The profession of video editor and the 5 skills to be one.

What does a video editor do?

First of all, it is necessary to understand that the video editor is responsible for capturing images taken by a videomaker (who in many cases is also the editor), make the cuts to separate what will be used from what will not, join the images according to the previously prepared script, and then add elements to make everything more dynamic.

In many cases, the video editor is also the one who captures the images.This role involves creating the script and delivering the final product; however, this specific function focuses on editing already prepared materials.

What training does a video editor need?

You don't need specific training to work as a video editor. However, some options include pursuing higher education courses in the field. communication, design, audiovisual production and other related fields.

It's worth remembering that it's always important to supplement your knowledge with short courses and classes from renowned professionals to stay updated on new tools and market trends.

Knowledge of digital marketing is also an important differentiator, after all, communication professionals, in general, work extensively with online media.

How much does a video editor earn?

According to the website Vagas, the average salary for a video editor is R$2,125.00 ($).However, this salary varies according to... type of work, the client, the size of the projecthow many projects are completed per month, whether there are partnerships with other professionals, and other... so many variables at work.

Freelancer or permanent employee?

One of the important variables to consider when becoming a video editor is the work format that will be adopted. An editor can be either... freelancer as permanent employee from a specific company, having a formal employment contract.

Freelance professionals have the advantage of being able to work for different clients while managing their own time, tools, and pricing.

For this, it is essential to have a planning about earningsRegarding your schedule, knowing how to manage different clients and having the flexibility for a work life without a fixed routine.

In contrast, a permanent, formally registered job offers greater security, but without many opportunities for higher earnings, unless the company has a career growth program.

The advantage is that there's no need to worry about bureaucratic matters, which are the responsibility of the human resources or personnel department.

Areas of expertise for a video editor

THE Video editors have a very broad scope of work: You can work in the following areas:

Film production company
TV stations
YouTube channels
Digital influencers
Artists
Singers
Internal company communication
Company marketing department
Advertising agencies
Communication consultancies
One-off or fixed projects

This comprehensive execution enables the professional to create a differentiated portfolioIn addition to exploring their knowledge through differentiated approaches, for varied audiences.

5 skills needed to become a video editor

To work in this way, it's important to develop specific and focused characteristics that will be very interesting when trying to capture the attention of a recruiter or a potential client.

The following skills can be geared exclusively towards video production or other areas of the profession.

Enjoy telling stories

How many times have you found yourself watching a video and been anxious to know what would happen at the end of the story?

People who know how to tell stories hold something very valuable in their hands: the viewer's attention.

Generating curiosity, attracting an audience, making someone watch the video from scene to scene, evoking emotion, creating an impact... These are attributes of storytelling, A really cool concept for video editors and people in the communications field in general.

Understanding photography

Although the profession of video editor does not require capturing the image, knowing how to use the best angle During the editing process, it is relevant to the final result of a project.

It's a collaborative effort. For everything to run smoothly, the video editor needs to work together with the person responsible for capturing the images.

It is essential to know the different types of angles and rules of image composition.

Getting to know image and video editing programs

It's worth emphasizing that video editors will be working with editing software all the time – however obvious that may seem.

Increasingly practical image editors are being released on the market with some regularity, doing a lot on their own and making editors' lives easier. However, certain details in images require more care, so it's important to know which programs are most useful for each purpose.

Stay updated on the trends.

The communications industry updates itself relatively quickly, which means that all sub-areas of the business need to modernize just as frequently.

This means that it is the editor's responsibility to keep up with the news, watch many videos, acquire knowledge through films, books, newspapers, magazines, and consume as much information as possible, always taking into account the target audience of the video they will produce.

A strategic look at images

The subtlety of recognizing impactful, beautiful, and moving scenes that will give match The identity that the video needs to have is what makes it stand out. excellent videos of videos that aren't so good.

And that's why professional video editors need to study semiotics: the messages that an image conveys, and how those messages can be communicated.

What does it take to be a successful video editor?

Currently, the profession of video editor is booming. Thousands of people from different sectors are looking for good professionals to edit their videos.

A good professional can choose their jobs and, if desired, work as a freelancer or have a permanent position with a company, since the demand allows for this freedom of choice.

However, to stand out in the market and be a successful video editor Required for good projects, check out some tips we've put together to show you.

