What Is Video Editing?
Video editing involves organizing video shots and enhancing them. Editing is done after production.
Removing unwanted clips is one of the significant parts of video editing. It also involves giving a nice flow to the entire project.
Adding graphics, effects, and music is also a part of video editing. It involves setting the pace and mood of the video.
What to Look for in a Video Editor?
A video editor should know multiple video editing tools. They should seamlessly fit into the company's culture.
A Bachelor's degree in Arts or Science is preferable for a video editor. Additional certifications in a video editing course are great.
A postgraduate degree isn't essential to becoming a video editor. But applicants with a postgraduate degree will have an edge in having different skills and knowledge.
What Should You Know Before Hiring a Video Editor?
Before hiring a video editor, you should know about their responsibilities. The key responsibilities of a video editor will be the following:
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Receiving briefs with an outline of footage, screenplay, or script
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Gathering all raw footage in a place
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Synchronizing audio or music with the clips
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Deciding which clips are usable and rejecting the unnecessary ones
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Making a rough cut
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Rearranging the clips to create a logical sequence
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Fine-tuning the clips to ensure smooth running
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Monitoring the quality and progress of the content
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Writing the voiceover
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Fixing shaky or faulty footage
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Color grading
Knowing the particular responsibilities of a video editor will make the hiring process easy. You will be looking for someone with the ability to complete all these tasks.
Skills to Look for While Hiring Top Video Editors
The top skills required to thrive in the video editing industry are as follows:
Storyboard Skills
A video editor must know how to narrate stories by enhancing the footage. They need to see the video from the perspective of the target audience.
Video editors should consider how the edits are impacting the story. It helps determine the editing requirements of a particular film or video.
Communication Power
Video editors need to communicate with a lot of professionals. Therefore, effective communication skills are necessary for the job.
They need to respond to clients quickly and keep updating them about the project's developments. They also have to understand the client's requirements and work accordingly.
Knowledge About Video Editing Tools
Video editors must be tech-savvy to survive in the industry. They will have to remain updated about all the latest technological advancements in the field.
Knowing about the prominent tools in the field is a must. They should know about the features of top video editing applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and After Effects.
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Video editors should know how to work on a strict deadline. They must have the potential to deliver work within a short time without compromising quality.
The ability to multitask comes in handy while working under pressure. Video editors should also know how to calm their nerves while working under pressure.
Visualization Skills
Video editors should be able to imagine the final result before starting the work. It will make the editing process a lot easier.
They must have top-notch creativity to edit the videos the best way. Visualization taps into the hidden creativity instinct of our brains.
Steps to Hire a Video Editor
The steps to follow while hiring a video editor are as follows:
1. Look at Their Portfolio of Work
Before hiring a video editor, you must check their portfolio. It will give you an idea about the editing styles they are comfortable with.
Nowadays, people show their video editing skills on social media. You can ask whether their social media profiles have a glimpse of their work.
The portfolio of their work will help you evaluate their creativity. You will also get to see whether they are a good storyteller.
2. Assess Their Readiness to Learn New Skills
Video editors must be willing to improve themselves during the job. Trends are coming and vanishing in the video industry within the blink of an eye.
You must consider whether the candidate can adapt themselves to the changes. Otherwise, they are not meant to thrive in the industry in the long run.
3. Ask Relevant Questions
You should ask questions to the candidates to test their technical knowledge. Begin with asking about the tools they have worked with.
You should also ask some general questions to know more about the candidates. It will help you evaluate their personality.
