Video and motion picture editor

Description

Video and motion picture editors are responsible for the assembly and cutting of raw footage into a logically and aesthetically either for movies, television series, or domestic purposes. They reorganize scenes that have been shot and decide which special effects are needed. Video and motion picture editors work closely together with sound editors and music directors.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to video and motion picture editor:

motion picture editor
television and motion picture editor
motion picture and video editor
cinema editor
film editor
film and video editor
video editor
editor

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as video and motion picture editor. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Video and motion picture editor is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Video and motion picture editor career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to video and motion picture editor.

special effects artist
animation director
animation layout artist
animator
storyboard artist

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of video and motion picture editor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of video and motion picture editor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of video and motion picture editor.

Personal directing styles: Understand and analyse the behaviour of specific directors.
Film production process: The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.
Graphic design: The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
Motion graphics: The techniques and software for creating the illusion of motion such as keyframing, Adobe After Effects, and Nuke.
Ict software specifications: The characteristics, use and operations of various software products such as computer programmes and application software.
Multimedia systems: The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of video and motion picture editor.

Follow work schedule: Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.
Consult with producer: Consult with a motion picture producer about requirements, deadlines, budget, and other specifications.
Consult with production director: Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.
Supervise video and motion picture editing team: Supervise multimedia artists and other members of the video and motion picture editing team to make sure editing is done on time and according to the creative vision of the production team.
Watch scenes: Watch raw scenes and shots after shooting to ensure quality. Decide which shots will be used and what needs to be edited.
Put uncut recordings into computer: Put uncut footage and sound into files on the computer.
Finish project within budget: Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.
Synchronise sound with images: Synchronise recorded sound with footage.
Analyse a script: Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
Search databases: Search for information or people using databases.
Follow directions of the artistic director: Follow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.
Cut raw footage digitally: Digitally cut video footage to put together the sequence of the film and decide what is usable.
Supervise equipment: Start up and shut down equipment; identify and troubleshoot technical problems and conduct minor repairs. Monitor control equipment in order to identify safety and environmental hazards.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of video and motion picture editor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Adobe photoshop: The computer program Adobe Photoshop is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.
Adobe illustrator: The computer program Adobe Illustrator CC is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.
Photography: Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.
Digital compositing: The process and software for digitally assembling multiple images to make one, final image.
Gimp (graphics editor software): The computer program GIMP is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by The GIMP Development Team.
Colour grading: The process and techniques for adjusting the colour composition of recorded motion pictures, video images or still images either by hand in a photographic laboratory or digitally.
3d lighting: The arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.
Sketchbook pro: The computer program SketchBook Pro is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Autodesk.
Microsoft visio: The computer program Microsoft Visio is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Microsoft.
File-based workflow: The recording of moving images without using tape, but by storing these digital videos on optical disks, hard drives, and other digital storage devices.
Graphics editor software: The field of graphical ICT tools which enable digital editing and composition of graphics, such as GIMP, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to develop both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics.
Synfig: The computer program Synfig is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by Robert Quattlebaum.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of video and motion picture editor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Draw up artistic production: File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.
Advise contractors: Advise contractors on the interpretation of plans and recommends changes when necessary.

Apply 3d imaging techniques: Implement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and 3D surface shapes.
Work with the camera crew: Work with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.
Manage staff: Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
Perform video editing: Rearrange and edit video footage in the course of the post-production process. Edit the footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as colour correction and effects, speed effects, and audio enhancing.
Apply colour grading: Enhance the colour of recorded motion pictures or videos by adjusting the colour composition either by hand, in a photographic laboratory or digitally by using image editing software.
Archive documentation related to the work: Select relevant documentation related to the ongoing or complete work and take steps to archive it in a way that ensures its future accessibility.
Advise supervisors: Advise supervisor of problems, changes, or suggestions for more effective regulation practice or development activity.
Animate 3d organic forms: Vitalise digital 3D models of organic items, such as emotions or face movements of characters and place them in a digital 3D environment.
Edit digital moving images: Use specialised software to edit video images for use in an artistic production.
Create subtitles: Create and write subtitles making sure they are synchronised with the dialogue.
Edit recorded sound: Edit audio footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as crossfading, speed effects, and removing unwanted noises.
Render 3d images: Use specialised tools to convert 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic rendering on a computer.
Create moving images: Create and develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in motion and animations.
Develop animations: Design and develop visual animations using creativity and computer skills. Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, colour, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
Design graphics: Apply a variety of visual techniques in order to design graphic material. Combine graphical elements to communicate concepts and ideas.
Convert different audiovisual formats: Ability to use specialised software to convert data from one audio and/or video format to another.
Operate 3d computer graphics software: Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.

ISCO group and title

2654 – Film, stage and related directors and producers

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Video and motion picture editor – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022