How do you become an independent video editor by 2022
In the field of film and video production, there's many great opportunities that are available. One can become filmmaker, cinematographer, a post-production coordinator...the world's your oyster.
People who have been struck by the bug of editing can say that there's no more stimulating job than editing videos.
How do you get into editing video? More importantly what is the best way to makea job as an editor on a contract basis?
Let's explore everything you need to know before starting as a freelance editor including how to find customers, the best way to handle your daily schedule and eventually how you can turn yourself into a company.
In this article
- What is an editor for video on the side of a freelancer?
- What does an editor on the freelance market perform day-to-day?
- Video editing on the fly: 5 qualifications you need to meet
- How do you start your own video editing business as a freelancer
- How to locate video editing freelance jobs
- How to start an editing company for videos
- Career guidance from real freelance video editors
What is a freelance video editor?
So, first things first we need to define what it is to be a freelance video editor in today's time and day. A freelance video editor is an individual that is employed by a firm, agency or an individual to carry out video editing tasks.
In terms of technical aspects, there's many jobs and roles that freelance video editor could have to fulfill including color correcting or color recording as well as various forms of video editing or exporting.
But, in the majority of cases an editor who is freelance is someone who has the responsibility of recording footage (either which they recorded themselves or was given the opportunity to do so) and editing the footage to create a final version of a video.
The process requires a bit of back and forth between a video editor and client or project manager to discuss goals and requirements and a thorough review and export process for the sharing of final delivered products.
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What exactly does a freelance video editor work on a daily basis?
In the above paragraph the freelance video editor's daily schedule may differ greatly based on the kind of work and tasks that need to be done. There are a few common tasks that a freelance video editor is typically performing day-to day during a work assignment.
In this instance, I'm speaking from experience in my experience as a video editor freelance in which I was frequently asked to complete projects that could span anywhere from a few hours to weeks or months.
- Day's start Review your emails and go over the work that you must complete for the day.
- The morning session Start by opening your video editing program as well as any other relevant plugins or documents and begin editing. This session can last between 4 and 5 hours, and is sometimes capped with the sending of footage or drafts for review by the client.
- Lunch break Have a moment with yourself and eat, socialize, and/or think about your day prior to.
- afternoon session Start your editing software for video and continue to work with your editing for another 4 to 5 hours. This session is also often completed by sending out drafts or video footage to be reviewed by the client with notes sent to your review the next day.
- evening: Ideally even an editor who is freelance will make sure that they set limits with clients and log off according to a set moment in the day. It's not uncommon for video editors who freelance to have evenings off either finishing up assignments, working on additional freelance work, or learning new editing tricks or skills for fun.
That's just my own personal schedule , more or less however, as every professional video editor freelance will surely create a perfect schedule for their needs.
It's also important to keep the fact that a freelance editor isn't always on the job and on days when there is no need for client work, it might be best to concentrate on networking, building out your portfolio and resume or acquiring additional editing skills and certifications.
Freelance video editing Five qualifications you must meet to possess
We've now covered a standard day as an editor of videos Let's look at some basic qualifications that will be required for you for starting your career as a freelancer. Certain of them are things that you require physically (like a computer), whereas others are skills which you need to work on and possess to be successful.
- A good computer while you do not necessarily need the latest technology, you do need an appropriate computer that can edit in a moderate speed.
- HDDs (and backups): The freelance video editor is always in need of plenty of hard drives and back up drives to store footage, files and assets and keep your clients' work protected.
- Video editing training: Whether it be at an accredited college or through YouTube instructional videos, it is likely that you will require lots of instruction in editing video for you to complete all the tasks asked of a professional video editor.
- Problem solving skills The best video editor will be excellent at problem solving as there will be challenges which arise with every video project.
- Communication skills: You should also have a solid understanding of communication when working as a freelance editor. is required to frequently and in the beginning, communicate with customers regarding timelines, scripts, and goals, as well as be capable of incorporating the feedback in new versions of the project.
Then, every freelance video editor will be distinctive and individual. Your personal career path and experiences can help develop your abilities when you learn and improve.
What is the best way to begin your freelance video editing career
With all the requirements and examples of everyday life outlined above, how do you start your own freelance video editing business? Well, the answer is a bit complex as its not as straightforward as other career types.
By its nature, the freelance editing of videos can be either a one-time or a permanent affair. If you're actively doing editing for clients then congratulations! You're an editor for hire.
If you've not doing any edits for a freelancer, and never have before, it's not yet a complete freelancer.
It's a great thing because all it means is that all you need to do to start your journey being a freelance editor is to find a client and then start your work. That, if you adhere to these steps, won't be as hard as it sounds also.
How to find freelance video editing jobs
We'll now go over practical tips to find job opportunities for video editors who are freelance. It still takes a great amount of personal interaction and networking to put your name in front of potential clients as well as companies.
