More About Digital Video/Sound Editors

Have you ever watched a movie and thought, "Wow, that was a great editing job"? If the editor has done his or her job well, you probably won't notice the editing at all (unless you've watched the movie a million times or you're already employed in the industry, of course). Ultimately, the director is responsible for the quality of the picture, but the digital video/sound editor is truly the one with the power to make or break a project.

What does a digital video/sound editor do?
Digital video/sound editors are responsible for editing soundtrack, film, and video for the motion picture, cable, broadcast television, and video game industries. Armed with specialized digital video/sound training, they are experts in dialogue recording and editing, Foley recording, music editing, and surround sound mixing. As such, these editors are in a unique position to affect the mood, pace, and climax of a multimedia experience.

Digital video/sound editors may work on a wide range of material, such as documentaries, motion pictures, music videos, news and sporting events, studio programs, television series, and training sessions. Editors must construct the material from a variety of different shots and angles, presenting the best footage possible to create a high-quality project.

Digital video/sound editors for television and cable networks and advertising agencies usually work a traditional 40-hour, five-day week, putting in longer hours when needed to meet the production schedule. Digital video/sound editing jobs in the motion picture industry typically involve long, irregular hours.

How much do digital video/sound editors get paid and what kinds of digital video/sound editing jobs can I get?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2008, median annual earnings of salaried digital video/sound editors were $50,560. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,410. Mean annual earnings were $68,980 in the motion picture and video industries, which employed the largest numbers of digital video/sound editors. The next highest paying industries for digital video/sound editing jobs were cable and other subscription programming ($62,330); advertising, public relations, and related services ($61,670); newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers ($58,580); and commercial and industrial machinery and equipment rental and leasing ($57,610).

Digital video/sound editing employment is expected to grow 12 percent by 2016, reports the BLS. In 2006, about 17 percent of digital video/sound editors were self-employed. Most editors work in large metropolitan areas. Digital video/sound editing jobs may be found in video game arts and development, television, film, and the Internet. Editors may specialize in sound effects, dialogue, music, and more. Demand for digital video/sound editors will continue to be spurred by rapid expansion of the entertainment market. Computer and Internet services, including made-for-Internet broadcasts such as digital movies, live music videos, and sports features will provide new outlets for interactive productions.

Keen competition for digital video/sound editing jobs is expected as a result of the large number of individuals who want to work in the broadcasting and motion picture industries. Digital video/sound editors with the most experience and the most advanced computer skills will have the best employment opportunities. Specifically, editors with experience using software such as Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro and equipment such as the Sony HDCAM and Panasonic VariCam may have an edge over fellow job seekers.

Make your mark on multimedia with a digital video/sound editing career.

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