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What are the best ways to gain experience in the film and video editing field?

For quite a while I've been steadily teaching myself how to edit with software such as DaVinci Resolve (best free editing software imo, but it's resource intensive) because I'm interested in video editing and would love to work as an editor out of high school, preferably through freelance work.

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Agustín’s Answer

If you want to improve your skills in the film and video editing field, there are a few pieces of advice that can help you along the way:

1 Get practical experience by interning or working in the field, and by volunteering to edit videos for others.

2 Practice your skills by editing any video you can get your hands on, including your own home videos.

3 Teach yourself how to use video editing software such as DaVinci Resolve, and take courses offered by film schools and other educational institutions.

4 Create your own short films, music videos, or other video content to build your portfolio.

5 Freelance and work on projects in the industry to establish a professional network.

Remember, gaining experience in editing takes time and effort, but with dedication and hard work, you can turn your passion into a successful career. Good luck!
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Sherie’s Answer

An internship with an editing, production, or TV company. Once you become an intern let them know of your interest as an editor and they should be able to put you with that department to help you gain the experience you need so that it can turn into a career. Most Tv and film production companies all have interns in different areas, go to their websites and apply.
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Stephen’s Answer

I'm the wrong one to ask. I design books, print and EPUB. However ... just generally, I would sau do as much practice work as you can. When I started out I learned the project with practice projects that I made up--for starters, résumés. I used them as samples before I had any real experience. But I can't say whether this is feasible with video.
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John’s Answer

Best way to gain experience, do it yourself.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Evan,

Securing Work/Commissions as an Editor

Securing work and commissions as an editor can be an uphill battle, but it's also a fulfilling journey. Here are some actionable steps that editors can take to land projects and boost their work/portfolio:

1. Networking: In the film industry, networking is vital, editors included. By attending industry happenings like film festivals, workshops, and conferences, editors can rub shoulders with filmmakers, producers, directors, and other professionals who might need editing services. Building rapport with these industry insiders can open doors to potential job offers.

2. Online Platforms: Online platforms designed to link freelancers with clients can be a treasure trove for editors. Sites like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Mandy.com enable editors to set up profiles, display their portfolios, and bid on editing projects posted by clients worldwide.

3. Building a Robust Portfolio: A robust portfolio is a must-have for editors to showcase their skills and experience to prospective clients. Editors should thoughtfully curate their portfolio to spotlight their top work across various genres and styles. Including before-and-after samples of editing projects can effectively show off the editor’s abilities.

4. Teaming up with Filmmakers: Teaming up with filmmakers on independent or short films can be a fantastic opportunity for editors to gain experience, enhance their portfolio, and forge industry relationships. Offering discounted or pro bono services for promising projects can pave the way to future paid gigs.

5. Social Media Presence: Building a strong presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter can aid editors in showcasing their work, engaging with potential clients, and keeping up with industry trends. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, editing tips, and success stories can draw the eye of filmmakers in need of editing services.

6. Cold Pitching: Editors can take the initiative to contact production companies, post-production houses, advertising agencies, and independent filmmakers through cold pitching. Crafting personalized emails that spotlight the editor’s unique skills and how they can enrich potential projects can occasionally lead to fresh work opportunities.

7. Industry Directories: Adding your services to industry directories such as ProductionHUB or IMDbPro can boost visibility among professionals in need of editing services. Maintaining a professional profile on these platforms with current contact information and portfolio links can make it simpler for clients to locate and hire editors.

In summary, securing work and commissions as an editor involves a mix of networking, online presence, portfolio building, collaboration, social media engagement, cold pitching, and using industry directories. By actively marketing their skills and highlighting their top work, editors can boost their odds of landing thrilling editing projects in the competitive film industry.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used:

American Cinema Editors (ACE) - ACE is a professional body devoted to promoting the art and science of film editing. Their resources and events offer valuable industry insights.
Creative Skillset - Creative Skillset provides guidance and resources for those pursuing careers in the creative industries, including filmmaking and editing.
Film Editing Pro - Film Editing Pro offers educational resources and training programs for budding editors aiming to hone their skills and further their careers in film editing.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
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