Video editing refers to the practice of manipulating and rearranging video footage to create a final product that tells a story, conveys information, or entertains. This involves choosing and splicing together footage, adding transitions, incorporating clear audio, and adding visual effects and graphics. Video editors make the finished product refined, clear, and suitable for distribution, whether it’s a film, television show, social media post, or commercial.
In 1890, the first-ever motion picture camera was developed and by 1934, the Academy Awards had presented the first-ever Oscar for Best Film Editing. By the 1950s, the rise of television and film really took off, and relied heavily on editors to use various techniques and systems to complete film projects. Moreover, the emergence of Adobe products made video editing easier. Today, video editing can be done on numerous devices, including tablets and smartphones. It’s interesting to see where the video editing field has gone since then.
What Can You Do with Video Editing Training?
Video editing is a unique skill that can be used across all kinds of industries. From media and marketing to education and healthcare, companies are always seeking assistance from video editing professionals, either on a project-by-project contract basis or as full-time editors on their design teams. Video editors are needed now more than ever, especially with the rise of social media, so it’s possible to find a meaningful career across all sectors. If a business wants to stay afloat and on the consumer’s radar, it will likely produce video content with the help of video editing teams.
Because video editing is needed in so many situations, video editors can work in virtually all fields and create all sorts of projects. For instance, video editing professionals are always needed to help create promotional materials, educational content, and entertainment pieces. Businesses often rely on engaging video content to increase engagement, engage with customers, and boost sales. Moreover, it can also be used for internal communications such as training videos for new employees. Whether they work on films, television, YouTube videos, or even videos from events like weddings or conferences, video editors have a wide variety of opportunities awaiting them.
However, video editing skills are useful beyond the professional sphere too. If you have a family reunion, wedding, or party coming up, you could take footage from the event and turn it into a video where the memory can live on forever. You could also create montages for someone’s birthday or as an anniversary gift. Further, you could use your video editing skills for hobby purposes or a side hustle. For instance, if you like to record yourself playing video games, you could upload them to streaming services and video platforms. On the other hand, if you are a seasoned home cook and want to share your recipes, you could edit videos to post on social media sites.
What Will I Learn in a Video Editing Class?
Each video editing class will vary based on several key factors, but the most essential skills are usually covered. For example, the essentials typically include the most industry-specific video editing software and design principles. In addition to that, some may focus on motion graphics and animation since those skills can significantly enhance any video project. Furthermore, some may emphasize ways to develop a clear, concise narrative. Others may teach you tips and tricks for managing several projects at once. This all depends on the type of course and its level of depth, but you can usually expect one or more of these subjects in any given video editing class.
Video Editing Software
To edit videos, you will have to learn video editing software. The vast majority of video editing classes teach students how to use the most industry-standard programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. These tools allow you to collect, cut, organize, and enhance your footage with ease. Understanding this software and its features is essential for creating high-quality, professional-level videos.
Motion Graphics and Animation
Many classes teach motion graphics and animation alongside video editing. By adding animated elements and interesting graphics, you can make your videos far more engaging and appealing. This is especially useful if you want to work in marketing or even entertainment as it’s an easy way to catch the audience’s eye. You may study Adobe After Effects in your classes as it’s one of the best applications for animating text, imagery, icons, and logos.
Design Principles
Video editing classes will focus on design principles that help you figure out the best way to align the objects in your videos, apply contrast and balance to different scenes, and create a hierarchy of the elements so the most important elements are seen first. Strong design principles ensure that your edits are not only technically adequate but also pleasing to the eye. This helps with storytelling, branding, and other communication efforts as well as is foundational for any design field.
Storyboarding and Scriptwriting
Telling a story is the foundation of video editing, and therefore many video editing classes may discuss storyboarding and scriptwriting. Storyboarding helps you visualize the flow of your video and allows you to map out scenes before editing them. Scriptwriting gives your video depth and a narrative to follow. This makes the video more engaging and easy to follow. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for how you may want to edit your video.
