Video editing is a highly technical skill that is increasingly in demand in the film, television, and digital content industries. Even though mastering video editing can take a substantial amount of time, the learning process can be made less challenging with a few prerequisite skills, including gaining familiarity with video editing apps, understanding digital video formats, cinematography, and collaboration skills.
There are several of professional-grade video editing applications to choose from, with the most common being Premiere Pro and Final Cut. Those who want to learn video editing should research which application best suits their budget, projects needs, and workflow. Before you begin working in your application of choice, take time to familiarize yourself with the interface and tools. Because many video editing applications are complex, introductory video editing courses like those offered by the American Graphics Institute (AGI) are a great choice for those wanting to learn essential skills more quickly By taking courses that guide you through the interface and tools of video editing applications, you will be able to execute more advanced techniques, harness its full capabilities, and streamline your workflow.
It is also useful to understand video formats. Prior to creating a project in a video editing application, you should be familiar with different video formats and how to properly export your work for distribution. Whether you’re working on a short film, TV episode, or vlog, you should know which video format and resolution settings to select in order to achieve a high-quality end result. For example, a video editor who wants to upload a content to an online streaming service will want to know the best format and resolution when exporting from Premiere Pro or Final Cut. Video editors who are not well-versed in video formats may select the incorrect settings for their projects, which can cause the end result to appear blurry, play incorrectly on different devices, or be unnecessarily large and slow to download and view. Both AGI’s introductory Premiere Pro and Final Cut courses walk users through input and output formats, as well as how to make the appropriate selections for your projects.
Knowledge of cinematography concepts is another useful skill for video editors, as they are often responsible for arranging visual elements in a manner that emphasizes an overarching narrative, while keeping viewers engaged. Because video editing is a predominantly visual medium, it is useful for anyone who works in this field to have an understanding of basic cinematography concepts. All these concepts need to be considered throughout the editing process and integrated into each clip. Although the impact of individual edits may not seem influential, especially on large projects, they have a cumulative effect that influences the overall viewing experience. AGI’s advanced video editing courses demonstrate how to incorporate many aspects of cinematography into your edits using tools in professional-grade applications, including cutting between camera angles and color correction.
Collaboration and communication skills are also useful for video editors, as many projects require communication with members of the production team, including directors, producers, and sound designers. Many video editing applications include collaborative features such as Premiere Pro, where work can be shared for review, and can include comments and annotations with time stamps. Because video editing is often collaborative, make sure you enjoy working in teams, are able to take directions, and are open to input and feedback on your projects.
Video editing is a great career for those who want to work in a creative field that is growing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), video editing jobs are expected to grow 12% over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In 2021, BLS found that the median salary for video editors was $60,360, or approximately $29 per hour. For those who are interested in pursuing a career as a video editor, enrolling in online or in-person training courses from a reputable school like AGI can help you get started and develop a portfolio of work.