Becoming an editor?

H

HBlue

New member
Editing is something I've always enjoyed, and I feel that I do fairly well at it (well hey, it looks good to me). So lately I've been thinking of trying to get involved with possibly editing other's work as well, like short films and such. However, the only stuff I've edited thus far is my own work (yes, another aspiring Director here...) which looks cool and all, but probably wouldn't look the greatest on a more professional reel or anything. So the question I want to ask is, how could I become more involved in editing and be able to work on more projects (possibly work on paid projects eventually...hey one can hope)? Do I just need to keep filming my own stuff to build up a resume, or would that even help at all?

Thank you to anyone who can help me out.

I hope to get the trailer for my current short film I'm working on, on here sometime for some feedback.
 
Become a runner at an established editorial house - they'll start giving you small projects and showing you the equipment.
 
sucks for some of us in the midwest... hardly any film gigs anywhere.

some small stuff, but damn i'd rather keep my day job at the bank.
 
Kyle Stebbins said:
sucks for some of us in the midwest... hardly any film gigs anywhere.

some small stuff, but damn i'd rather keep my day job at the bank.
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That is why I moved to Los Angeles buddy. Well that and the ladies, but I brought the wife so really just the video jobs.:thumbup:
 
HBlue,
Where are you located? if in LA or NY or another major city, Why not look at craig's list and see if anyone is looking for an editor. Better yet, post an add offering your skills for credit. or even call some schools and talk to film professors. See if you can partner with some students that are studying directing or lighting, etc...

I'm no editor, but the best thing that I can think will land you a job, is a good list of project you worked on.

if you are only working on your projects, you are limited to editing just a few because you are doing all the work. all the shooting, all the pre-production etc...

If you work on other people's project, you can concentrate just on editing and will probably be able to edit more projects in a short period of time.

Just my 2cents.
 
Get into some production house as a PA or similar (like the first response). I took that course last year and was editing small projects for clients on a DS within a couple months. If you are good at what you do, you'll get noticed.
 
siniarch said:
HBlue,
Where are you located? if in LA or NY or another major city, Why not look at craig's list and see if anyone is looking for an editor. Better yet, post an add offering your skills for credit. or even call some schools and talk to film professors. See if you can partner with some students that are studying directing or lighting, etc...

I'm no editor, but the best thing that I can think will land you a job, is a good list of project you worked on.

if you are only working on your projects, you are limited to editing just a few because you are doing all the work. all the shooting, all the pre-production etc...

If you work on other people's project, you can concentrate just on editing and will probably be able to edit more projects in a short period of time.

Just my 2cents.
Click to expand...

I am actually in Northern California, about an hour and a half away from San Francisco, same from Sacramento. I have been keeping an eye out on craigslist for jobs, I've found very few and most of those require you to have a reel or something similar and full resume.

Exactly, I would love to be able to put alot of focus on just editing, it is hard when it comes to my own stuff because I am doing everything.

The idea about finding an editing house sounds promising, how would I go about finding a local editing house?

And thank you to all who have replied, I very much appreciate it.
 
Whoever it was that mentioned craigslist.com had a good suggestion, and I'll also add mandy.com. Start off with the lo/no projects, and prove you can cut it... pun intended. I just did a weight lifting dvd for someone and gave them an excellent price, just to have something to do.
 
If any of you guys would like to post a link and some general info about your DIY flick go to this site that I just put up... it's a decent looking site and has a good amount of traffic... i would like to feature any and all projects available... of course no adult content. anytype of exposure is good exposure... right??

http://www.whygotofilmschool.com

mindzeye
 
In Boston the only way is to intern at a post-house and then network your way in. Outside of NY and LA, most markets have more talent than opportunities- so talent is only a part of the equation. You also have to be gifted at pleasing, collaborating and working with clients and you need have a network of producers and directors that want to work with you.

The need for a "reel" is the biggest catch-22 in the business. 'no reel, no jobs - no jobs, no reel'

I have been working in post-production of 8 years and the one thing I would have done differently is a I would have been more diligent about finding a mentor. An established editor can get you in front of clients on their word until you have a reel. I've seen others do this and their climb to success has out-paced mine.

Actually in retrospect I also would have moved to LA or NYC, but alas Boston is my home. (*cue Dirty Water)
 
Well I did some searching for local videography/post production houses, and have an interview with one today. If that doesn't work out I'll keep trying, I'd just really want to get in this business and begin working my way up. The only videography places I've found though just do wedding videos and such, is this the normal way to work your way up?
 
HBlue,

Editing weddings, interviews, films, etc; its still editing. It may not be where you want to be but its a good start and you can have more experience editing different types of projects and knowing your NLE system.
 
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