Job Description

Editors have overall responsibility for the finished item - weather it is a film or a video. Working with the director and production designer to change the footage into something that has been envisaged by them both and bringing together the pictures and sound to produce something that is ready to be shown on screen.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

A college qualification could help you to get practical skills like using editing equipment and software. The most useful courses include work placements and the chance to build contacts in the industry.

Courses include Media Studies A Level or Media and Film Production Extended Diploma Level 3.

You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.

The following local colleges offer courses in Media:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You can get started in this job through a broadcast production assistant advanced apprenticeship. One of the specialisms you can do is editing and post-production.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate course in:

film and television studies
media production
film and media

You'll usually need:

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Work

Employers often value technical skills and personal qualities, like patience and creativity, more than formal qualifications. It's common to move into video editing in film or TV by starting off as a production runner and working your way up.

Other routes

You may be able to get training through one of the new entrant training schemes that broadcasters and film bodies offer, for example:

You could also take short courses in video editing run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.

Career tips

As you get experience, you could make a 'showreel' DVD or online profile of productions you've worked on to demonstrate your skills to employers when looking for work.

Volunteering and experience
Experience is highly valued and can give you a taste of what it's like to work in the industry. It can also help you to get practical skills. Getting experience is also a great way to make contacts with people who already work in the industry. Not all jobs are advertised, so your contacts could help you find paid work later on.

You could get relevant experience from:

editing student or community film productions
working for an editing equipment hire company
creating and editing films for charities
work experience as a runner in an editing facilities company

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

You can find out more about careers in editing from ScreenSkills.

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.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Data entry clerk
TV or film camera operator
TV or film sound technician
TV or film production runner

Required Skills

A keen eye for detail
patience
good concentration skills
excellent written and verbal communication skills
flexibility and adaptability
good organisational skills
a high level of self motivation
the ability to listen to others

Salary Range

£18,000 to £45,000

Film/Video Editor