Film and video editors edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

  • Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
  • Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
  • Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
  • Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
  • Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.
  • Trim film segments to specified lengths and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.
  • Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.
  • Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.
  • Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.
  • Manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make the parts into a continuous whole, working closely with people in audio, visual, music, optical, or special effects departments.
  • Program computerized graphic effects.
  • Study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.
  • Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.
  • Determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.
  • Mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.
  • Record needed sounds or obtain them from sound effects libraries.
  • Conduct film screenings for directors and members of production staffs.
  • Discuss the sound requirements of pictures with sound effects editors.
  • Piece sounds together to develop film soundtracks.
  • Confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches needed to increase dramatic or entertainment value of productions.
  • Develop post-production models for films.
  • Collaborate with music editors to select appropriate passages of music and develop production scores.
  • Estimate how long audiences watching comedies will laugh at each gag line or situation to space scenes appropriately.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 99% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 93% responded "Every day".
  • Time Pressure — 72% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 63% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 69% responded "Extremely important".
  • Telephone — 58% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Edit audio or video recordings.
  • Study scripts to determine project requirements.
  • Edit audio or video recordings.
  • Edit audio or video recordings.
  • Determine presentation subjects or content.
  • Label production materials.
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Knowledge

Communications and Media
  • Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Skills

Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving
  • Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Information Ordering
  • The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Video creation and editing software
  • YouTube Hot Technology
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects Hot Technology
  • Screencastify
  • Windows Media Services
  • Sorenson Media Sorenson Squeeze
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Director
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Apple DVD Studio Pro
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Apple QuickTime
  • Autodesk Smoke
  • Avid Technology
  • Boris FX Continuum Complete
Enterprise application integration software
  • Extensible markup language XML Hot Technology
Web platform development software
  • Hypertext markup language HTML Hot Technology
  • JavaScript Hot Technology
  • Cascading Style Sheets CSS Hot Technology
  • AJAX Hot Technology
  • RSS
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