Hiring a Talented Film Editor: Job Description, Salary, Portfolios, and More
WORKING NOT WORKING
Getting ready to ramp up video production for your next big creative project?
Perhaps it’s a music video for an up-and-coming artist. Or maybe, it’s a series of 30-second commercials for your brand’s next national TV campaign. Whatever it is, hiring the right film editor is a must for making your project come to life.
If you’ve never hired a film editor before, this post has everything you need to get started. But if this isn’t your first rodeo, you can skip ahead to the resources most relevant to you. In this piece we cover:
What is film editing? You likely already know what film editors do. But this article fills the most common knowledge gaps you might have.
What qualifications and skills do all great film editors have? We’ve also created a job description template you can use to simplify your search.
What are competitive film editor rates? How much should you compensate them?
What does a great portfolio look like? We’ll showcase film editor portfolios from some of the best in the business.
We've made it easy for you to find what you need. Below is a table of contents you can use to jump ahead to the sections that matter most to you.
Table of Contents
Note: If you’re new to our site and don’t know what we do, check out our founding story. We talk about why we think hiring in creative industries is broken — and what we’re doing to fix it.
What is Film Editing, Really?
“This is a very new art in human experience. It’s barely 100 years old. Whereas all the arts, their origins are lost in prehistory. We individually and we culturally are discovering how to do this, and there’s a lot more to discover."
Walter Murch, Hollywood editor behind classic films such as Apocalypse Now.
To an outside observer, film editing might seem like a simple and straightforward gig. It’s the process of cutting and piecing together archived film footage, right?
Not exactly.
Film editing is more than a technical job. It calls for a skillful sense of storytelling, too. Film editing is the part of filmmaking during which the narrative of a project crystallizes. It's the art of refining raw footage into a coherent piece. A film editor handles finding the flow of a project, while also telling a compelling story in the process.
Great acting can fall flat if your film editing isn’t on point. Masterful direction can go to waste in the absence of a good film editor. In short, the success of a project can hinge on this one critical element.
Working Not Working Board Member Neil Mahoney is a film editor with more than a decade of experience. To him, good film editors can hide mistakes in the final product. They do this while enhancing the contributions of a production crew, too.
“It’s really about protecting the process that’s led to the footage being put in your hands,” Mahoney said in this past interview.
What Makes a Talented Film Editor?
When searching for a film editor of your own, it helps to know what qualities to screen for. There’s an endless list of items, but below are several of the most important qualifications:
A Knack for Storytelling
Above all else, knowing how to tell a story is an important skill that every film editor should have.
Good storytelling film editors know how to assemble footage that elicits emotion. They know how to organize elements, like characters and outcomes, into a cohesive plot.
As storytellers, good film editors own a keen sense of rhythm, too. Film editors play a crucial role in dictating the pacing of a project, which isn't an easy skill to teach. The best film editors learn how to pace through consistent practice and experience.
Distilling the Relevant from the Irrelevant
Whether movies, TV, or branded content, any project will shoot hours upon hours of footage. It's on a film editor to discover and extract only the most useful bits and pieces.
To put this in perspective, here's a real world example. Neil Mahoney is an editor for Drunk History, a popular show on Comedy Central. In a conversation with TV Technology, he shared how his expertise fits into the making of the show:
“We start shooting the narrators in November,” Mahoney said, “ending up with three to six hours for each tale told in varying stages of drunkenness, which we take into the edit bay and cull down to a 15-minute rough cut. This is then reviewed by the producer and director and we trim it down to six to eight minutes of audio track.”
Attention to Detail
Great film editors are meticulous. They consider every little thing that goes into their part of the filmmaking process.
Vashi Nedomansky is an editor who's worked on hit movies like Deadpool and Gone Girl. He believes film editors need to watch every frame of raw footage at least twice before they edit. Here's why:
The first watch is a real-time viewing of everything shot. During this session, film editors don't do anything other than process the raw footage.
In the second watch, film editors start taking notes. They begin making markers on footage, too.
Good film editors are also organized. They generally have a system and workflow for finding clips in an instant. If they don't, beware — it's likely a red flag.
Autonomous and Independent
The best film editors are confident in their abilities. They don’t need someone holding their hands throughout the post-production process. They're capable of accomplishing work with little supervision.
The great film editors will relish this sense of autonomy. But they'll also make the most of it when given the chance.
Take WNW Member Stephen McFadden for example. During a five-year span, he freelanced under his personal outfit, McFadden Creative. While working on his own, McFadden learned important lessons about his craft. The autonomy also challenged him with some of the most fulfilling projects of his career.
