✂️ The foundation pillar of every editing career

I will continually grow my skills

Author

Jesse Koepke
May 05, 2023

Two years into my first editing staff job, I felt like I had hit a plateau.

We were a small team for a large organization and made over two dozen videos a year for several events.

One day as I walked through the edit suites I thought, “I know how to pick clips and build a good montage and story. What else is there to learn?”

The answer anyone would give is, “Plenty!”

Turns out, there are 4 areas we need to focus on as editors.

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Editing in the NLE

The core skill every editor needs to know is… how to edit.

It’s obvious, but we want to build a system so we know what to work on.

Whatever editing software you use, you want to know it backwards and forwards.

Everything from importing footage, trimming clips (did you know Premiere has at least 4 ways to trim clips?), getting things into the timeline, working with proxies, media and project management, troubleshooting—these are all core actions of a video editor.

We need to know how use the hammer if we want to build.

Non-editing inside the NLE

As we all know, editors don’t just select and trim clips. We also color correct, add text and graphics, and mix audio.

These aren’t core editing actions, but they are invaluable tools when working on a project.

Depending on your level of projects, you may be responsible for some or all of non-editing actions. It’s important to know what tools your NLE has and how to use them.

Non-editing outside the NLE

As you learn non-editing actions inside your NLE, you may find some are really fun or interesting.

Maybe you enjoy the process of fine-tuning the color grade, or finding the best compressor levels to blend audio and music together.

Pay attention the things you enjoy. Then find a program outside of the NLE and go deeper.

Personally, I love motion graphics. After Effects is a great tool for that, so I’ve spent years learning how to be a better motion designer.

Whatever it is that piques your interest, find a program that specializes in it and learn as much as you can. You’ll likely find it to be a great addition to your skillset.

Interpersonal Skills

Editing is technical, but that’s not the entirety of the job. We also:

  • Communicate with clients

  • Get feedback

  • Write emails

  • Pitch ideas

  • Build stories with our footage

We often miss these soft skills in the pursuit of learning a new effect, but they are just as important.

Be intentional to grow

When I was a young editor, I had learned how to edit in the NLE. I’ve now spent another decade learning all the other areas.

That’s why this is the 1st proclamation in The Editor’s Manifesto.

❝

I will continually grow my skills.

The Editor’s Manifesto

By focusing on these 4 areas, you can build a long-term editing career.

Helpful Links

Thanks for reading!

Growing your skills will always lead to good things.

Which area are you going to focus on? I’d love to hear about it.

Keep cutting,

– Jesse Koepke

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