Online Video Editor Job Description, Career as a Online Video Editor, Salary, Employment

Education and Training:— Bachelor’s degree in editing or videography, and specialized training.

Salary: Median— $43,000 annually

Employment Outlook:— Good

Video editing refers to the editing of video footage and enhancing it with audio and special effects. Editors may adopt the linear video editing system, non-linear video editing system, or vision mixing. The linear video editing is done by using videotape, while non-linear editing makes use of computers and video editing software. On the other hand, the vision mixing system is used when live video signals are edited.

Online editing may refer to two different things. In the case of video editing, online editing is carried out after the offline edit is complete. It is done to modify the compression levels of the captured footage, add titles and special effects, and apply color correction. Online video editors also make sure that the final product meets the client’s requirements. In the second case, online video editors use a video production switcher, or vision mixer, to choose footage from different video sources, put them together, and add the special effects. Such online video editors may use different transitions like dissolves and pattern swipes, perform keying operations, and also generate color signals. This kind of online video editing is used in videotaped and live television productions.

Education and Training Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for online video editors. One can opt for programs in editing or videography at the college level. In addition, it is necessary to attend training courses that focus on video production, film and video editing, or post production techniques. Online video editors also need to have proficiency in handling video editing software like Adobe Photoshop, Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Flash and Adobe Premier. Those wishing to work with live videos need to be trained in the use of vision mixers like Sony’s BVS-3200CP, and Ross’ Video Vision.

Apart from the educational and training requirements, online video editors need to possess various qualities. They need to have an acute sense of timing, design, and narrative coherence. This is particularly important for those who want to work in live video editing. Since they are required to work in tandem with a large group of people, online video editors also need to have excellent communication skills, flexibility, and patience.

Getting the Job

Online video editors generally start out as offline editors. They may become an apprentice to film editors and receive training before taking up a full-time position. This period of internship is important since it helps beginners get accustomed to the world of film and video editing, and also establish contacts in the industry. With experience, video editors can take up positions in broadcasting stations. It is a good idea to begin at smaller stations since they offer on-the-job training. However, becoming an online video editor is a gradual process and requires a great deal of expertise. Openings for the position of video editor are often advertised in newspapers and Internet job portals. One can also register with video editor unions. Nevertheless, the most effective way to find a job is by looking up the different studios, production companies, and private firms, and directly approaching them for suitable openings.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Online video editors are employed in television production houses, post production studios, as well as corporate organizations. One may also work as a freelancer. Beginners are usually taken on as interns or part-timers. With experience, they can shift into full-time positions. Advancement in this career translates into taking up bigger and better assignments with reputed organizations and television stations.

Since it takes a long time to become an online video editor, there is always a great demand for talented and experienced professionals. With growth of the television industry, employment opportunities for online video editors are expected to increase by 12% in the next few years. Prospects will be particularly good for those with sufficient knowledge and expertise in the field.

Working Conditions

Online video editors usually work in clean, well lit, and ventilated projection rooms, shooting stages, and cutting rooms. There are no fixed work schedules for editors. Depending on the deadlines, online video editors may have to work for more than 12 hours at a stretch. Those working on live television footage are under extreme pressure since the entire process of program transmission needs to be constantly monitored. Online video editors also spend a lot of time in front of computers and other digital editing equipment. This may cause frequent backaches and eye strain. The job also requires extensive interaction with producers, directors, and other technicians.

Where to Go for More Information

Association of Independent Creative Editors
308 West 107th Street #5F
New York, NY 10025
http://www.aice.org/

Motion Picture Editors Guild
7715 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 200
Hollywood, CA 90046
https://www.editorsguild.com/VideotapeDramatic08_09.cfm

Colorado Film and Video Association
PO Box 181236
Denver, CO 80218
http://www.cfva.com/

National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians
501 Third St. NW, Ste. 880
Washington, DC 20001-2797
http://www.nabetcwa.org

Salary, Earnings and Benefits

Online video editors often work on temporary contracts or a freelance basis. Hence, it is quite difficult to get a fair estimate of their annual salaries. The average hourly wage of online video editors in the United States is around $25. As per the records of May 2008, the median annual salary of video editors on the whole is $62,500. Those working in the video industries earn around $68,980 per year while independent editors earn about $54,650 annually.

Online video editors holding full-time positions are entitled to sick leaves, vacations, group life and health insurance coverage, as well as pension plans.