboard or script for video or television program based on existing treatment and/or screenplay; may also research and write dialogue.

Video Editor Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before or are currently working as a video editor and are making a resume for a new job, you can boost the effectiveness of the resume by creating a compelling Professional Experience section with the sample video editor job description shown above.

You can highlight the video editor duties and responsibilities from the above job description example in your resume’s Professional Experience section, to show that you have been effective performing the video editor role.

This piece of information in your resume can greatly enhance your chances of being hired, especially if the new job requires individuals with some video editing work experience.

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

If you are seeking the video editor’s job, then here are major requirements you may be asked to meet to be hired:

  • 2-years in postsecondary education and/or 2-years relevant experience
  • Thorough understanding of video production
  • Proven ability to work without supervision
  • Ability to meet deadlines, including turning around a client’s video project quickly once it is requested (within two or three days)
  • Strong ability to communicate clearly with clients and co-workers in an efficient manner
  • High level of confidentiality and discretion; must complete all tasks according to company’s policies, procedures and guidelines
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical problems with equipment
  • Experience with high resolution video or film editing software such as Avid or Final Cut Pro is required
  • Ability to mentor junior employees on new production techniques
  • Understanding of color grading, such as the use of color correction tools within Premiere Pro CC (or equivalent) software for post-production projects.

Video Editor Salary

The base income for video editor ranges from $36,000 to $41,530, with an average base salary of $38,760, according to Salary.com.

Conclusion

Video editing is a very versatile and lucrative job. In all types of industries, video editing plays a crucial role, from the agricultural industry to the infrastructure and construction industry.

The demand for video editors is currently exploding, as technology continues to become simpler and more accessible to both business people, as well as hobbyists alike.

There is no doubt about it, the video editor profession will continue to grow in popularity and beyond.

This post is useful to individuals seeking the video editor career; they will be able to learn all they need to know about the video editor’s job.

It is also helpful to recruiters/employers in making a detailed job description for the video editor’s role, for use in the recruitment process for the position.

They can apply the sample video editor job description given on this page in making one for their companies.