#Never stop seeking knowledge

Trends and methods will always change, and new technologies will emerge, some of which can make your work even easier.

Therefore, it's important to always be learning in order to be a well-rounded and skilled professional. This will certainly make you stand out from the rest.

Video editing programs are constantly changing and innovating, so you should always stay up-to-date and never stop learning.

#Qualify yourself in the best editing programs

Don't limit yourself; that can lead to stagnation. There are different editing software programs on the market, so allow yourself to learn and become proficient in more than one.

Successful video editors use the following editing programs:

Adobe Premiere;
Final Cut;
Sony Vegas.

# Expand your skills

You can be a great video editor, But you can improve your skills and offer more to clients, thus increasing your chances of earning more, standing out, getting more jobs, etc.

For example, you can create vignettes, motion graphics, 3D animations, and be a videographer simultaneously, and excel in each of these skills.

In addition, being a video editor and having good design or copywriting skills can add more value to your work.

What is the profession of video editor called?

The person who edits videos is professionally called a video editor. video editorThe profession is known as video editing.

The professional is responsible for editing, assembling, and finalizing various video materials, not just the image, but also the subtitles, audio, titles, vignettes, music, script, and other video components.

These materials can be, for example:

Video lessons;
Commercials;
Interviews;
Testimonials;
Audiovisual materials.

What is the best college for video editing?

To become a successful video editor, You don't necessarily need to have an academic background.

However, in addition to talent and experience, having a degree from a good college can also help in securing better opportunities.

Therefore, the best college course for those who want to work with video editing is:

Radio and TV;
Media studies;
Communication;
Cinema;
Audiovisual Production.

In these courses you will learn how to perform many tasks in audiovisual production, especially video editing.

However, that won't be enough; ideally, you should look for technical courses in the field.

You can find free or affordable courses focused on video editing at Udemy, or SEBRAE, for example.

A tip for finding out What is the best college for video editing? It involves searching for educational institutions in your city that offer a related course.

Next, look for student reviews or opinions from video editors who have studied there.

Is it worth being a video editor?

Yes. Besides being a field with good demand, it also offers good pay.

On social media, it has already been proven that audiences absorb content better in video format; this explains the success of TikTok and the Instagram update, where video delivery is greater.

This eventually made it so video editor profession even more competitive and valued. Therefore, being a video editor is very worthwhile for several reasons:

Attractive salary;
High demand;
Freedom to choose to be a freelancer or to be a CLT employee;
Being able to choose to work with different materials;
Always be acquiring knowledge.

How to get started with video editing?

If you are good at edit videos and already has the "ins and outs," meaning they are already familiar with the main tools, programs, techniques, and trends. The first step to starting a career in video editing is to build a portfolio.

One good portfolio This could be your gateway into the job market. This tool will serve as a business card, especially for those who want to work as a freelancer.

If you don't yet have the material to put together a portfolio, start creating it!

You can create projects for fictitious clients, offer your services at a lower price to friends, family, or local businesses.

To give your portfolio a more professional look, showcase it on platforms like Behance and Vimeo.

Combine your natural talent with practical and theoretical knowledge. Seek out people to inspire you and also keep up with the world of video editing.

If you plan to work under a CLT (Brazilian labor law) contract, in addition to a portfolio, you may need a diploma or certificate.

Therefore, take a technical or vocational course. Once you are financially stable, earn your college degree.

In the video editing profession, to succeed you need more than the five skills mentioned earlier.

Certainly, it's important to be well-versed in the main video editing tools, to be creative, and to have knowledge of audio, scriptwriting, image processing, etc.

In fact, some technical skills will only become solid with time. The important thing is to learn, practice, and never stop acquiring knowledge.

Below is a summary of how to become a video editor:

Diversify your portfolio.

Invest in your career by taking courses.

Create a social media profile to promote your work.

Network

Use LinkedIn to promote yourself, network, and find opportunities.

Follow profiles in the area.

Learn how to price your work.

Did you enjoy this content about the video editor profession?

Take the opportunity to read as well. High-Demand Professions 2021: 10 professions to keep an eye on this year and to learn about other professions that are in high demand.

Nathalia Silva

Journalist, writer, and lover of words.

September 20, 2022

Career