Project Management
Although project management is not directly tied to video editing, you will have to learn how to handle different projects at once as a video editing professional. This is especially true if you plan to work as a freelancer or contract employee. You will work on different projects and therefore need to manage different timelines and client expectations. Although some classes won’t specifically discuss project management skills, they may provide tips and tricks for staying on track with handling different types of projects and ways to deliver high-quality videos on time. This makes you a more reliable and trustworthy editor.
How Hard is It to Learn Video Editing?
Learning video editing can be a little challenging depending on your previous experience and preferences. Plus, the difficulty may differ depending on how you choose to learn new skills. Getting comfortable with the basics, however, can be relatively simple. However, if you aim to master advanced techniques and become a professional Video Editor, you will likely have to learn more difficult concepts. Still, many agree that the learning journey becomes less and less challenging with time, effort, and patience.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Video Editing?
Some of the most challenging parts of video editing come from learning the software, which can be pretty difficult at first. There are many different tools and features on these applications, so it may take some time to memorize. In addition, storytelling can be challenging for those who have a hard time practically applying their video editing skills. Technical issues such as syncing the audio and fixing the formatting can be frustrating as well, especially when you’re just starting to learn.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Video Editing?
Video editing may take some time to learn but it’s entirely possible. You can learn basic video editing skills in a few weeks to a few months, depending on whether you enroll in a part-time or full-time course. However, the time it takes also depends on your end goals. If you just need to learn a few basics for your job, then it’ll take far less time. If you want to become a video editing professional, you need to spend a lot more time in the classroom. Typically, to gain professional-level proficiency, you will need to spend a few months to a year before you feel comfortable with the material. On the other hand, video editing is always evolving, so you will likely spend years revamping your skills to keep up with new trends.
Should I Learn Video Editing in Person or Online?
If you want to learn video editing, you have plenty of options. However, whichever one is best for you may depend on a few personal factors. There are in-person classes, which are typically useful for someone who prefers an in-depth learning experience. These offer hands-on projects, direct interaction with the instructor, and a neutral learning environment. Furthermore, direct feedback and troubleshooting assistance make all the difference in your learning journey. Although this learning style requires making a commute, this may not matter if you have a relatively flexible schedule, live close to the training center, and have reliable transportation.
Some people live further from training centers or are otherwise unable to make it to class due to transportation, scheduling, or other issues. If you still want to learn video editing, you can enroll in live online courses. These offer ample exposure to the material and you can still discuss concepts with the instructor and peers. However, this may feel less interactive due to the lack of a neutral learning environment. Further, there could be technical issues that set you back, but that isn’t guaranteed to happen. However, this is the best option for those who require flexibility and still want a thorough education.
Then there's asynchronous learning. This offers the most flexibility since this is entirely hands-off, meaning you will teach yourself video editing based on the reading material, videos, workbooks, and projects as part of the asynchronous course packet. This is ideal for someone with a busy schedule who wants to explore a new skill. While this method enables you to become a more self-sufficient and disciplined individual, the lack of interaction can derail the learning experience. Asynchronous classes may be best for professionals who already have experience in the field and not for beginners.
Can I Learn Video Editing Free Online?
You can learn video editing skills online for free through the use of many resources such as websites, video tutorials, blogs, social media pages, and discussion boards. For instance, consider exploring training center websites for more resources. You can explore the Noble Desktop Free Seminar page to learn more about certain skills and tools or even search the Noble Desktop YouTube channel to watch video tutorials and find playlists that align with your video editing interests. However, it is worth remembering that free resources cannot replace a professional training method, especially if you want to become a professional.
What Should I Learn Alongside Video Editing?
Many video editing professionals go beyond simple video editing skills. They often study motion graphics and animation so they can enhance the overall visuals and the storytelling experience. They’ll learn Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D Lite to assist with this process, which are great complements to using other software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Some may choose to learn photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, and other graphic design tools. Understanding graphic design principles can help video editors create more effective stories, social media graphics, video thumbnails, and promotional materials. This could also give way to learning Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, which is useful in graphic design.
