TV Editor

TV Editor

TV_Editor

Los Angeles, CA

Male, 38

I edit day-of-air video segments for a national television entertainment news show. I piece together 1-3 minute segments by laying down the audio of the script (the narrative voice-over), including any “sound bites.” I then take previously-shot footage, including, but not limited too, interviews, still photographs, and graphics. I also add music and a variety of effects to these pieces.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

23 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on October 03, 2017

Best Rated

Do editors usually work solo, or do you have a team around you while you're in the editing bay?

Asked by big ben about 13 years ago

It varies from project to project. Sometimes I work solo, other times I have 5 different people in the bay telling me what to do (which sucks).

Any advice on how to break into the field of TV editing? Considering it myself.

Asked by mork about 13 years ago

In college, I majored in broadcast industry communications knowing that one day I wanted to work in television. After moving to Los Angeles in the mid-90s, I found work at a small production company answering phones and running errands. At this point I had little to no editing experience. However, I was given the opportunity at this company to become an Avid editor. I started out as an assistant editor, gaining hands-on experience and knowledge of editing. After assisting for a year, I was promoted to a staff editor position.

If being on TV "adds 10 lbs", can you as an editor correct for that? And does the problem disappear when shooting in HD?

Asked by FatzDomino about 13 years ago

Sort of. We can stretch the video to make a person look a little thinner. Doesn't really disappear in Hd.

How do you maintain focus for long editing bay marathons? Caffeine? Medication? Both?

Asked by 123call about 13 years ago

My day is broken into two different edits. My morning edit has to be ready to air by 1 pm. There is no room for error and no time to focus on anything else. My afternoon edit, while no less important, is a bit less intense and it leaves me some breathing room as these pieces usually air at a later date. I cannot speak for other editors regarding “medications” to focus. I usually just have a cup or two of coffee and that seems to get me through the day.

Do you have crazy hours, or is it manageable?

Asked by babycO about 13 years ago

Different projects demand different hours. As a staff employee, my current hours are roughly 9 am to 6 pm. However, I sometimes work nights and weekends.

Are you more motivated to work on certain types of content above others? or is a paycheck is a paycheck?

Asked by Editor Guy about 13 years ago

I currently edit entertainment news which isn't 60 Minutes but it is what it is. And right now, in this job market, a paycheck is a paycheck. Beggars can't be choosers. It's brutal out there.

Is there any formal training required to become a TV editor, or is it more learn-as-you-go?

Asked by sliderz about 13 years ago

One can become an editor by completing an assistantship, or by working up through the ranks as I did. However, while there is no formal training required, there are a number of bootcamps and classes devoted to learning to be an Avid editor. Best advice: get on a system and start using it!