Film And TV Industry Jobs
Film/Video Editor:
Qualifications:
You don’t need a foundation degree, HND or degree to be a film or video editor, but it is important that you show commitment and determination to get into the industry.
You need to be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills, and so a degree or HND that offers film or media production experience may be helpful. The following subjects are relevant:
- communication and media studies;
- fine art/visual art;
- graphic design;
- information technology/multimedia;
- photography/film/television.
You’ll need to be proficient in using specific editing software packages, such as Avid or Final Cut Pro. Courses that cover these applications are available at varying levels but they can be expensive, so make sure you research them fully to find a course that matches your career and training aims.
If you have experience of the very latest technology, it may reduce the competition you face. General computer literacy and an aptitude for working with digital equipment to achieve results are also important.
A postgraduate qualification isn’t essential but there are relevant courses available that will provide you with extra skills and may give you an advantage over other applicants. Search for postgraduate courses in media production.
Skills:
You will need to show:
- a keen eye for detail and a critical mind;
- creativity and a passionate interest in film and video editing;
- patience and concentration;
- the ability to listen to others and to work well as part of a team;
- a high level of self-motivation, commitment and dedication;
- organisational and time management skills;
- the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines;
- communication skills, both written and oral.
What to expect:
- Freelancing involves periods of intensive work, but there may be times of inactivity between projects, which you can use to follow up on potential work. You’ll often have to compete for work with other freelance editors and you may be involved with several productions of different sizes at any given time.
- Work is usually conducted alone or with a director. On a large project you may work with a sound effects editor, music editor and assistant editors. The role may be pressured, for example, when working intensively to strict deadlines on limited studio time.
- You’ll spend most of your time in editing suites, which are typically small but comfortable environments. A lot of time is spent working on computers. As a freelancer, it’s possible to work from home if you have your own equipment.
- While the majority of television and film editing work in the UK is London-based, post-production and facilities houses and independent production companies can be found in most cities.
- You may have to travel to different editing suites, but it’s unlikely this will involve working away from home. There may be opportunities abroad once you’re an experienced and established editor.
Responsibilities:
Your work as an editor will involve:
- receiving a brief, and maybe an outline of footage and/or a shot list, script, or screenplay;
- assembling all raw footage, with camera shots either recorded or transferred onto video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer;
- inputting uncut rushes and sound, and synchronising and storing them into files on the computer;
- digitally cutting the files to put together the sequence of the film and deciding what is usable;
- creating a ‘rough cut’ (or assembly edit) of the programme/film and determining the exact cutting for the next and final stages;
- reordering and fine-tuning the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video.
Additional tasks may include:
- overseeing the quality and progress of audio and video engineering and editing;
- experimenting with styles and techniques including the design of graphic elements;
- writing voiceover/commentary;
- suggesting or selecting music.
You may also carry out online editing duties, which involve finalising technical aspects such as correcting faulty footage, grading and colouring and adding special effects.
Special Effects
Skills Required For a Special Effects Artist:
One of the greatest skills a special effects artist can cultivate is the art of listening. Directors and writers explain specific ideas to the special effects artist and the artist must be able to understand the concept and create an image that comes as close as possible to the original concept. A special effects artist turns words into pictures.
Some of the computer programs that special effects artists use are After Effects, Houdini, Renderman and Shake. A special effects artist uses every-day office software as well, such as Microsoft Office programs. Technical knowledge must be coupled with innate artistic talent.
The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines is essential for a special effects artist. Whether the artist works in the film industry, video game or music video field, artists work on a project-to-project basis. Film and video projects factor time into budgets and delays that put a project over-budget can stop the project cold.
Education Requirements for Special Effects Artists:
There is no exact route to becoming a special effects artist. Although undergraduate and graduate programs in animation, computer graphics and graphic design exist, they are not always requirements for special effects jobs. Many of the computer programs used in creating special effects are taught in art schools and graphic artist programs.
Sound Mixer
To do this role you will need to:
- Have a good understanding of electronics
- Have a good working knowledge of all sound recording equipment
- Understand microphones, lighting techniques and camera lens angles
- Have an interest in acoustics and audio technology
- Understand the requirements of the other departments on feature films
- Be aware of on-set protocols
- Be computer literate.
- Have excellent listening skills
- Have good communication skills
- Be diplomatic and tactful
- Be able to give and to accept direction
- Have good attention to detail
- Ability to make decisions under pressure
- Understand the relevant health and safety laws and procedures
Qualifications:
You don’t need a formal qualification but you will need specialist training in sound recording. There are many courses in sound production available at different levels. There are also some industry-led training schemes.
Pros And Cons
On Commission Contract:
A pro for a on commission contract is being paid a good amount of money, for a job that you can do. This is also good because you made this amount of money from working for example, 5 days.
A con for a on commission contract is not having reliable work hours. This could effect you financially as you may not get any or not enough offers. Another con is not getting the work done in the time you are given. This is a really big problem as it can affect your career and your finance.
