If you are considering changing careers and becoming a Video Editor, you will need to know what kind of training you will need in order to find a job. While many Video Editors have degrees in film or communications, it isn’t absolutely necessary to go to college to work as a Video Editor.
Degree Requirements for Video Editing
Many employers require bachelor’s degrees for entry-level positions, and the same often goes for Video Editors. A Video Editor with a bachelor’s degree should be familiar with the most common types of editing software used in film and television, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple’s Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer. Budding Video Editors should also learn about audio mixing and repair, color correction, and special effects, plus know how to export the file to the chosen media platform.
Video Editing Degree Programs
Many colleges and universities offer classes in aspects of Video Editing as part of art or film degrees. These are four-year schools with many other requirements for graduation. Some schools are specifically devoted to the arts, and offer classes like the following:
- Filmmaking
- Digital Editing
- Cinematography
- Documentary Filmmaking
- 3D Animation & Visual Effects
- Photography
- Broadcast Journalism
Other schools give courses in editing and editing software as part of other degree programs, for example:
- Communications
- Journalism
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
- Audio/Visual Communications Technology
The important thing to look for in a degree program in Video Editing is the opportunity to edit videos and compile a portfolio.
Cost of a College Degree
Not only does it take four to five years to get a bachelor’s degree, but it can also cost between $20,000-$100,000, depending upon the school, when you are finished. Of course, a degree includes many other classes in subjects like English, psychology, math, science, and social studies, in addition to the classes in the major area of study. A four-year college degree is a well-rounded education but it isn’t the only way to become a Video Editor.
Careers in Video Editing
Video editing training can lead to jobs in the motion picture and television industry, or in various businesses. Corporations use Video Editors to work on company training films or hire people to edit commercials. Music videos are another possibility. Many businesses use videos on social media to sell products, and these businesses often contract for services. Also, vlogging, producing self-shot and edited video content, is becoming a way to earn a living on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
There are some corporate jobs for Video Editors, but many work freelance. This involves putting together a portfolio of work to show to prospective clients, and advertising on platforms like Craigslist, Angie, UpWork, or Thumbtack. Video Editors often work alone or as part of a small team, and can work long hours to meet a project deadline. The median annual salary for a Video Editor in the United States is $67,250. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 30,000 people working as Video Editors in the US in 2020, and the field is expected to grow quickly, with a projected increase of 29% by 2030.
You can become a Video Editor through self-study and tutorials, but taking classes is a more efficient way to gain these skills. You can choose from in-person classes at colleges or training programs, or sign up for online classes, certificate programs, and bootcamps. Some companies provide on-the-job training but having some familiarity with the field is a definite plus.
Important Qualities for Video Editors
There are some important qualities that draw people to work as Video Editors. People who enjoy working on their own, like technology, and have a creative bent are most likely to be successful in the field. Some other useful qualities are as follows:
- Good communication skills - Video Editors need to communicate clearly with their team.
- Knowledge of computers and technology - Videos are generally edited online, so familiarity with computers is a must.
- An eye for a story - An important part of the Editor’s job is arranging footage to tell a story, so a sense of narration and timing is crucial.
- Attention to detail - Video Editors need to pay close attention to many details to avoid inconsistencies and to choose the best footage.
Software Programs for Video Editors
Although most Video Editors do have a college degree, it is possible to build a career as a Video Editor without one. If you are planning to switch careers and want to edit videos, you will need to learn to use the editing software. There are many tutorials out there to get you started for the different types of software, so if you are a “dig in and figure it out” type of person, you have a lot to choose from, but that may not be your best course of action.
Video editing software is complicated and can be difficult to learn. There are many different options for video editing software. Although these are used by professionals and amateurs alike, they can be complicated to master.
1. Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry-standard for video editing software. It offers many powerful editing tools and an easy-to-follow organization system. Premiere allows Editors to import files and organize them into bins; place shots in a sequence; and correct color, audio, and more. Premiere Pro is part of Adobe Creative Cloud along with more than 20 apps for creating great videos. Premiere works with other Adobe software that is sometimes necessary for special applications.
2. Final Cut Pro
Apple’s Final Cut Pro is another editing platform popular with professionals and amateurs alike. The latest version of Final Cut Pro includes the ability to make proxy files, auto-cropping for social media, and faster rendering. Final Cut Pro only runs on Macs.
3. After Effects
After Effects is a video compositing and animation program from Adobe. After Effects allows an Editor to insert animations and special effects into videos during post-production. Create titles, move objects, correct color, or use an extensive library of special effects.
4. Audition
Audition is also by Adobe and allows an Editor to fix problems with audio in a video or add audio special effects and music. Audition is also used for audio mixing and recording podcasts.
5. Cinema 4D
With Cinema 4D, an Editor can create, insert, and manipulate 3D graphics in a video. Cinema 4D is included in the Adobe Creative Cloud through an agreement with Maxon.
Learning Video Editing Without Going to College
You can get started with video editing without going to college. There are schools and training programs available that offer intensive classes in software and technique. You can choose classes that meet in-person or online to learn Premiere Pro, After Effects, and other relevant software. Some people prefer to attend brick-and-mortar sessions when learning new information, but that isn’t always available. Live online classes have a similar set-up with a real-time, remote instructor who can answer questions and take control of your monitor—with permission—to show you how to do things. Training is part or full-time and available weekdays, weeknights, or weekends.
The best way to prepare for a career shift to a technical field like video editing is to enroll in a bootcamp or certificate program. These are intensive training courses that run for a few weeks to a few months and will cover video editing in much more depth than tutorials can. Another plus of training is that you will leave the class with a professional-quality portfolio of sample videos that you can show to prospective employers.
It isn’t necessary to go to college to learn video editing and start a new career. Check out Noble Desktop’s video editing classes. Choose between in-person sessions in NYC at Noble’s location or sign up for live online video editing courses and attend from anywhere. Use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me to find other courses in video editing in your area.