4 Stages Of An Editing Career

June 07, 2022

Editing doesn't have a career path. Let's give it one.

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Most editing careers are accidents

Most professions have a career path. Doctors, lawyers, even directors know where they’re headed.

Being a career video editor? Not so much.

After film school and 14 years as a full-time editor, I have yet to see a clearly defined path. To be honest most of my journey has occurred by accident. Opportunities opened up and I stumbled into them.

This lack of clarity makes it hard to grow intentionally.

Today I want to define 4 stages of a video editing career and suggest ways to move up the ladder.

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Stage 1: Student Editor

This is the moment we heard there was such a thing as “editing”. There are dozens of questions here:

  • What program do you use?

  • How does the program work?

  • What makes a good edit and bad edit?

  • Why won’t this footage play?

  • How do I turn the audio volume up?

In this stage we learn by following instructions.

We are given a hammer and told how and where to swing. It feels uncomfortable and slow at first. If we stick with it we start to build habits and muscle memory.

Qualities of a Student Editor

  • Basic understanding of the editing program, file types, and delivery methods

  • 3-5 examples of your skills

My journey: for me this stage happened in a high school video class. A teacher fired up Adobe Premiere 6.5 and I saw an NLE for the first time. I learned the basics of visual storytelling and how to use the program.

Stage 2: Assistant Editor

As we learn, small responsibilities are given to us. We get to organize footage and maybe do a content edit.

In this stage we learn by watching.

We watch people respond to our edits. We receive notes and critique. We see the work of others be refined and begin to develop an internal sense of what makes a good edit.

Qualities of an Assistant Editor:

  • Full understanding of the software, organization, and file types

  • Basic understanding of story structure

  • 5-10 examples of your skills and experience

My journey: For me this took place in film school. I was given footage, had assignments, and received critiques. I also gained experience by making videos for my church youth group.

Stage 3: Lead Editor

When we have enough skill and experience, we start to lead projects. We are given more responsibility as trust is earned.

In this stage we learn by leading.

There isn’t a frequent eye over our shoulder here. We are trusted to produce a good edit, fix problems, and efficiently address notes.

We may also lead other editors in this stage. Teaching helps us learn our craft more, as well as learning to give critique—and know what needs critiquing.

Qualities of a Lead Editor:

  • Full understanding of the editing program, organization, and file types

  • Full understanding of story structure

  • Basic understanding of complementary skills (audio, color, and graphics)

  • Basic skills of leading a team

My journey: for me this stage was working for a non-profit organization. I worked with a team of editors for 5 years and made hundreds of videos, small and large.

Stage 4: Master Editor

We become masters in editing our genre of video after years of experience. We can handle any project that comes our way—or know learn how to handle it.

We not only have learned skills and gained experience. We also have a proven process to repeatedly edit great projects, are enjoyable to work with, and relationships that span years in the industry.

In this stage we learn by becoming a student again.

This is the mark of a true master: the humility to never say we are masters. There is always more to learn, always a new project that we haven’t done, always something we can learn from even a student.

Qualities of a Master Editor:

  • Full understanding of editing program, organization, file types

  • Full understanding of full structure

  • Full understanding of complementary skills (audio, color, and graphics) even if you don’t do them

  • Full understanding of leading a team

My journey: For me this stage came after about 10 years as a full-time editor. I had worked for three non-profits, worked as staff and freelancer, and done a variety of projects. The turning point came when I left staff and became a full-time freelance editor. Now I’m back to being a student.

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How to advance to the next stage

It’s helpful to see where you are on a map. But the most crucial part is knowing how to get to where you want to go.

I’ve seen 5 building blocks that help you advance to the next stage. If you're stuck in a stage, chances are you need to grow in one or more of these areas.

Building Block #1 - Skills

Your skills as an editor include two layers:

  • Inside the NLE

  • Outside the NLE

Both inside and outside the NLE include audio, color, and graphics. Learn more in each of these areas to advance.

You’ll know your skills are leveling up when people say things like, “She can do things other editors I know can’t.”

Building Block #2 - Process

You’ve written down the details and know how to get to the destination every time. This includes organization and file types—the backbone of every project.

You’ll know your process is strong when people say, “I felt taken care of and didn’t have to worry.”

Building Block #3 - Attitude

You collaborate well, are enjoyable to talk with, and serve the project's vision without ego.

You’ll know you have a good editing attitude when people say, “I enjoyed working with him.”

Building Block #4 - Experience

You’ve handled these kinds of projects before and can find solutions.

You’ll know you have deep experience when people say, “He knew exactly what we needed and how to fix problems.”

Building Block #5 - Relationships

You maintain client and colleague friendships well and get referrals for projects and new jobs.

You’ll know you’ve developed strong relationships when people say, “My friend was right, she was a great editor.”

Take control of your career

Most companies (and definitely freelance clients) aren’t focused on your career.

By giving yourself an honest assessment of which stage you are in, you can intentionally grow. These two elements make for a lasting career.

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That’s it for this week’s deep dive!

Which stage are you in? Hit reply and let me know.

Keep cutting,

- Jesse

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