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Lukas
Student
Greensboro, North Carolina
1
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How can I get myself into the movie industry?
I plan to get into post-production editing and work on films in the future. My question is, what would be the best way to get a foothold into the film industry?#Fall2025
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1 answer
Michelle M.
Actress
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lukas !
The best way to learn film editing would be to know the academic training path for this career. You don't get a "foothold", film editors are selected, so it's best to begin with how you can become expert in this filed and how film editors obtain work. It's a career that requires very heavy networking, making contacts and getting lots of experience.
To begin with, while in High School, get involved with extracurriculars that include video and see if there are any video or computer classes that teach editing. Take some online foundational courses in film editing, too if your high school doesn't offer any.
Start looking at Film Schools or colleges that offer a Major in Film. I think a Film School would be best. The film schools around where you live do not seem to focus on film editing much, so perhaps Elon University - Cinema and Television Arts, University of North Carolina School of the Arts - School of Filmmaking, or University of North Carolina Greensboro - Media Studies. Obtain a Bachelors Degree because the four years education and training will greatly contribute to what you'll need to know for film. Attending school is important so that you can access industry standard software like Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro.
Once you have reached an intermediate level with your knowledge and skill, or if you opt to not attend a traditional college, contact Film Connection - Greensboro. They pair students with working industry professionals for hands-on mentorship in film production, editing, and related fields. Programs include a 6 month behind-the-scenes program and an 8 month Film Production and Editing Program, offering real world experience and industry connections in the Greensboro-High Point-Winston-Salem area. So research all of this at their websites and decide how you want to do your training.
To get experience and build a portfolio/demo reel of your work, start editing short films, music videos, or even friends’ videos. Many times, the path to being a film editor is through jobs like post-production runner or assistant editor. Also look for Internships or Apprenticeships with production companies, editing studios, or post-production houses.
This career requires heavy networking. Attend industry events, film festivals, and workshops to connect with professionals and potentially secure mentorship or job opportunities. Attend the RiverRun International Film Festival, The Annual Summer Film Festival at the Carolina Theatre of Greensboro, and The Greensboro Dance Film Festival.
Remember, there is no 100% sure way to get chosen for work, so you can also sharpen your interviewing skills, gain a vast knowledge of film so that you can communicate about it and do as many projects as possible so you'll have work to show on a demo reel and online portfolio. Most of all, be very patient and enjoy each project you work on. Once you gain lots of professional local experience, you may want to consider relocating to either Los Angeles or New York City, NY to increase your chances for work as a film editor.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
The best way to learn film editing would be to know the academic training path for this career. You don't get a "foothold", film editors are selected, so it's best to begin with how you can become expert in this filed and how film editors obtain work. It's a career that requires very heavy networking, making contacts and getting lots of experience.
To begin with, while in High School, get involved with extracurriculars that include video and see if there are any video or computer classes that teach editing. Take some online foundational courses in film editing, too if your high school doesn't offer any.
Start looking at Film Schools or colleges that offer a Major in Film. I think a Film School would be best. The film schools around where you live do not seem to focus on film editing much, so perhaps Elon University - Cinema and Television Arts, University of North Carolina School of the Arts - School of Filmmaking, or University of North Carolina Greensboro - Media Studies. Obtain a Bachelors Degree because the four years education and training will greatly contribute to what you'll need to know for film. Attending school is important so that you can access industry standard software like Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro.
Once you have reached an intermediate level with your knowledge and skill, or if you opt to not attend a traditional college, contact Film Connection - Greensboro. They pair students with working industry professionals for hands-on mentorship in film production, editing, and related fields. Programs include a 6 month behind-the-scenes program and an 8 month Film Production and Editing Program, offering real world experience and industry connections in the Greensboro-High Point-Winston-Salem area. So research all of this at their websites and decide how you want to do your training.
To get experience and build a portfolio/demo reel of your work, start editing short films, music videos, or even friends’ videos. Many times, the path to being a film editor is through jobs like post-production runner or assistant editor. Also look for Internships or Apprenticeships with production companies, editing studios, or post-production houses.
This career requires heavy networking. Attend industry events, film festivals, and workshops to connect with professionals and potentially secure mentorship or job opportunities. Attend the RiverRun International Film Festival, The Annual Summer Film Festival at the Carolina Theatre of Greensboro, and The Greensboro Dance Film Festival.
Remember, there is no 100% sure way to get chosen for work, so you can also sharpen your interviewing skills, gain a vast knowledge of film so that you can communicate about it and do as many projects as possible so you'll have work to show on a demo reel and online portfolio. Most of all, be very patient and enjoy each project you work on. Once you gain lots of professional local experience, you may want to consider relocating to either Los Angeles or New York City, NY to increase your chances for work as a film editor.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !