Film and Video Editor

• assembling all raw footage with the camera shots either recorded or manually transferred onto high-format video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer;
• inputting uncut rushes and sound, and synchronising and storing them into files on computer;
• digitally cutting the files to determine the sequence of the film;
• sorting, re-arranging and creating a digital rough cut of the programme using the material stored on the computer;
• drawing up an edit decision list (EDL), which is the visual 'script', and determining the exact cutting for the next and final stage of production;
• re-inputting the tape to bring it to advanced, high-quality resolution. Adding special effects software and grading/colouring the finished film or programme is the online editor's function in producing and perfecting the final product.

• overseeing the quality and progress of audio and vision engineering and editing;
• consulting with the director, producer and/or client at the start of the process and at regular periods throughout the post-production process;
• familiarising oneself with the style of specific directors;
• experimenting with styles and techniques, particularly for corporate productions and new television and film genres;
• negotiating rates of pay and project content, as well as managing business and marketing activities, if working on a freelance basis

• Range of salaries with three to five years' experience: £20,000 - £35,000 (salary data collected Dec 04).
• Range of typical salaries at senior levels: £37,000 - £70,000 upwards (salary data collected Dec 04).
• For the majority of editors, ie those working freelance, work is paid on a contract basis. Rates advised by the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU) can be found on their website.
• Hours may vary depending on workload. When there is a steady flow of work, hours are typically nine to five. When there are deadlines to meet, long hours and weekend working are required.
• Freelance work is likely to involve an intensive work pattern on projects, but there may also be periods of inactivity between projects, with a seasonal pattern to the availability of work.
• Freelance editors often compete for work or may be involved with more than one production at any given time, both large and small, and this can be very demanding.
• Work is conducted on your own or as part of a small team, essentially behind closed doors. The role can also be pressured, for example when working to strict deadlines on limited studio time.
• The workplace rarely changes - editors spend most of their time in editing suites, which are mostly small but comfortable environments.
• More men than women work as editors, although this seems to be changing slowly.
• Whilst most work in the UK is London-based, with many post-production and facilities houses located in Soho, opportunities do exist in smaller companies in some metropolitan and broadcasting cities and may be a useful starting point for new entrants.
• Freelancers may have different editing suites to travel to but these are unlikely to be distant venues or involve working away from home.
• There may be opportunities abroad for experienced and established editors.

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