As a rule, editors are the key people in post-production. Their task is to turn individual shots into a whole work and tell a story using editing tools. Thanks to them, films, ads, movie trailers, teasers, and social media clips take on the final look.
By the way, the profession of an editor is one of the oldest ones. Editing was already in the first films of the Lumiere brothers, the only difference is that earlier the directors were also the editors. Today, this is done by a separate person, and instead of cutting and merging the film, they use special computer programs.
One way or another, the profession is very promising. And if you want to do it remotely, then read our guide. We will tell you what skills are top priority, how to properly organize your work routine, where to get orders, what software to use, and much more. Let’s dive in!
Straight to the Point: Salary and Market Opportunities
The number of freelance video editor jobs is growing at a rapid pace, and you know the reason.
The average salary of a freelance video editing expert ranges from $64,000 to $70,000 per year. But of course, there is a chance to get more, only this will require additional certification or video editing classes.
Who can work from home? There are plenty of options:
- Film editor
- TV studio editor
- Multimedia artist and animator
- Specialists in broadcasting and sound engineering
- Video editor for YouTube, TikTok, or other social media
- Music video editor
- Post-production coordinator
- Wedding video editor
- Ads video editor
As you can see, it is difficult to stay without a job. The most popular profession still remains remote YouTube video editor, as the amount of dynamic content on the web is constantly growing, just like the number of bloggers and digital influencers.
And now let’s talk about the necessary skills.
Top Skills a Remote Video Editor Should Have
There is no smooth way to get a remote job in video editing. As a rule, it’s like computer programming: you just need the right set of skills to succeed. However, the right combination of education, skills, and certifications will make you a truly demanded candidate for a full-time, part-time job, or even a freelance career.
- Education
The majority of video editors have a degree in filmmaking or cinematography. But the very emergence of video content makes anyone a desirable candidate.
- Hard skills
Working as a video creator means being able to use video creation software: add effects and music, make transitions, insert text, and so on. You can master powerful professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro or start with some user-friendly apps like Movavi Video Editor, OpenShot and FlexClip.
- Soft skills
In addition to education and hard skills, video editors also need to have a certain set of interpersonal skills that will allow them to excel at their job. Some of the core interpersonal skills required by employers include:
- Communication skills
- Organization skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Creativity
- Problem-solving skills
- Self-motivation
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Certificates
The software is an essential component of producing high-quality videos. As a result, many remote video editing tasks need familiarity with certain platforms. While a portfolio is essential for landing a job, video editor certifications may offer you clout and boost your overall reputation. These certifications will not only demonstrate your skill but will also help you obtain your next remote video editing job: Avid Certified Operator, Apple Certified Pro or Associate, Adobe Certified Partner, and so on.
Where to Find Work When You Are a Freelancer?
Today, finding a remote job is not difficult at all. First, look for clients in your “notebook” with useful acquaintances. Surely after completing the courses or even before you became a freelancer, you have accumulated contacts from related fields.
If that doesn’t work, consider freelance exchanges like Upwork or Indeed. You can also find regular customers there. With some, you can work for a fixed fee, when both the task and the implementation methods are clear. Some clients pay by the hour.
The main rule of a constant flow of work is quality execution. Customers are not eager to constantly look for performers, so in 99% of 100, they will return if a similar task arises. It is enough to build a base of 2-3 regular customers, and you can completely forget about unemployment.
How can freelancers protect themselves from unscrupulous customers? It’s easy to recognize them: they want a lot for little money and are constantly bargaining. A great practice is a prepayment.
Final Tips on How to Work as a Video Editor From Home
For your editor part:
- Look at the material before editing. You should have an idea of how you want to assemble the scene before you start working on it.
- To ensure your story works, turn off all background music and watch the video without it. All editing problems hidden by the tempo of the music will immediately emerge.
- After you’ve finished editing a scene, take a close look at it and ask yourself: how important were the cuts really important in this scene? Remove all unnecessary, simplifying editing as much as possible.
- Train your visual experience and experiment more often.
For your freelancer part:
- A portfolio will simplify the search for customers. Each customer will ask you what you have already done. Always add your works to your portfolio.
- Search for customers in different ways. Not only on freelance exchanges but also social networks, and Telegram channels. Leave comments under YouTube videos, print business cards, and give them to those who may require your services. In general, “shoot guns” in all directions, as it pays off.
- Feel free to refuse orders. Yes, we all need money and want to have a breathtaking video editor career, but this doesn’t mean that we should grab any job. Choose adequate clients. There is no better advice.
- Plan not only work but also rest. You probably understand that a seven-day work week will not lead to good results. In this mode, you will quickly burn out.
- Get enough sleep. A fresh head works better.
Wrap Up
We figured out who a video editor is, where you can learn this profession and how to delve into your remote career. If you have a vision of how best to process the footage to make a quality video, you get a lot of pleasure from this work, you can achieve high results and good earnings, and no difficulties will interfere.
