How to Start a Video Editing Business
After a video has been shot, the footage will usually need to be edited. This involves cutting the footage into the smaller segments and reordering it. After the footage has been ordered, the video editor will often add additional sounds and video effects. Video editors may edit a number of different kinds of footage, including movies, television shows, commercials and videos of personal events such as weddings. While some editors are employed by companies on contract, others have their own businesses, where clients pay them by the job.
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Instructions
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Get training as an editor. Video editors can get trained in various ways. While some editors attend film school or take special classes in video editing, others learn on the job. Editors generally start as editorial interns or apprentice editors on film, television and commercials and then work their way up to an assistant editor position. Some editors also choose to train themselves, either by editing footage on a trial and error basis, or by reading various books on editing.
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Purchase editing equipment. There are a number of different editing systems that you can work on as an editor. While many film editors prefer to work on a standalone system, others prefer to use a computer with video-editng software. You will need to purchase a computer fast enough to support high quality video, as well as the software itself. You will likely want to purchase a tape deck capable of transferring DV onto a computer.
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Prepare samples of your work. In order to attract clients, you will likely have to demonstrate that you are skilled enough to handle the requirements of the project. To do this, you should put together a short clip of film, called a "reel," that best showcases your talents. A good editor's reel should be from three to five minutes and include your very best editing work. Some editor's reels are set to music, while others use the natural sounds of the scenes.
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Advertise your services to clients. Editors can find work in a number of ways. Many editors choose to send their reels to video production houses and studios, while others attempt to network through other editors and staff on video productions who may have the inside scoop on projects requiring editors. Many editors also choose to put up websites showcasing their work.
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