1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Video editor

Video editor

Alternative titles for this job include Film editor

Video editors bring together images and sound for use in film, TV and online productions.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a video editor

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

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

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

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:

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.

What it takes

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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

Once established, you might use an agent to find work and negotiate your fees.

You could set up your own company.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a video editor right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Creative Digital Media Production

  • Provider: DINNINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Dinnington

Creative Digital Media Production

  • Provider: SHIRE OAK ACADEMY
  • Start date: 05 September 2024
  • Location: Walsall

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.