“It’s given me the opportunity to create original web series, mini docs, fashion videos, and other types of content,” McFadden said in this interview. “Having the ability to call your own shots is everything."
Willing Collaborators
At the same time, you also want film editors who value the spirit of collaboration. When the time calls for it, you need film editors who know how to play well with others.
More often than not, a director is a film editor’s closest collaborator. The best film editors understand that they play a secondary role to a project’s director. Their responsibility is to help directors see their visions come to life.
WNW Member Adam Epstein is a film editor who works for Saturday Night Live. On an episode of the Overshare podcast, he spoke of how rewarding work can be when embracing teamwork.
“That is the best part of filmmaking,” Epstein said. “Working with a like-minded group of people you actually enjoy being around. That’s the only thing — truthfully.”
A Filmmaker’s Education
It’s ideal to hire film editors who’ve earned film degrees from reputable institutions. Film school gives aspiring editors a chance to learn about the nuances of filmmaking. It also affords them access to the best tools, which allows them to train and practice their craft.
The U.S. isn’t light on programs that teach the art of filmmaking. Some of the best around the country include:
USC’s School of Cinematic Arts
NYU’s Kanbar Institute of Film & Television
UCLA’s School of Television, Film, and Theater
The American Film Institute
CalArts.
While a formal education is great, don't overlook self-taught film editors, either. The barrier to becoming a film editor today is much lower than it has been in the past. Nowadays, it's easy for aspiring film editors to gain work experience with as little as a smartphone.
Degree or no degree, the best film editors know that they always have to keep learning. As technology advances, so too do techniques in film editing. Great film editors are always honing their skills outside the job, too.
Adept Knowledge and Experience with Film Editing Tools
Today, film editing ironically involves very little film. Most projects get done by digital means, instead. Great film editors know how to use software that’s standard within the industry.
Based on portfolios of WNW’s creative talent base, the most used film editing platforms are:
Adobe Premiere
Adobe After Effects
Avid
DaVinci Resolve
Final Cut Pro.
Film editors spend most of their time in the editing room. But it's also useful for them to have some knowledge of camera equipment, too. Film editors with photography experience bring an added dimension of understanding.
A film editor should be able to help you achieve your goals, regardless of what computer software they use. Whether they're an avid user of Avid or Adobe shouldn't matter to you. As long as you can integrate their talent, how they deliver isn't as important as what they deliver.
Note: Are you looking for top-notch film editors to join your team or elevate your next project? Get access to 500+ of the most respected film editors around on Working Not Working today.
Film Editor Job Description Template
Drafting a job description isn't easy. That’s why we’ve got you covered with this template you can use in your own film editor search.
It's based on the qualities noted above, along with the many job postings here on Working Not Working. Change it as you please, whatever your needs may be.
[a] Write a few lines on exactly who you’re looking for (essentially, summarize their role).
Example: Do you love to eat? Foodland Creative needs a film editor capable of creating compelling stories through video. You will make short-form marketing films for our clients across a variety of digital channels, such as Instagram and YouTube. Experience in the culinary and hospitality industries preferred. Will report to our director of video content.
[b] Cover the when & where.
Example: This is a full-time position based in our Pasadena office that starts in June 2020.
[c] Explain exactly what they’ll do.
Example: In this role, you’ll have the following responsibilities:
Sift through hours of video, distilling the relevant from irrelevant for each project.
Piece and cut together raw footage into coherent and engaging narratives.
Work to ensure that the vision of our director of video content comes to life on each project.
Provide feedback to director of video content to ensure projects achieve their goals.
Manage and organize a large digital archive of video assets.
[d] Expound on what skills and traits they need, especially any technical requirements.
Example:
Must haves include:
5 years or more of experience in filmmaking, editing, or related fields.
Bachelor’s degree in Film or similar subject.
Would be nice:
Working knowledge of DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Creative Suite.
Content creation experience for a medium-to-large-sized agency.
Knowledge of motion graphic design.
[e] List the perks.
Example: We cover the basics, including a competitive salary plus retirement and healthcare benefits. But on top of that, we give 2 months of paid paternity and maternity leave and 4 weeks of paid vacation time. We also love animals and make our office pet friendly. Oh, and because we work in the restaurant business, you’ll have access to 10 free meals a month from our clients.
[f] Talk about yourself.
No example needed here. Describe your company in 3-4 sentences (you can usually lift this from your company’s “About Us” page). You can also describe your group’s work culture if you want. If you have them, add a few photos so candidates can visualize what it would be like to work with you.