It never hurts to connect IRL when possible it is possible to build a a career in freelance editing videos completely remotely regardless of your location.
Here are the steps to be sure to follow:
1. Join a video-specific Slack group
One of the newest virtual ways to meet and network with editors, creatives and other professionals is to find a video-specific Slack group to join and engage with. If you're unfamiliar about Slack, you can begin with it here, but it's basically a collaboration hub where it is possible to join various groups, channels or chat rooms to remain connected with different groups.
2. Join networking events specifically designed to be attended by video editors
Similarly, if you do reside in an area which is an ideal hub for film and video it is a good idea to take into consideration IRL networking as well. For example, if you live within New York there are plenty of networking opportunities -and even for specific video editing -- that are available at the MeetUp.
3. Scour LinkedIn and job boards
It's also worth looking to creating a strong and informative LinkedIn profile as that's one of the best resources to find jobs as well as putting your name, picture and reel in to the eyes of potential employers. After you've created a profile, you can extend your search for jobs in localized areas ( like this one for video editors in New York) or remotely as you open yourself up to clients across the globe.
4. Be certified as an Expert
5. Create a profile on gig-specific sites
Finally, a newer tip that's gaining lots of steam in professional video circles is to set up an account on a gig-focused website that showcases your talent and put your profile on the radar of other creators and managers.
The key to success with this approach is finding the most recent cool websites (like ilovecreatives for example) and taking the time to make sure your profile portrays you (and your skills) in the best possible light.
How to start a video editing business
After you've been able to connect with a few freelance editing projects and clients, you'll actually be faced with a decision as to what you'd prefer to stay on as an independent contractor, or transform your business into a lucrative business.
In the case of many video editors who are freelance, this means starting a video editing company. And while it might just be yourself as the lone worker at first, as you build your brand and get more and more work, it is possible to consider hiring extra help and building out an entire team.
These are the actions you'll have to be following:
- Select a name for your company It is possible to use your own name to startoff, but if are looking to grow, try to pick something fun distinctive, original, and clever.
- Create a reel A freelance video editor will always need reels that showcase your best projects and diversity of your work.
- Make an online portfolio (or website): Every company has a website nowadays and the brand for video editing is no different. You can start with the easy to build template offered by Wix, Squarespace or WordPress.
- Optimize your linkedIn profile Do not ignore your LinkedIn profile. It is one of the strongest digital footprint of any video editing professional.
- Form an LLC As you expand, it's a good idea to think about forming an LLC for your company as a way to keep all your revenue as well as tax and expense information in order.
Advice on career development from experienced professional video editors who are freelance.
For the final part, and to wrap things in the right direction, here are a few suggestions to share with you on the best way to begin your freelancing video editing business from real freelance video editors.
Tips for building your abilities to finding work, here are some insightful nuggets to help you along your path.
What are the most important skills you need to become a freelance video editor?
Successful video editors (according to real video editors) typically have the following skills:
- Values communication and feedback
- A desire to keep learning and to constantly improve
- A deep understanding of storytelling
- A focus on people, what they require and the goals they have
What kind of day does your typical look like for you?
Some editors find that each day can be a bit distinct. "One day it's all out working on the deliverables. On another day, it's trying to figure out how to promote myself and get to the attention of others. Other days it's networking, making changes to my website, researching different tools," said wedding videographer Paul Wozniak.
Some people use a batching strategy such as Project Director Chris Hoerdemann, who stated: "[I have] administrative tasks and meetings that run from 8am till noon, before editing around 1pm, until I've reached whatever milestone I was shooting during the day."
Any advice for a total beginner?
Jacob Perkins, founder of Hens Bread Productions in Austin, Texas, says, "Be confident in your price, because you have something that many people do not have. Anything for "exposure" should be done just because you love you like it. Don't underestimate the time needed to edit because it's bound to go over a couple hours over the small things."
A number of editors suggested taking advantage of free learning for free, such as YouTube tutorials or taking the opportunity to work pro bono with a charity you love. A different editor stressed the importance to establish relationships at the beginning of your career as an editor.
"Always create somethingregardless of whether that means doing pro bono work, or putting together personal initiatives. I worked on four or five projects for free during my first six months and each of these clients later turned into paying clients. After five years, I am still in contact with them and their word-of-mouth advice early on led to an abundance of jobs coming in the first year," said Chris Hoerdemann.
What is your main channel(s) for finding gigs?
Here are a few of the best reactions from actual video editors:
- Google Search
- Word-of-mouth / referrals
- Social media like LinkedIn
- Facebook groups include everything from Facebook
Hopefully these tips and tricks can provide you with a good roadmap to start your own career in freelance video editing. While there are some great bits of advice which you can get from them, the most effective approach to begin is to simply begin.
Put yourself out there, start working on projects for amusement, improve your skills before you can begin building your own brand to be the person you'd like to become.