Ursula
What is a good entry level job in Post-Production?
I'm a film student interested in editing and I wanted to get a summer job. Most people say that 1st Assistant Editor is an entry level job, but it actually requires a lot of skill to be the 1st assistant and still being on my first at university I don't think I'm ready for such responsibility. What are other entry level jobs in Post-Production? #film #film-production #editing #summer-jobs #video-editing #post-production
6 answers
Bob Del Valle
Bob’s Answer
Great question. I agree that coming in as an assistant editor is not an entry level position unless you already have significant skills with Avid and/or FCP. Another option would be as a post P.A. or to see if a particular project has an editorial apprenticeship. Best of luck!
Amy Adair
Amy’s Answer
Hi Ursula,
Your question is one I think a lot of people have starting out. I started out as an Video Editor Intern at Firstborn, which is a digital creative agency. I'm now a Senior Editor, so being an intern somewhere can definitely have its advantages in climbing the ladder. I'd definitely say the bigger opportunities, especially for growth, are more in the digital & advertising space rather than tv and film. While there might be opportunities there, I believe it's harder to start out there. I think it's better & easier to start out in an advertising environment where you get constant experience and work and more opportunity as long as you prove yourself, and then down the line you can switch if you want to when you have more experience under your belt. Hope that helps!
Anne Harvey
Anne’s Answer
One suggestion (if you're in the US) is to find a local access TV facility. I think the big cable operators have to fund community access TV in their markets. You can volunteer, build your portfolio and then look for paid gigs. Speaking of gigs, there's a craigslist category for that and often you'll find video jobs there.
Mark Wagner
Mark’s Answer
Hi Ursula,
Oh yes, look around Vancouver for any Intern jobs for editing which would be volunteer. Then ask the staff and search for any basic jobs for editing which will always be valuable, especially if you learn colors and textures and any unique techniques. We've been producing Marvel actions, but I do believe that fantasy and science-fiction will become popular again. Then the filming and editing of imagination will be significant.
Best wishes,
Mark Wagner
Frances Fabian Moore
Frances’s Answer
I actually have many friends from college who are now in the film industry in different capacities. From my experience, there is a lot of demand in every aspect of the field, so I would first caution you to temper the fear-of-responsibility with the mindset of I'm-here-to-learn-and-not-be-perfect. Even interns feel the weight, and it speaks to the nature of the business...
That said, I would reach out to local film departments in your area- even non-profits- who are looking for a hand in editing, sound, or writing. You have everything to gain by learning many skills of the trade while you're in school, so that you develop a well rounded base of experience when you are ready for that responsibility down the road.