Note: Are you looking for top-notch film editors to join your team or elevate your next project? Get access to 500+ of the most respected film editors around on Working Not Working today.
Film Editor Salary: How Much Should You Pay?
No matter what you’re hiring for, compensation is one of the hardest factors to figure out. To attract great film editors, you need to understand the market for their services.
One source to lean on for salary reports is the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of May 2018, median pay per year for film and video editors was $62,250.
Keep in mind that’s a national figure. Your mileage may vary depending on where you mine for talent. Here at Working Not Working, we help big brands (like Nike or E.A.) reach talent of equally high caliber.
There are hundreds of editors of film, television, brand, and content here on Working Not Working. Most of them own at least five years of experience. Hourly rates for these kinds of creatives can range anywhere from $50 to $150 an hour for freelance work.
Since their rates are usually negotiable, extrapolating to an annual compensation number is not a perfect science. Assuming they work a normal 40-hour work week, 52 weeks a year, compensation will be around six figures. Plan on budgeting anywhere from $104,000 to $312,000 in total compensation to bring on a highly skilled film editor full time.
Note: Are you looking for top-notch film editors to join your team or elevate your next project? Get access to 500+ of the most respected film editors around on Working Not Working today.
Film Editor Portfolios: 12 Creatives with Work Worth Seeing
Creativity comes in different shapes and sizes. This next section showcases a spectrum of great film editing talent and the work they’ve created.
Ryan Delk
Ryan is a film editor who’s based in Los Angeles but available for work abroad, too. He’s edited for a variety of mediums, including advertisements, documentaries, and features. As a long-time creative, Ryan is also part of WNW’s Membership Board.
Years of Experience: 15
Highlighted Film Editing Work: Levi’s 501 Day
Ryan collaborated with AKQA and Los York for this 30-second spot. It showcases highlights of Levi’s annual celebration of 501 Day. In case you’re not familiar, 501 Day honors the day in 1873 that Levi Strauss & Co. received a patent for its riveted jeans.
Notable Brands Ryan Has Worked with:
Apple
Starbucks
The North Face
Microsoft
Beats by Dre.
Nate Park
Nate concentrates on short-form stories that use visual effects, motion graphics, and live action. Throughout his career, Nate’s edited work for film, television, and commercial clients. Video editing for sports happens to be one of his main specialties.
Years of Experience: 14
Highlighted Film Editing Work: Mission:Impossible Rogue Nation Main Titles
Nate edited the title sequences of this blockbuster film starring Tom Cruise.
Notable Brands Nate Has Worked with:
Nintendo
NFL
NBA
Under Armour
Netflix.
Mah Ferraz
Mah is a Brazlian film editor who's based in Brooklyn. As a fast-rising talent in the creative world, Mah won the Young Gun 17 award in 2019. The Young Guns competition spotlights up-and-coming creatives under the age of 30.
Years of Experience: 5
Highlighted Film Editing Work: Polaroid Originals
Mah edited this piece of branded content for the iconic camera company. It’s one of six films for Polaroid’s “More Ways to Create” campaign. She worked under the direction of Geoff Levy.
Notable Brands Mah Has Worked with:
Adidas
Vogue
ESPN
Marc Jacobs
Hilton.
Catherine Gionfriddo
As a film editor, Catherine approaches her work as a passionate perfectionist. She has post-production experience across a wide scope of mediums. She's edited national and international TV campaigns, music videos, political ads, and more.
Years of Experience: 16
Highlighted Film Editing Work: Mercedes-Benz X Matchbox “No Limits”
Catherine edited this brand collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Matchbox. The commercial takes aim at pushing the boundaries of gender norms for women and girls. To get the project done, she worked under the direction of Caitlyn Greene.
Notable Brands Catherine Has Worked with:
Saturday Night Live
MTV
Procter & Gamble
Puma
Pizza Hut.
Adam Weiss
Adam has spent half of the last decade as a commercial editor and has freelanced full-time since 2017. As a film editor, Adam approaches every project with a problem-solving mindset. Aside from film editing, Adam also has strong experience with motion graphic design.
Years of Experience: 14
Highlighted Film Editing Work: Spotify “Black History is Happening Now”
Adam edited this 30-second commercial spot for Spotify. It features singer/actress Janelle Monae speaking about the concept of Afrofuturism.
Notable Brands Adam Has Worked with:
Nascar
NFL
Mercedes-Benz
CenturyLink
Dewar’s.
Ethan Simmons
Ethan is a commercial film editor who’s based in New York City. He offers his talents to brands seeking to inject humor into their advertising.
