Cohesive Works Created Through Film and Video Editing

Films are created by combining a number of different aspects together to create a singular coherent work of art. The subject of editing is one of the least talked about aspects of film production. It is an editor's job to take stock or "raw" footage and place corresponding shots in a timeline that work together to tell a story to the audience. The editor will take the shots chosen by either themselves or a director and place them together with other shots to create a sequence. The subsequent sequences are then combined together to create the entire film.

Editors use their skills to manipulate emotional responses from the audience depending on what shots they choose and how those particular shots are arranged. Editing is not just about cutting and splicing sections of film together; editors are entrusted with the responsibility of bringing all the outside facets of the film making process together. They are responsible for making sure audio matches up with video; they are also responsible for making sure that the score accompanies the correct video onscreen. Pacing and rhythm are two other factors that an editor must take into consideration. Editors are also responsible for making sure the film progresses forward in the most logical way possible.

If film and video editing sounds like an interesting job, there are a few things you must remember and learn before you take your first steps into the field:

The first thing to remember before you embark on your film and video editing career is key training. Across the country there are a number of schools and universities that have curriculums which center on film and video editing techniques and skills. These courses are intended to teach students the proper usage and application of a number of different digital video editing programs. They will also teach you what it means to create a coherent story that can be followed easily by the audience viewing your film.

The next thing to remember is to make professional business connections. Broadcasting, whether it is in film, television or radio is all about who you know. It's difficult to make a name for yourself in any professional field, and it's especially true in the field of broadcasting. Due to the fact that film and video editing jobs rely heavily on the principles of what you know and how well you can adapt to new programs and techniques, entry level jobs are few and far between. Television stations do not offer on-the-job training for their film and video editors; therefore, you are expected to show up on your first day and know what needs to be done and which is the best course to reach those goals.

The final piece of advice for anyone who feels that film and video editing is a job well suited for them is to not be afraid to experiment with new techniques. If all editors followed the same cookie cutter pattern for creating a film, the industry would never evolve. It is important to take risks at times and try to incorporate the technology and your own skill in ways which have not been done before.

Film and video editing is a fast paced, exciting career that has much to offer those highly skilled and determined individuals throughout the field. If this still sounds like a profession you would be interested in learning more about, you can find out available courses and programs through your local colleges and universities.

Tim White is the director of admissions for the Ohio and Illinois Centers for Broadcasting, among top radio broadcasting schools, and a manager of several national bands and artists. He has been FCC licensed since being a college radio DJ.

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