Full Time Permanent Contract:
A pro for full time contract is knowing you have a secure position. This means you are financially stable depending on your wage. Another pro is developing your skill and increasing your knowledge in your field of work.
A con for full time contract is you cannot change jobs as this is a permanent job. This could be a problem because you may have found a better job, which is more beneficial for you. Another con is the hours will be permanent. You cant do less, and sometimes more hours if you need to.
Fix Term Contract:
A pro for fixed term contract is working on a project for a time frame that suits you. Another pro is you are increasing your experience in the field of work.
A con is not having a secure job. This is a problem as you wont be there forever. This can effect you as you wont be receiving money.
Part Time Permanent Contract:
A pro for a part time contract is having hours that suit you. Another pro is, your job is secure as if you were doing full time. This is a pro because you don’t have to worry about looking for another job after a period of time.
A con for a part time contract is the days/hours you are going to be doing will be shorter than a full time worker. This means your wage will be minimum. This can affect possibly effect your stability.
Freelance Contract:
A pro for a freelance contract is you are self-employed. This means you are not committed to a employer long-term. So you choose when you want work and what work you want.
A con for freelance contract is you are not committed to a company. This is a problem as work is not constant. You will have to be looking for companies, agencies etc that need work. Even if you do find a company then it will be hard as other freelancers will be fighting for the same job.
Shift Work Contract:
A pro for a shift work contract is you have a fixed time and date of work. This avoids any late notices of work.
A con for shift work contract is you are going to be stuck with your time table. This is a con because if you have a sudden change in your daily time table, then it will be difficult for your manager to arrange a different work time.
Questions About Myself
Tell Me About Yourself:
I am an 18 year old student. I study Film and TV at Westminster Kingsway College. I’m enjoying the course so far and I hope to get a career in editing. I also have a part time job in retail.
Why Are You Interested In Working Here?:
One reason i’m interested in this job is because I enjoy editing. Doing something I enjoy and making it a career is my dream. Another reason i’m interested is because I feel that I am good at editing. The more I edit, the more experience and knowledge I will gain. Also the more I edit I enjoy it even more. It’s not something I get bored of. It’s a passion I have for editing.
What Is Your Favourite Thing About This Industry?:
My favourite thing about this industry is being creative. When you get a project given to you, unless you have to follow a strict style, you can be creative. This makes the job a lot more entertaining, but it also gives you a chance to push yourself.
What Makes You Right For This Position?:
I am very passionate for editing. I never get bored or tired of editing. The more I edit means the more I learn new skills and the more my work improves. That is how I look at it. Another reason is I am a fast learner when it comes to editing.
What Qualities Do You Bring To The Role?:
One of the qualities I bring is having a passion for editing. This in my opinion is important. This is because if you don’t have passion for what you are doing. Then you won’t be able to push yourself as much as someone who is passionate. Another quality I bring is being creative. This is important as it makes my work unique. I am also a good listener. Being able to listen and take advice is one of the most important parts in this job. If you can’t do that then you won’t be able to improve your work.
What Do You Bring To the Organisation?:
I bring creativity to the organisation. This is important as the work put out will be unique, not seen before. Making it stand out from other films, adverts, edits etc. Having my own style rather than copying another persons.
Describe Something Significant That Has Happened To You:
One significant thing that has happened to me is, I cracked my skull open when I was very young. My age was probably around 6 – 7 years old. I had around 30 stitches on my head. I barely remember being in the hospital or what happened afterwards. The injury left a scar on my forehead that by time has slowly gotten smaller, however I believe the scar will not go.
Describe A Difficult Situation That You Had To Deal With – Were You Successful?:
There was one situation I was in where I had to lead a team in football. I knew everyone’s capabilities and their set of skills. So I took that into consideration and made a formation for the team. I asked if they were fine with their positions and one of the players pointed out that they were better on the right. The person on the left said they were fine to switch. If i was to ignore his comment then it would have caused a hiccup in the way he played, and would have caused a problem for the whole team. So listening to the players is important, even if you have made your plan.
What Do You Enjoy About Your Course?:
One thing I enjoy is having the freedom to have your own style when it comes to editing. This makes the editing side of the course a lot more enjoyable, also it pushes our imagination. Another thing I enjoy is working in groups as a team. This gets more then just one story, idea etc.
What Are Your Main Weaknesses – How Do You Deal With Them?:
One of my main weaknesses is being overly kind. This is a huge weakness because the wrong people take advantage of you. How I deal with it is
Describe Yourself In 3 Words:
Kind
Trustworthy
Loyal
Final Piece Evaluation
One thing that went well is the communication during the whole project. When we were giving our thoughts and ideas, we gave everyone a chance to speak. This was crucial because if we did not take turns speaking, then the certain members will feel demotivated and not want to work.
Another thing that went well was the location. We found the planned locations, that we wanted. This was a good benefit as it saved us time and gave us more time to focus on filming.
Yaseen 