Years of Experience: 14
Highlighted Film Editing Work: Sour Patch Kids - “Emergency Room”
Ethan lent his comedic sensibility to this half-minute commercial for Sour Patch Kids. He collaborated with director Patrick Cummings on the project.
Notable Brands Ethan Has Worked with:
Axe
Microsoft
Kia
Toyota
State Farm.
Jenny Groza
As a storyteller, Jenny has done most of her work with corporate and nonprofit clients. Before going full time into freelance film editing, she worked full time with TED. Along with film editing, Jenny also edits podcasts.
Years of Experience: 10
Highlighted Film Editing Work: TRESemme-sponsored Online Course on Levo
Jenny edited, wrote, and directed this online course on the concept of “Presence.” It’s one of seven videos featuring social psychologist Amy Cuddy.
Notable Brands Jenny Has Worked with:
TED
TRESemme
Brooklyn Public Media
McKinsey & Company
Goldman Sachs.
Heather Danosky
Heather is a film editor who specializes in short- and long-form branded content. She also edits music videos and documentary films. If you’re a company that works with dogs, reach out — Heather happens to have a soft spot for canines, too.
Years of Experience: 11
Highlighted Film Editing Work: VENUS Its My Skin
This commercial highlights women who embrace their bodies in spite of their imperfections. Heather served as editor for the project.
Notable Brands Heather Has Worked with:
Coke
Garnier
Pantene
Land Rover
Samsung.
Jake Benjamin
Jake is a commercial film editor and self-described “enemy of gravity.” He's worked as a film editor for more than a decade. In spite of this, Jake maintains the same enthusiasm about his work as if he was just getting started.
Years of Experience: 15
Highlighted Film Editing Work: HBO / Art The Throne
Jake edited this piece of content made to promote the sixth season of Game of Thrones. The video showcases the work of sculptor Jeff Nishinaka. He created these unique paper pieces to celebrate some of the show’s most memorable moments.
Jake is a commercial film editor and self-described “enemy of gravity.” He's worked as a film editor for more than a decade. In spite of this, Jake maintains the same enthusiasm about his work as if he was just getting started.
Notable Brands Jake Has Worked with:
Keurig
Budweiser
Coke
Chevrolet
American Express.
Philip Owens
Philip has a passion for making “beautiful, powerful films.” His focus is on short-form, branded documentary projects. Throughout his career, he’s edited projects that have a combined total of 120 million views. He’s also earned honors at Cannes and won Emmys for his work in film editing.
Years of Experience: 24
Highlighted Film Editing Work: Dove - “Real Beauty Sketches”
Philip edited this short for Dove that became a viral sensation in 2013. Since it’s release, the spot has become one of the gold standards in emotional branded content. To date, it’s earned over 9 million views on YouTube.
Notable Brands Philip Has Worked with:
Philips
Valspar
Comcast
Google
eBay.
Laura Bermudez
Laura is a senior editor at renowned agency Droga5. Throughout her career, she's edited branded content across several platforms, including broadcast. Laura loves that film editing allows her to bring stories to life. In particular, she enjoys editing projects that need “edgy creative and cultural sensibility.”
Years of Experience: 15
Highlighted Film Editing Work: Google Pixel: Hoops of Harlem
Laura cut this entire video using stills and GIFs shot on a Google Pixel. The commercial featured basketball courts around Harlem and aired during March Madness.
Notable Brands Laura Has Worked with:
Conde Nast
Samsung
Honeywell
Sprint
Crayola.
Christie Brown
Christie is a film editor who’s based in New York but also available for work in Detroit, Seattle, and Los Angeles. She comes from a design-rich background, which influences her editing style. Her main specialty is short-form video, including broadcast advertising and social media.
Years of Experience: 14
Highlighted Film Editing Work: NBC Out-of-Home Brand & Upfronts Campaign
This project called for Christie to manage and edit 100 unique deliverables. The videos she made appeared on a variety of digital billboards around New York and Los Angeles.
Notable Brands Christie Has Worked with:
Banana Republic
Levi’s
True Religion
Verizon
Vimeo.
Summing Up What’s Important in Your Film Editor Hunt
Film editing styles can vary depending on the kind of project. Nuances do exist between editing a feature film compared to, say, a branded video for social. It does benefit to find a film editor with specific experience with the kind of content you need.
Regardless of these differences, the underlying principle of storytelling applies across the board. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Great film editors all know how to tell compelling stories. They do so in ways that can capture an audience’s attention.
Film editing is the invisible hand that moves the needle of your next video project. Keep that in mind when considering your next creative hire.