If you spend most of your free time on social media, you must have probably recognized that video has gotten huge. Not only are individuals uploading homemade music videos on to YouTube and other platforms, but businesses are also using video as a powerful marketing tool.
The popularity of video can be imagined from study reports, revealing that 80% of consumer internet traffic is expected to be video traffic within a few years.
This rising trend of video created demand for skilled production assistants, videographers, and video editors. Several companies hire full-time, experienced individuals or rely on outside firms to produce promotional videos and marketing videos. However, many companies are shifting towards freelance video editors., which has increased freelance video editing jobs.
You can find freelance video editing jobs online.
But the question is, what does a freelance video editor do? How can you become a freelance video editor? And what skills are required for freelance video editing?
This post will give you a detailed review of freelance video editing and answer all of your questions.
What Does a Freelance Video Editor Do?
A video editor is an individual who does production and post-production changes to a digital video or film, with the motive of making it more compelling. Being a freelance video editor, you are not affiliated with a single production company and can work with any company or organization and accept projects from them.
As a freelance video editor, you work closely with the director to edit scenes and implement post-production enhancements. The freelance video editors work with computers and software to add, edit, or rearrange scenes and footage in a video according to the client’s instructions.
The job functions of freelance video editors have changed due to the growing popularity of online video content and social media videos and the increase in YouTube celebrities and influencers.
Almost every company has its social media accounts, and they are using videos for marketing. They hire freelance video editors to create ads, edit videos, and apply post-production changes that involve incorporating CGI or other enhancements, such as sound, lighting, and other special effects, into the video.
How to Become a Freelance Video Editor
Freelancing gives you the freedom of being your own boss. You will have more control over your working hours. If you have experience in video editing, you already have the potential of getting a freelance video editing job.
While freelancers enjoy the freedom of working from home, how much they work, choosing their working hours, this freedom comes at a cost. There are numerous challenges you need to prepare for when applying for any video editing job.
These steps will help you become a successful freelance video editor.
1. Plan Your Career
If you want to quit your traditional full-time job and learn how to enter into video editing, it is necessary to prepare a concrete plan for your video editing career. Don’t opt for it before you plan for all possible outcomes.
Many freelancers fail due to poor planning. They rush into the freelance industry for entry-level video editing jobs without understanding their client’s video editing requirements.
It would be best to remember that your financial independence and livelihood depend on your video editing career’s success. Before starting, it is recommended to have enough savings because it might take some time to get a client, so you don’t have to worry about paying rent for the next six months.
2. Enhance Your Video Editing Skills
Before applying for freelance video editing jobs, evaluate your own video editing experience and skills and your potential client’s requirements. You should know the necessary skills to survive in this industry.
If you don’t have a grip on these skills, enroll yourself in professional video editing courses to increase your success chances. You’ll need to have detailed knowledge of the professional video editor business and how to handle all the video editing gigs you take on.
Choose the courses that cover the complete cycle of the video production process from creation and the skills required to create good video content.
Learn the proven and repeatable methods of creating highly persuasive video scripts because your video will be irrelevant if your video isn’t engaging and doesn’t turn your viewers into buyers.
Take the time to learn any evolving trend in video and audio editing. This will allow you to offer more value to your clients when you start working on freelance video editing projects.
Essential Freelance Video Editing Skills
To excel as a freelance video editor, it’s crucial to master these key areas:
- Technical Proficiency: Video editors should adeptly handle color grading, audio editing, motion graphics, and special effects. Expanding your skill set in advanced video editing can broaden your client base and tackle complex projects effectively.
- Software and Hardware Expertise: Familiarity with software tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Audition, and Adobe After Effects is essential. You can acquire proficiency through courses, free trials, or self-exploration.
- Project Management: Freelancers often take charge of project management, creating timelines, budgets, and aligning with project goals. Collaboration with producers and directors, as well as efficient asset management, ensures timely and budget-compliant project delivery. Developing these project management skills is vital for success.
3. Invest in Professional Video Editing Software
There are dozens of video editing tools available on the internet that allow users to create videos quickly. When planning your freelance video editing career, list down all the equipment and tools you will need. If you have experience in the film and video industry, you’ll better understand the tools of the many video editors trade.
If you feel comfortable with the best video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, you’ll need to buy a powerful computer with sufficient RAM and a high-quality graphics card, high-resolution camera, headphones, and external hard drive. If you have a tight budget, then you can consider another professional video and music editing software according to your needs.
4.Brand Yourself as a Freelancer
In freelance business, one of the most challenging stages is gaining recognition for your skills and work, but once they come to know about your work, it becomes easier to get projects.
The best way to get noticed by your potential clients is to create a name for yourself in the industry.
Create a freelance video editor website and put all samples of your best video editing work. Learn how to write a freelance video editor resume or an impressive video editor job description.
Where to Find Freelance Video Editing Jobs
There are many freelancing platforms where companies and small businesses find freelancers to do specific tasks. You need to go through these marketplaces and look for freelance video editor jobs.
Ways to Monetize Your Video Editing Skills
- YouTube Channel Assistance: With YouTube being a major platform for video content, offering video editing services to content creators is an excellent opportunity to hone your skills and earn income.
- Instagram Story Editing: Freelance video editors can profit by crafting Instagram stories and reels for brands and individuals, capitalizing on the demand for engaging social media content.
- Film Projects: Participating in the film industry, especially by starting with short films, not only offers monetary rewards but also opportunities to grow and network within the industry.
- Trailers: Talented video editors can make a mark in the film industry by creating compelling trailers that bring a filmmaker’s vision to life.
- Music Videos: Working with musicians and bands on promotional music videos is a rewarding avenue for those interested in the entertainment sector.
- Highlight Reels: Editing highlight reels for athletes seeking scholarships provides an opportunity to showcase your skills while helping others achieve their goals.
- Corporate Promotions: Editing promotional videos for businesses allows you to stand out by delivering creative and engaging content for their marketing needs.
- Product Promotion: Crafting videos to promote products is another essential aspect of corporate marketing, offering opportunities for long-term income.
- Weddings and Special Events: Many videographers outsource post-production work for weddings and special events, providing a chance for video editors to collaborate with professionals.
- Home Video Editing: Offering your services to individuals looking to enhance their family videos is a beginner-friendly way to earn money while refining your skills.
In Conclusion
If you dream of becoming a freelance, video producer or editor, it’s the right time to take the plunge. Video media is growing rapidly, and there is no end to this growth in the near future.
Businesses of all kinds are looking to use video for their advertisements and information sharing. But most of them don’t have enough technical knowledge, equipment, and talented personnel to create high-quality video.
If you have the talent, are willing to work hard, and are determined to improve continually, you’re going to be a successful freelance video editor.
