For many professionals, the importance of having the option to work from home has become more pronounced in recent years. Many people hope to leave their office jobs searching for fulfilling work that can be done remotely, but they feel overwhelmed by the possibility of both working and training for a new career. If this sounds like you, you may be surprised to know that video editing is a career that can be done from home, and you can also learn the fundamental skills from home!
Read on to learn more about the available resources to learn video editing and some potential career paths that await you.
What Does a Video Editor Do?
While video editing typically begins when the filming of a project is complete, the best Video Editors will be able to understand all phases of creating a video or film. Oftentimes, the editor is very involved in creative development processes like storyboarding because it helps them visualize what the final project needs to look like. Video editors often develop a strong partnership with a director since their vision is primarily what the editor is responsible for capturing. Video Editors can also work in the marketing industry. Here, they partner with the creative team within the agency to ensure that the final edited video appropriately embodies the brand’s message and values.
Other aspects of a Video Editor’s job can vary widely depending on their skills and personal preferences. Some editors work on a freelance basis, but others prefer the stability of working for one production company. Small businesses and online brands will often hire freelance video editors to edit their content, which allows them to devote more energy to other important aspects of growing a business. Additionally, some Video Editors prefer to be in charge of both shooting and editing their footage. Editing can sometimes be a tedious process; breaking up your daily tasks by doing something a little more creative can reduce the risk of burnout. In fact, plenty of today’s most influential filmmakers like Gus Van Sant and the Coen Brothers pride themselves on editing their own work.
Steps to Become a Video Editor at Home
Several things need to happen before you’ll be able to realize your goal of being a Video Editor at home. Laying them out in a list can provide a roadmap, so you keep yourself on track.
- Identify your learning style. Before learning the skills for a completely new profession, you’ll want to take some time to reflect on your ideal learning environment. Do you prefer to teach yourself and go at your own pace, or would you benefit from more structured instruction to keep yourself accountable? There are no wrong answers, but knowing which tools will be most beneficial to you is critical in setting yourself up for success.
- Learn to use relevant video editing software programs. Video Editors most commonly use Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro to edit their work, though other programs are available. Investing in an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription will likely be necessary to begin your video editing career. You can also search for video editing jobs in your area to get a better feel for other programs that are in demand.
- Practice! Humans learn so much just by buckling down and practicing. You can search websites like Fiverr and Upwork for freelance jobs to build your skills. You can also offer your services to schools, churches, and local businesses in your area who are looking for video editing support.
- Build a portfolio. A portfolio is where you’ll store all of your work so that potential employers can easily view your style and your capabilities. It’s essential for them to know that you’ll be able to meet the job requirements before they hire you. Adobe Portfolio is a common choice for Video Editors. It is included in your Adobe subscription and enables you to customize your portfolio to truly express your creativity.
- Begin the job search. Finding an entry-level position may take some time if you ultimately want to settle with a specific company. The good news is that you can continue to freelance for as long as you need to find your ideal work environment.
Video Editing Careers
There are several career options that will open up for you as your video editing skills improve. You may feel that working in film or television sounds the most exciting, but plenty of other industries need video editors to make their work possible. For example, many large companies require video editing support when producing training videos or designing a video campaign for a fundraising effort. The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Video Editors earn an average annual salary of around $62,000. As more businesses become aware of the importance of digital and video messaging to connect with customers, these careers will continue to grow over the next decade.
One specific example of a career that requires a background in video editing is a Video Manager. These professionals are responsible for keeping the development of video projects on track from beginning to end. Some Video Managers work to develop digital advertisements, while others work on the more creative side of things by creating episodes for television and even full-length movies! Video Managers get to storyboard, create, and animate graphic images to tell a story, engage an audience, and make a lasting impression.
Books and Virtual Resources to Learn Video Editing
Books are an excellent first step toward learning any new skill, and video editing is no different. While you’re likely to find many titles at your local library, you may find you want to purchase your own copies to refer to as your career progresses. The Invisible Cut: How Editors Make Movie Magic by Bobbie O’Steen is renowned in the filmmaking community for highlighting the creative aspects of film editing. The book discusses several well-known films to show you how they were edited to create the most memorable scenes possible. On the flip side, Cut by Cut: Editing Your Film or Video by Gael Chandler takes a more technical approach. This book covers the steps of editing and will demonstrate how to go from raw footage to a quality finished product.
Of course, books can only teach you so much. There are also several fun practice exercises you can engage in to hone your skills further. For instance, you can create your own trailers for your favorite movies or cut the footage from an existing film and create a trailer to make it look like an entirely new movie. YouTube is full of examples of this style of project; creators have made Mary Poppins look like a horror film and turned The Shining into a family-friendly comedy. Cinestudy is a free website that offers multiple editing challenges and helpful tips to find your editing style, enhance your lighting techniques, and incorporate sound effects into your projects.
These virtual tools are sure to help you expand upon your skills, but research indicates that project-based learning is the best method for learning a new skill. This type of training is easy to find in classes and bootcamps that teach video editing. These courses will guide you through multiple assignments, and they can often be taken from the comfort of home.
Learn Video Editing with Noble Desktop
After learning more about video editing, you might feel excited to dive into a new career! If so, Noble Desktop offers a range of video editing courses to help you on your way. These courses can be taken remotely or in-person at Noble’s Manhattan campus. Students who attend are also given the opportunity to retake a course for free within one year to ensure their new skills are solidified.
Noble Desktop has several courses in Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro, both commonly used in video editing. If a certification program appeals to you, you can check out the Motion Graphics Certificate or the Video Editing Certificate. These programs are both available on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on your schedule and other commitments. The materials taught in these certifications are combined in the Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate, which offers the same education but at a significantly reduced price.
Certification programs at Noble Desktop are ideal for those who want to learn and work from home. These courses include one-on-one career counseling sessions where instructors provide support with updating your resume, designing your portfolio, and sharing tips for finding remote video editing work.