• commercials
• corporate training videos
• feature films
• music videos
• television programmes.

• You'll typically start as a runner or trainee before working your way up to a position as an assistant editor. You can expect to work as an assistant editor for around three to four years before moving on to become a qualified editor.

  A proactive approach and willingness to start at the bottom are essential for forging a career in this fast-changing industry. If you're able to relocate for a job this may also be helpful, particularly in the early stages of your career.

  In post-production or broadcasting companies, progression may be from runner, digitiser, or assistant editor to senior editor. Larger employers provide well-structured career paths. Experienced in-house editors may ultimately move to management roles.

  For freelancers, career development takes the form of progressing from small productions to larger or more prestigious projects. It's vital to establish a good reputation and develop your networking skills to succeed. Building strong working relationships with freelance directors, production managers and producers is valuable, as they're often able to take preferred editors with them onto new projects.

  While relevant qualifications may be beneficial, career development is based more on experience and practical involvement within the industry and on developing a strong network of contacts.

Script Writing

The Scriptwriter/Writer creates blueprints and details of the script based on concepts or ideas. He/She develops story elements to translate the creative vision into stories for production, with a deep understanding of the storyline and target aud..

Direction

Within the film industry, the Direction department is a subset of a larger occupational group referred to as ‘Production’.   Perhaps the best known role within the Direction department is that of Director, the person who is u..

Cinematography

You should be technically sound and have the knowledge of various shooting equipment and tools. Besides, you should be able to handle the camera properly and ensure all equipment is kept in working order. You should be able to coordinate with the ..

• Starting salaries for assistant editors employed by a television or post-production studio are in the region of £18,000 to £25,000.
• With experience as a film or video editor, you could earn £21,000 to £35,000.
• At a senior level, your earnings could potentially reach £37,000 to £70,000, but the higher end of this scale is only available to senior editors working on big-budget projects.

A film/video editor is not an entry-level job and it's normally necessary to start at a lower-paid level, possibly as a runner, where salaries could be around the national minimum wage. You may then progress to assistant editor where you could expect to earn more, before reaching the full editor position.

Most editors work as freelancers and are paid on a contract basis. Rates vary, so it's best to check for current freelance rates with individual companies or the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU). If you get work through an agency, they will negotiate rates and then take either a percentage or flat fee.

Career Pros Details

Career Cons Details

• a keen eye for detail and a critical mind
• creativity and a passionate interest in film and video editing
• patience and concentration
• the ability to listen to others and to work well as part of a team
• a high level of self-motivation, commitment and dedication
• organisational and time management skills
• the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• communication skills, both written and oral.