Video Editing

Personal skills :  Video editor has to have a high level of self-motivation, commitment and dedication to work. Creativity is the main factor for the success of a video editor. They need to have a keen eye for detail, a critical mind, the ability to listen to others and to work well as part of a team. Imagination and technical skills are essential. General computer literacy and an aptitude for working with digital equipment to achieve results are also important. They should also have a general knowledge of cameras and digital camera technology. The video editors must always be alert and updated with their skills, as new and advanced technologies as invented day by day. Eligibility : A course in video editing will help the candidates to understand and learn the overall concept of editing and the way they relate to each other. The candidates are prepared through systematic training, to handle the ever-changing tools used within the process of video editing. They are trained to work with professional grade linear and non-linear editing equipment. Theoretical instructions, practical exercises and the post-production work of television programmes have been designed to impart knowledge and skills adequate measure. The basics of video editing remains unchanged no matter which equipment is used.  Video editors usually acquire their skills through on-the-job training or formal training at various institutes. However, experience is the best training in this field. In addition, they must be able to demonstrate their skill with appropriate editing software packages.  Digital video editing uses video editing software's from very basic applications such as Windows Movie Maker to professional packages such as Final Cut Pro, ULead MediaStudio, Avid's Media Composer, Xpress Pro, Adobe Premiere etc. Good editing software is expensive and often requires a high-priced computer to run effectively. Editing software controls the capturing (recording) of the footage, provides a way to edit the footage, and allows the finished product to be output to a recording device. Job Prospects & Career Options : college degree is not necessary for getting a job in the field of video editing. But a degree or diploma in visual arts/ fine arts, multimedia/ information technology, media studies etc. can increases the chance of getting a reputed job. One can enter into the field of video editing, after completing the digital video editing course or a media arts degree.  Video Editors work with the production personnel using advanced editing tools to analyze, evaluate, trim, arrange and join scenes according to guidelines set out by the producer or director of the project. In fact, video editors are the ones who decides what to stay and goes in terms of the content of the finished video.  In the digital video editing, the footage (i.e the unedited material as it has been recorded by the camera) is transferred to the computer and captured on a hard disks or other digital storage devices. The data is either recorded directly to the storage device or is imported from another source. Once imported they can be edited on a computer. The video editors goal is to edit this video; they can add or take out sounds, music, scenes or even freeze and print certain frames as photographs. They use wide range of software to manipulate the captured footage. Clips are arranged on a timeline, music tracks and titles are added, effects can be created, and the finished program is rendered into a finished video. The video may then be distributed in a variety of ways including web streaming, CD-rom, DVD etc. In non-linear editing, the original source files are not lost or modified during editing. Varied career opportunities are arise for the video editors and one can find job placement in film and TV production studios, web design companies, advertising and multimedia companies. They can work with independent production companies and for motion picture studios. Majority of video editors are employed on a freelance basis, working on short-term contracts for post-production studios, television companies and corporate employers. Even though varied job opportunities are arise in this field, one can use creative job seeking methods such as sending your skills-based CV to every production company and post-production house possible. Also make and maintain a good working relationships with people in this industry. Remuneration : With the advent of streaming videos and movie clips in the websites, video editors are in great demand. They can work as an employer or as a freelance in a firm. The beginners in the initial stage can earn between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500 per month. The earnings can be raised after a few years of experience. Those working as freelance will be paid per hour and the amount paid will depends up on the company.  Those with talent and experience will be in greatest demand and will have the best chances for employment. Large studios will be offering competitive salaries for the top editors in the field.