Video editing is a set of techniques used to produce a report, a film, a documentary, etc. The video editor must select video sequences and then assemble them into a coherent sequence in order to avoid false connections, for example. This is a profession that rhymes with creativity, technical knowledge and artistic expression. In this article, you will discover how to train in video editing. Enjoy reading!
To study
To become a video editing ace, it is possible to follow a training course at school.
To do this, several possibilities are available to you, you can follow:
- A BTS in audiovisual professions with an option in editing and post-production professions, an option in image professions, an option in technical engineering and equipment operation, an option in sound professions or an option in production management
- A higher certificate of professional training in video editing or editing for cinema and audiovisual
- A DESRA, in other words, a higher education in production with editing option
- Audiovisual film editor training
- A BTS in photography
- A Bachelor’s or Degree in editing or directing
- A Master’s degree in cinema and audiovisual at university
- A film school course where training in video editing is provided
Varied training courses ranging from bac+2 (BTS level) to bac+5 (Master level).
Many schools offer such training:
- The 3iS school prepares for careers in audiovisual and cinema. Present in Paris, Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux, this school is accessible after a baccalaureate (or equivalent). You can find a bac +3 “Cinema and Audiovisual” training there with a specialization in “Editing” allowing you to obtain a higher education diploma in image and sound techniques (diploma approved by the State) for its Paris campus. For these other campuses, the diploma approved is a level 6 RNCP title “Editor, special effects artist, colorist”
- The EMC (Ecole Supérieure des Métiers de l’Image, du Son et de la création 2D-3D) offers work-study training in image, editing, production management, production, sound for image, studio sound, motion design, etc. This school, located in the Paris region, awards state diplomas (BTS) and professional qualifications (RNCP qualifications), all recognized by the State.
- FEMIS , also called the National School of Image and Sound Professions, is a public institution providing technical and artistic education to future professionals in the film and audiovisual industries. Located in Paris, this school has a variety of programs and durations (from 1 to 4 years )
- ESRA (Ecole Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle) offers training courses related to the professions of cinema, sound , audiovisual and animated film. The group awards state-certified diplomas at bac+3 on its campuses in Paris and Nice and a bac+5 diploma on its Paris campus, the DHEC (Department of Advanced Cinematographic Studies)
There are many other schools throughout France. To name a few, there is ENSLL, M2I formation, Ecole Française, Ynov, MJM Design, etc.
Self-taught training
Although it requires real technical skills, video editing can also be learned on your own.
To train yourself, however, it is advisable to be patient, persistent and passionate. On your own, you will also have to watch many hours of videos on YouTube or online training, read articles, books and content on social networks while using video editing software very regularly to carry out personal projects.
Self-taught training is more difficult than training in a school because, on the one hand, you are alone and must find the right sources to train yourself. On the other hand, it will be necessary to motivate yourself day after day to achieve this.
This solution is also more difficult to enter the video editor profession because you do not have a state diploma. On the other hand, today technologies and software evolve quickly which requires regular training even after obtaining a diploma. Your self-taught ability and your constant monitoring reflexes will thus be appreciated by recruiters.
What software should you master?
Whether you choose to train in a school or self-taught, you will need to use the most popular editing software.
The editing software available on the market is more or less intuitive, here is a selection of some professional software:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: This is a benchmark on the market. It is highly likely that you will come across it during your career as a video editor. On Adobe Premiere Pro, you will be able to edit, color, improve the sound of your videos and much more. It is rather difficult to get to grips with, especially if you are faced with it alone, but with practice you will be able to understand it.
- Final Cut Pro X: This editing software is published by Apple. It offers you a wide range of solutions for post-production: video editing, 4K HDR support, 360° animations, advanced color adjustment tools, etc. A professional software that takes several hours to master before you can master it.
- After Effects: Published by Adobe Systems, this video editing software will allow you to create titles and introductions, make cinematic transitions, animate a logo, a character, etc. Once again, this software requires some time to be mastered before you can fully master it.
- DaVinci Resolve: Software intended for professionals, it offers an interface containing many options that you will have to learn to master because it is not modular. This software allows you to do editing, calibration and compositing. It is a very complete tool especially when it comes to calibration. Before you can master it perfectly, you will need patience and training but it is worth it
The ideal is to train yourself as much as possible on a software to master it perfectly. Once this step is done, you can move on to another software if you wish. This will also allow you to see which one suits you best but also to have a wider range of skills to sell yourself to your future employers.
What are the required qualities?
To sell yourself well, you will also need to know and have the qualities required to be a video editor, here is a non-exhaustive list:
- Analytical mind
- Artistic sense
- Sense of organization
- Concentration
- Rigor
- Listening skills
- Sense of diplomacy
- Meticulousness
- Visual memory capacity
- Mastery of technical skills in video editing
Do you aspire to become a video editor? Several options are then available to you, working for an advertiser like TF1 or other advertisers (small, medium or large companies) or in an audiovisual or motion agency like Mars Vidéos for example. You can also become a freelancer and work for several advertisers or as a subcontractor for one or more agencies.
