To have a job in editing, does it require to know how to do special effects editing?

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deleuze3

Well-known member
Hi,
i was wondering if most jobs in editing requires to know much about GFX, after effects ?

Does simple editing cuts, creating titles, is sufficient in a job of editing for corporate videos or videoclips ? Do you usually work with some GFX, effect designers that, independantly do this kind of stuff ?

I am good at editing cuts, creating titles, color correction, transitions, sound mix, thats about it.

I was worry.

What are your thoughts about this?

Thanks in advance,
Deleuze3
 
Basic knowledge with after effects? What kind of stuff ? could you describe or give an example ? Like moving titles for example?
 
That is a $64,000 question.
Much will depend on what kind of work you can get.
20 years ago I forced myself to learn After Effects.
I kept losing simple editing jobs to people who had the whole knowledge of Motion FX.
Sure you can get some editing work without knowing Motion FX, but it cannot hurt
to know Motion FX.
And today there are dozens of sites that offer After Effects templates to get you started.
But knowing a certain amount of Color Correction techniques and knowing Photoshop & After Effects
will open up your world of opportunity.
 
I work as a full time editor, and a part time freelance cinematographer.
10 years ago I would say that a basic knowledge of creating graphics and motion FX was enough to get your foot in the door at a professional post house but not any more.
The competition is stiff, the more you know the better chance you have at getting the job.
You might be able to get a couple gigs here and there with basic knowledge, but if you want to excel you need to master the craft you are trying to pursue.
The bar is high and most audiences are unforgiving.
Your audiences eye has been trained by watching multi million dollar blockbuster films, they want and expect the best quality.
My 2 cents anyway.
 
Take an After Effects course, you won't regret it. And play around with the free versions of Resolve and Lightworks while you're at it.
 
It depends on the company that hires me. Some places want it/require it. Others have a dedicated motion gfx dept and have even denied my request to have After Effects installed in the edit bay I work in.
 
Like Zak said, it depends job to job but I will echoe benniles' sentiment too that it will definitely help you get more work. Another thing to keep in mind too is that the baseline continues to rise. I would say I have an intermediate level of Motion Graphics and animation knowledge but the level I'm at now would have been considered expert 5 years ago.

The flip side I would say is that, while knowing after effects might get me in the door at a post house, it's my work that keeps them calling me back. Don't forget that's important too.
 
Sounds like you have a great start and the more you know the more valuable you become. Keep learning. It's the best way to stay employed and it also keeps things interesting. I love this business because it's creative. Never stop learning.
 
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