6 Steps to Get Started on a Video Editing Career

If you've been thinking about making the switch to a video editing career, here are a few steps to help you get started and cut a demo reel.

There’s no question that video editing is a rapidly growing field. With more and more people shooting videos with their phones, the demand for quality video editing has never been higher. If you’re thinking about making the switch to a video editing career, here are some practical steps to help you get started.

1. Learn the basics.

Before you can start editing videos, you need to learn the basics. The basics include learning how to use video editing software and understanding the different types of video formats and how to convert them.

Many great online courses can teach you the basics of video editing. These courses, probably labeled video editing software for beginners, will teach you skills such as using video editing software, uploading the videos to a server, and clearing copyrights.

2. Learn software skills.

To be a successful video editor, you need to learn more than just the basics. You also need to have excellent software skills, including being familiar with different types of video formats and codecs.

The best way to improve your software skills is to practice editing videos. If you don’t have a video camera, there are plenty of free clip sites that allow you to download different types of clips and add them together to form a completed project. However, if you’re looking to edit video online without the hassle of learning complex software. With Invideo, you can create professional-looking videos effortlessly, bypassing the need to learn intricate software skills.

3. Get familiar with video formats.

There’s no such thing as one universal format when it comes to video formats. Each country and even each broadcaster may have their preferred format. That’s why video editors need to be familiar with various forms.

The best way to become familiar with different formats is to watch as many videos as you can. Not only will this help you understand the other formats, but you’ll also get a sense of the common mistakes people make when shooting and editing videos.

4. Create your demo reel.

Once you’ve learned the basics and gotten familiar with different formats, it’s time to create your demo reel. The demo reel is what potential employers will ultimately be looking for.

You can’t expect somebody to take a chance on you if they don’t know what you can bring to the company. An attractive demo reel demonstrates your creativity, versatility, and technical skills with video editing. Demos reels don’t have to be lengthy. In fact, they should be concise and showcase only your best work.

5. Upload your demos online.

You mustn’t just upload them to YouTube or Vimeo when creating your demo reels. Those sites are already saturated with thousands of other videos.

Instead, use an online site that caters to video professionals. Examples include VideoToolbox, Vimeo Pro, or Shutterstock’s Talent Platform. You can also check out websites like ProductionHub, which offer free memberships for new users. Uploading your demos online allows you to get the proper exposure so that potential employers can find your videos.

6. Expand your skills.

Once you’ve created your first demo reel and found work as a video editor, it’s essential to continue learning on the job, which includes learning about new software, techniques, and even different ways to approach video editing.

It’s also important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry so that you can offer your clients the best possible service.

Conclusion

The field of video editing is constantly growing, and there’s no question that it’s an exciting and competitive industry.

It’s essential to think of video editing as a career path instead of just a hobby. Many people want to be video editors, but fewer put in the time and effort required to learn the necessary skills to help them succeed.

You can see examples of some of today’s top video editors on websites like Vimeo or YouTube. If you’re serious about becoming a video editor, then it’s essential to learn the basics and start practicing as soon as possible. With the right skills and attitude, you can be on your way to becoming a successful video editor.

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Stephanie Jones

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