Film Editor

Tasks & duties

Depending on what they are editing, film editors may do some or all of the following:

• receive footage from the production department
• convert all footage onto a disk
• match pictures with sound
• view the film with directors, journalists, writers, producers and clients
• decide on and mark up shots to be cut out or kept
• link shots into a rough version of the film
• edit the film to exact final length
• make sure the film meets with censorship standards
• supervise the final mix of pictures with sound
• work on soundtrack, adding any music or special effects
• add graphics and titles
• collect or copy the film for a film library

Specialisations

Film editors may choose to specialise in one of several areas. For example, an offline editor assembles the scenes of the film, then an online editor improves the technical quality of the work by fine-tuning the colour grade, improving any special effects, and making sure the work is ready for broadcast. At the beginning of their career, editors may work as assistant editors, which involves loading film footage onto a computer, and clipping it into individual scenes.

Skills & knowledge

Film editors need to have:

• editing skills and up-to-date knowledge of editing technology
• technical skills, including skill using computer editing systems and equipment, and converting taped footage to disk
• the ability to creatively use pictures and music to tell a story
• skill in interpreting ideas
• knowledge of the production process
• knowledge of how to use special visual and sound effects
• people and communication skills to work with clients, journalists, writers, producers and directors
• good planning and organisational ability
• problem-solving skills
• basic maths skills

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a film editor, but a tertiary qualification involving editing is useful and often needed to enter the industry. However, it is also possible to be trained on the job by entering at a junior level.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements, but English and media studies may be useful subjects.

Training on the job

There is no specific on-the-job training for film editors; however, they do continue to gain new skills while working.

Useful experience

Experience making amateur films, or any training in how to use film editing equipment, especially computer programs, such as Avid, may be useful for film editors.

Related courses

Audio Visual Studies
Journalism, Communication and Media Studies

For more information, please refer to Career Services.