Industries That Use Video Editing
Many industries require video editing professionals to assist them with their projects or marketing content. The media and entertainment industry has the most obvious connection to video editing, but there are many others as well such as technology, tourism, and finance that hire video editors. Read below to learn more about these high-performing industries in Toronto and to see how a video editing expert may fit into these sectors.
Media and Entertainment
Toronto is at the epicenter of Canada’s media and entertainment industry, with many production, digital media, and broadcasting companies calling the greater area home. Plus, they host the Toronto International Film Festival every year which attracts thousands of visitors and stars. With such a rich cultural landscape, Toronto’s media and entertainment industry contributes largely to the local economy.
Many video editors work in the media and entertainment industry, mainly for film and television production. These professionals often work in post-production where raw footage will eventually be clipped into a cohesive story, rich with clear audio, engaging visuals, and vibrant scenes. Additionally, video editing can help make engaging trailers for movies, television shows, and video games. Plus, many singers and artists choose to create music videos for their songs.
Technology
With many big-name companies and small startups, Toronto has a strong technology industry. This involves anything from software and hardware development to IT services, and artificial intelligence (AI). Many of Canada’s budding tech professionals flock to this city to search for careers at some of the leading tech companies, whether it’s for FinTech or HealthTech.
Tech companies will hire video editing professionals to showcase their software features and functionalities. These promotional materials will entice consumers to purchase new products or sign up for new services. Moreover, many can create educational videos that help consumers utilize their new tech once they’ve purchased it.
Tourism
Toronto is one of the most visited cities in Canada and is known for its diverse cultural offerings, restaurants, and attractions. As such, it serves as a strong contender within the country’s economy for tourism purposes. The industry is also connected to other sectors like entertainment, transportation, and hospitality, so there is a vast range of services and goods that fall under the tourism umbrella.
Hotels, restaurants, airlines, and tour guides use video editing to create promotional videos and destination highlights. You may see a video continually playing on a board at the airport to highlight the travel spots or find a social media page showcasing a local hotel’s accommodations and amenities. Likewise, many city government agencies create virtual tours to entice new visitors.
Finance
The finance industry in Toronto is a driving force of economic development and growth. The city has myriad banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and the Toronto Stock Exchange (which is one of the largest in the world) to attest to this. The industry is essential to Toronto as it employs vast numbers of people.
Video editing is used in the finance industry for creating informational content and marketing materials. This may include step-by-step tutorials on signing up for new services or social media videos that entice new customers. Additionally, video content may be needed to help train new employees and enhance corporate communication efforts. Overall, video editing is used to improve the customer experience and make the job easier for those within this sector.
Video Editing Job Titles and Salaries
With the right video editing training, you can land numerous jobs ranging from Video Editor or Motion Graphics Designer to 2D or 3D Animator. These jobs can be found in virtually every industry and are highly sought after for both entertainment and marketing purposes. Read below to learn more about your options for video editing jobs in the Toronto area.
Video Editor
A Video Editor is tasked with taking raw footage, arranging the clips, and editing the visuals to eventually become a finished product. They select the clearest footage and trim the clips to fit logically with one another. Furthermore, they add transitions and color schemes and ensure the narrative moves from scene to scene with ease. Indeed shares that those in the greater Toronto area can earn anywhere from $52,000 to $61,000 annually on average.
Motion Graphics Designer
Motion Graphic Designers are concerned with animated graphics, logos, and other elements that enhance videos. They will use software such as After Effects to add text, icons, imagery, and other graphic elements that will help identify a brand or move a narrative along. According to Payscale, Motion Graphics Designers in Toronto can earn roughly $66,000, with a more realistic range of $42,000 to $83,000, depending on experience, education, and the company.
2D Animator
2D Animators work with two-dimensional images and bring these characters and settings to life through various animation techniques. They will develop the animations frame-by-frame or by using digital puppetry. 2D animators in Toronto earn a salary that is roughly 8% higher than all other areas in Canada, landing around $103,000, according to data compiled by Salary Expert. This number was averaged out from survey answers from 2D animation professionals all across the city, but entry-level 2D animators usually start around $73,000.
