You’ve got heard the phrase “content is king”. But in 2023, any content won’t do its job.
According to a survey conducted by Social Media Weekin 2020, 55% of individuals watched videos online each day – great news when you’re a freelance video editor or want to turn into one.
This number has actually increased in the next years, making video one of the vital necessary types of content.
Firms are all the time searching for talented individuals who can create and oversee their video content in order that they can stay ahead in the sport on social media, communicate properly with customers and employees, and tell their brand story.
Working as a freelance video editor is a good way to earn money on the side or get your foot in the door of the industry, but it could possibly even be a rewarding full-time profession.
How to enter the market of independent video editors? What does an independent video editor do? Where is the most effective place to find a job? This text will answer all these questions and more.
What’s an independent video editor?
Making videos is far more involved than creating written or visual content. For big projects, many expert people could also be needed to make something occur.
Someone has to write scripts, scout locations, hire talent, collect props, track or create costumes, manage schedules, and operate the actual camera, all to get to the purpose where the video is prepared to be edited and packaged for release to the general public.
The independent video editor is the specialist in this complex network of pros. The editor takes all the fabric and puts the most effective bits together in a meaningful way. They add music, computer graphics, transitions, and credits as needed. Moreover, they might cut scenes, remove unnecessary background objects, create overlays, and far more to create the ultimate piece.
Essentially, an independent video editor makes everyone look good.
Skills required of an independent video editor
Should you are considering a job as a freelance video editor, there are a few essential skills that needs to be in your resume:
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Software
A video editor is just as good as the tools it uses. You’ll need working knowledge of Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere. Should you’re working on smaller projects or simply social media videos, you possibly can probably get away with something comparable to Camtasia, Blender, or DaVinci Resolve.
Creativity
While an independent video editor typically doesn’t have full control over the design, creativity continues to be a vital trait. Editing requires imagining the project from start to finish and adding finesse to bring the director’s set to life.
teamwork
Despite the fact that freelancers often work off-site, you fill one role as a part of a larger job. For an independent video editor, it’s crucial to have the ability to collaborate professionally with a variety of individuals.
Funds
Do not forget that as a freelancer you run your individual business. You’ll need to manage billing, money flow and profit margins.
Independent Video Editor Salary
Each contractor must set their very own rates and determine the easiest way to bill customers.
An hourly freelance video editor can expect to earn between $30 and $150 per hour. There’s such a big selection because less expert professionals or those that work with smaller firms charge less, while experienced editors and those that work for big firms may charge a higher rate.
According to Glassdoor, the common annual salary for an independent video editor in the US is $61,730. Nevertheless, some editors hit the fitting formula to get a much higher income.
Jobs for freelance video editors
Finding a job as a freelance video editor is kind of easy. One of the best place to start is frequently your skilled network, but online job boards are all the time filled with video editing opportunities. Listed below are 4 of the most effective sites to try:
1. Flexible work
FlexJobs has been around for over a decade, and for good reason. This job board embraced distant work early in the sport and created a space for freelancers to find the varieties of jobs that suit them. You will see hundreds of video editing jobs at any time.
2. SolidGigs
This revolutionary job search tool sends curated job postings straight to your inbox, so that you spend less time searching and all the time know your leads are of top quality. The independent video editor is bound to gain latest customers from this list.
3. Mandy
This job board could have fewer listings than among the larger skilled marketplaces, but Mandy is one among the few dedicated to the film industry, making it a good spot to find a job as a freelance video editor.
4. LinkedIn
LinkedIn, once a easy skilled social network, has turn into a powerhouse in job posting. There are pages and pages of holes for the indie video editor. You’ll be able to narrow your search by location or keywords in your specific skills.
3 Suggestions to Start a Freelance Video Editor Profession
Starting a latest profession as a freelance video editor might be an exciting challenge. It is going to take work, but when you’re willing to put in the hassle, you possibly can be well in your way to doing a job you are really enthusiastic about before you already know it!
Listed below are three suggestions to get you began.
1. Learn every thing you possibly can
All the most effective freelancers start with the best skills. For a freelance video editor, this implies practicing with editing software until you already know it just like the back of your hand, watching multiple videos from the identical area of interest you hope to get into, and potentially watching one other skilled to see what your day by day workload is like .
You’ll be able to consider investing in quality courses to really improve your game. Most full-time video editors have a bachelor’s degree in a film-related field, so when you haven’t got a formal education it’s a good idea to take a few master classes.
2. Create your demo roll
To search out great clients, you would like to have the ability to show that you simply are doing a great job. The one way to really do that is to construct a strong portfolio, sometimes called a demo tape because they used to be on an actual roll of film.
Today, most independent video editors post their demos on their skilled website in order that they can easily link to them when performance opportunities arise. Nevertheless, it’s best to also start your individual YouTube channel (like these independent youtube channels) to host your work – this can aid you land a potential job and be a hub for showing off your skills.
An important demo reel needs to be short, preferably two minutes or less. Include only your best work and make certain it reflects who you’re as an editor. It’s best to also add text to explain the way you contributed to your entire video.
To construct a demo reel, you could have video content to edit. Student projects could also be acceptable, nevertheless it helps to branch out. Ask family and friends in the event that they have any video editing needs, or you possibly can volunteer at local businesses or organizations just like the library or schools.
3. Construct your network
You can’t be an independent video editor without clients. Getting your first customer is not all the time easy. Many firms want to work with a more established contractor who has many projects under their belt. Once you’re just starting out, you might need to charge a lower rate or tackle projects you might not be particularly interested in.
While job searches might be productive in finding freelance video editor gigs, the easiest way to start your profession is to construct a skilled network.
Try joining a local video editors meetup or find one web genius a group that may aid you mentor. You may also reach out to people you have worked with in the past, friends who could be searching for skilled video content, or anyone you already know who owns a business or runs a marketing department.
Word of mouth and solid references are by far the easiest way to find worthwhile leads.
Start your freelance video editor profession today
Video editing becomes a crucial skill. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the industry is about to grow 29 percent over the present decade, which is above average.
Should you’re enthusiastic about film projects, working as a freelance video editor might be a great option. Video editors are highly trained professionals who help create every thing from YouTube content to Hollywood videos. Businesses in all industries need video content for marketing and communication purposes.
After gaining the crucial skills, deciding how much to download, publishing a killer demo, and finding some great clients, you are officially a freelance video editor. Learn all about freelancing here (you are in the fitting place for that!)
Video content will stay, so if content is king, video editors are the artisans who make the magic occur.
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