Video editor
Bring together pictures and sound to produce a finished piece for film, TV or the internet.
Also known as: film editor
About the job
A day in the life – Video editor
What it's like
You would bring together pictures and sound to produce a finished piece for film, TV or the internet.
You would be part of a post-production team that joins together material recorded by the camera and sound crews and adds any extra effects. You could work on projects from feature films and TV programmes to corporate videos, commercials and music videos.
Typically, you would:
agree a finished ‘look’ for the final footage with the director
transfer film or video footage to computer
check the footage and decide which shots to keep and which to cut out
cut and join shots using editing software
keep a clear idea of the storyline, even though you may be editing scenes out of sequence
create a 'rough cut' from the chosen material
digitally improve picture quality
use computer software to add titles, graphics, sound and any visual effects
put all the elements together, in order, for the final version
create DVDs or format footage for streaming online
On larger projects, you could be one of several editors with different jobs and specialisms. You could create the ‘rough cut’ as an offline editor, produce the final version of the footage as an online editor or edit the sound effects.
Hours
Your hours will depend on the production you are working on. You may work standard office hours or you could be required to work shifts. You may need to be flexible and work at short notice if necessary. You may often work extra hours to meet project deadlines. In some cases, you could work up to 50 or 60 hours a week.
Environment
Post-production editing takes place in enclosed studios and editing suites, where you would spend long periods working on computers.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- video editing
- adobe after effects
- adobe premiere pro
- photography
- final cut pro
- color grading
- motion graphics
- storytelling
- video editing software
- video production
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- creative
- observation
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- working with technology
- recalling
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- taking initiative
- time management
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Engineering Science
Media
Photography
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Although there are no set entry qualifications required to enter this job, some applicants have gained a qualification in a relevant field prior to looking for work.
An apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (SCQF Level 7), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in film & television, advertising, business, communication, marketing or media production can be helpful in this field.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry and digital skills such Skills for Work Creative Digital Media (SCQF level 4) or Creative Industries (SCQF level 5).
Qualifications such as the National Progression Award (NPA) in Digital Media Editing (SCQF level 5) can be achieved while in the job.
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