3D Animator
A 3D Animator works exclusively with three-dimensional models and creates animations from them that can be included in films, television shows, video games, marketing materials, and other mediums. The role requires ensuring the models are realistic, have depth, and remain clear throughout their design cycle. Glassdoor shares that Toronto-based 3D animators earn nearly $61,000 a year, but the range could be anywhere from $51,000 to $72,000.
Video Editing Classes Near Me
Noble Desktop offers a 78-hour Video Editing Certificate where you will learn the most useful tools, techniques, and practices to become a professional Video Editor. Specifically, you will learn Premiere Pro and After Effects to create and edit videos, animate titles and graphics, and develop exciting animations. You will learn how to master the opacity effects, utilize masks, and track mattes in After Effects as well as create custom transitions, edit action sequences, and use multi-cam editing skills in Premiere Pro. You’ll develop your demo reel through various projects, like marketing materials, interviews, music videos, and even a short film. Upon completing the class, you’ll earn a certificate and have a well-developed portfolio to share with your future employees.
The Motion Graphics Certificate course is designed to give you a thorough overview of motion graphics concepts, workflows, and best practices. You will study the most industry-standard animation techniques for text, photos, video, and other design elements. You will learn to use Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite to edit video and audio, make 3D models and animations, and add layers to outside files that come from Photoshop or Illustrator. The instructor will also assist with motion tracking techniques, removing green screen backgrounds, and adding slow-motion effects. You will also learn to build your demo reel, which will fit nicely within your professional portfolio. After 96 hours of total instruction, you will leave with a certificate of completion.
Noble Desktop also offers a 36-hour Premiere Pro Certification Program where you will learn everything there is to know about this industry-standard video editing software. You’ll learn to edit video clips, including the audio, color and saturation, and visual effects. Moreover, you’ll learn to edit action sequences and create custom transitions. This course includes three hours of bonus private tutoring, a custom workbook with exercises, a supplemental video suite, and a proctor for the exam. In addition, you will take the exam and have a free retake if needed. Upon passing the exam, you will be certified in Premiere Pro, which can take you far in the job search.
In the 18-hour Premiere Pro Bootcamp from Noble, you can expect to learn the ins and outs of video editing. This includes cleaning up the audio, correcting the saturation, and adding B-roll footage. In addition, you’ll learn how to animate photos and logos from outside sources and add transitions between clips. Between green screen removal, multi-cam editing, and adjustment layer techniques, you will feel like a video editing pro. The instructor will also show you the best practices for incorporating After Effects projects into Premiere Pro, which will lead to a more well-developed resume, portfolio, and skill set. Projects include music videos, filmed interviews, and square videos meant for social media.
The Training Company hosts a three-day After Effects course that dives into the many uses of this motion graphics software. You’ll get experience with the tools and features and feel more comfortable navigating the interface. Beyond that, you’ll get practice designing intricate motion graphics, animations, and other visual effects. The course also teaches the various ways to use masks, mattes, and keys, along with working with audio effects and typography.
If you’re specifically interested in video editing, you can explore the Premiere Pro course from The Training Company. Here, you’ll spend three days using the tools and features of the application to edit clips, adjust the time, add transitions, and include auditory effects. Moreover, you’ll learn how to correct the color scheme and add other visual aspects to enhance the clips.
Video Editing Corporate Training
If you are considering offering your video editing team corporate training, you can explore your options at Noble Desktop. Many agree that corporate training helps increase cohesion, collaboration, and teamwork among colleagues in addition to offering an opportunity to enhance your current skill set. Noble Desktop allows you to customize your learning options so you can zero in on one specific application or subject, or have a thorough overview of the field as a whole. You’re also able to choose between in-person training at your location or live online training so that everyone can learn the skills no matter where they are situated.
Noble Desktop focuses on creating a welcoming learning environment for all, no matter how skilled your team is in video editing. Plus, there are benefits beyond the training itself. For instance, your organization will have the option to purchase bulk vouchers for regular classes at a discounted rate. This enables your group to continue the learning process without breaking the bank. If you’re interested in exploring your corporate training options, reach out to Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn more about pricing, scheduling, and training options.