The professionals skilled at putting videos, and related media together are as important as ever. Editing footage, in particular, can take a lot of time and resources, so unless you’re taking a DIY approach to producing videos, you should be looking to hire a professional video editor. There are several things to consider when looking for a video editor, including their level of experience, where you want to employ them, and how much it will cost to hire them both as a freelancer and full-time. What is the total cost of your film’s production crew? Below are some ideas for finding video editing services, where to look, how to hire, and pricing.
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What should you look for in a potential video editor?
Before you get started, understand what your project needs. Do you have hours of video that need to be reduced into a cohesive story? Are you looking for fast-paced edits, eye-catching sound and visual effects, and transitions? A clear job description for video editing with specifics on the desired outcome will eliminate any unsuitable candidates while focusing attention.
Candidates for a great video editor should have a portfolio of their best work accessible, allowing you to see how they edit and what kind of creative vision and personality they possess. Are their samples in line with the tone or genre of what you’re attempting to create? If an editor shows a wide range of styles, it’s because they’re flexible.
A comprehensive and up-to-date résumé should also be submitted by prospective video editors. Pay close attention to the special abilities section of a video editor’s CV, where editing software applications should be listed. If a candidate doesn’t know ProTools, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro inside and out, they aren’t a viable option.
In addition to the software you’ll use to make your videos, be sure that the video editor you hire has access to and understanding of it. Determine how and in what format files will be shared between you. In general, the more you learn about a potential employee’s workflow style and work ethic, the better.
Checking professional references before making an offer to a video editor may be beneficial as a further stage. To obtain firsthand information on their abilities, attitude, and any other relevant details, contact previous collaborators or employers. You’re seeking a wonderful recommendation.
Where can you find video editors to hire?
The internet is a requirement for any employer seeking skilled personnel. You’re most likely utilizing the internet if you want one-time or rapid editing services. Freelance video editors are numerous.
Job sites like Project Casting and LinkedIn are especially beneficial for connecting video editor freelancers with employers who want them.
If you work for a business or media company that requires video experts on call to produce content, you’re searching for full-time or outsourced editors. The latter choice involves working with video editing firms such as VideoCaddy and Business Film Booth, which collaborate to complete projects.
Another approach to discover editing talent that should not be neglected is to use your own network of professional connections—recommending friends and colleagues who have taken the freelance editor recruiting route before or work in firms that hire them full-time is a common practice in the entertainment and media industries.
How much does it cost to hire a video editor?
According to reports, a film editor’s typical salary is around $25 per hour, with earnings ranging from $50 to $100 per hour. Their median pay, according to ZipRecruiter, is roughly $23 per hour. Video editors and camera operators earned approximately $30 an hour in 2020.
One of the most significant aspects to consider while choosing a video editor is how closely your budget matches their compensation rate. Depending on the extent of the job, production costs can vary considerably.
Freelance video editing services range from $15 to $100 per hour on the websites listed above. Professional editors may charge up to $150 an hour if they have years of expertise, a wide range of applicable skills, and a lot of happy clients.
Once you’ve decided to hire a video editor, make sure to establish a formal written agreement as professional and comprehensive as possible so that both parties know what is required of them, when filming will begin, the completion deadline, and payment details. This is especially crucial for long-term editors or full-time workers since payroll and time-off policies.
Follow the guidelines above, and you’ll be able to discover your video editing match—at a reasonable price—in no time!
