Job Definition

Edit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.

Interests

Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Tasks

Discuss the sound requirements of pictures with sound effects editors.

Collaborate with music editors to select appropriate passages of music and develop production scores.

Conduct film screenings for directors and members of production staffs.

Piece sounds together to develop film soundtracks.

Develop post-production models for films.

Trim film segments to specified lengths, and reassemble segments in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.

Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in film editing, assembling, and recording activities.

Manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make the parts into a continuous whole, working closely with people in audio, visual, music, optical or special effects departments.

Confer with producers and directors concerning layout or editing approaches needed to increase dramatic or entertainment value of productions.

Record needed sounds, or obtain them from sound effects libraries.

Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.

Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.

Program computerized graphic effects.

Review assembled films or edited videotapes on screens or monitors to determine if corrections are necessary.

Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.

Verify key numbers and time codes on materials.

Determine the specific audio and visual effects and music necessary to complete films.

Mark frames where a particular shot or piece of sound is to begin or end.

Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.

Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.

Study scripts to become familiar with production concepts and requirements.

Cut shot sequences to different angles at specific points in scenes, making each individual cut as fluid and seamless as possible.

Estimate how long audiences watching comedies will laugh at each gag line or situation, to space scenes appropriately.

Skills

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Knowledge

Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Education

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

School Classes

Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician. - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the production of radio and television programs, and related operations, under the supervision of broadcast and studio managers, directors, editors, and producers. Includes instruction in sound, lighting, and camera operation and maintenance; power and feed control; studio operations; production preparation; broadcast engineering; related computer applications; and specialized applications such as news, entertainment, live talk, sports, commercials, and taping.

Cinematography and Film/Video Production. - A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film; film technology and equipment operation; film production; film directing; film editing; cinematographic art; film audio; techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos; the , use of computer applications to record or enhance images, audio or effect and the planning and management of film/video operations.

Wages

In 2007, the California average annual wage was:

$30,312 for entry level workers, and $97,336 for experienced workers.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 7,000 people employed in this field in CA.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 8,200 employed in CA. This represents an increase of 120 new positions each year (1.60%). Additionally, 130 jobs per year will become available due to employee turnover.

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Job Openings

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