Post-Production : Editing: Getting started by Tony Fisher

It's a bad time to get into editing for the money. Every editor I know is getting out. There is simply too much supply and even if you get paid it's a fraction of what it was just 5-10 years ago. Not to mention they want you to be proficient in a multitude of platforms. However, learning, even if through tutorials on the net, will open up a world of creative control for you as an artist/filmmaker. Do that! There are plenty of stories to be told. Content is the commodity to have right now.

Anything you can do, do it. If you really love editing, keep trudging forward, keep getting better, keep pushing for higher wages. It is not easy, there will be good times & bad. Take your lumps, pay your dues & don't take it personally. Be professional & they will treat you as such, including your pay.

Hello, thank you both for your advice. Indeed I see the industry is difficult, but I have always played it safe; never took any risks and frankly it has gotten me no where. So I have decided to go forward with editing and anything else I can do, yes I will be tough but at least I will finally be doing something worth while. Again I thank you both.

I'd advise taking some non-paying gigs to bulk up your resume and reel. Having the strongest body of work will give you a leg up on your competition. Then look for paid work as an editor, and at the same time, try to get paid work in the edit suite as a Post Production PA or Editorial PA. Take whatever junior role gets you in the cutting room! The good news and the bad news is that Editors often try to bring their teams along with them from show to show, so when you get on a team, you could be there for a good amount of time. The bad news is that you're waiting for someone else to drop off an existing team and leave the door open for you to join!

Tony, the other good news is that every single show needs multiple staff members in the Post Production Suite, so there is a very real need for qualified editors and post staff!!!

Hello Tony! Ive learned that the more you know, the more valuable become. If you just edit, then you are familiar with the best visual presentation to work with. With that said, why not venture into filming? The ones that go the farthest, are the ones that have the most set of skills. There are lots of schools that teach a specific curriculum (Special Ed, Learning Disabled, deaf, etc...) That are trying to get thier lessons online. (for promotion of thier copyright lessons to sell, and to promote thier schools.) Thats how i got my 1st Professional job. A little playing around with a camera, with editing knowledge, may take you to the next level. If you film already as well, look into special/private schools. Dont do what eveyone else is, think outside the box. If i sound like i dont know what the heck im talking about... sorry, im new here. lls. Have an AWESOME Night!

Hello all, thanks for your feedback. Funny you mention filming Matthew, I have been playing with basic cameras to learn more about it. Nothing fancy though, more to get a feel for the different angles and lighting concepts. I guess with there being so many different areas that you can go into its hard to know where to start.

It is hard to know where to start. that keeps alot of people from... starting. Youre on the right track. just start something. Im on sound now. rec/effects. Just keep learning and trying new things. Its all relavant to your carrer of Editing, and will only help. I Hope you have an AWESOME weekend!