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Video editor
Film editor
Video editors bring together images and sound for use in film, TV and online productions.
Average salary (a year)
£18000
Starter
£45000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
flexibly
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; training schemes run by broadcasters; specialist courses run by private training providers
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate course in
film and television studies, media production, film and media
Entry requirements
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production, T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production, Level 4 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Creative Media Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You can get started in this job through the following advanced apprenticeships
Broadcast production assistant, Post production technical operator
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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.
Volunteering
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.
Other Routes
You may be able to get training through one of the entry level training schemes that broadcasters and film bodies offer, for example:BBC trainee scheme, Channel 4 training scheme, ITV Careers, BFI
You could also take short courses in video editing run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
More Information
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.
Further Information
You can find out more about careers in editing from ScreenSkills.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Knowledge of media production and communication
    The ability to work well with others
    Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
    To be flexible and open to change
    The ability to use your initiative
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    Excellent verbal communication skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you might
agree a finished 'look' for the final footage, transfer film or video footage, use editing software, keep a clear idea of the storyline, create a 'rough cut', digitally improve picture quality, create DVDs or format footage to view online
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio or at a film studio.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
Once established, you might use an agent to find work and negotiate your fees.
You could set up your own company.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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