Video editor: how to train and review the role
Edits ads, reels, corporate films and social videos from raw footage, adds graphics, sound and colour, handles revisions and exports for platforms. Reports to the post-production lead or creative producer.
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Share your requirementsWho usually fills this role
Usually diploma or self-taught editors with a showreel. Test with a short edit from raw clips, sense of pace, audio quality and file discipline. Ask what they changed after a client's feedback and how they organised the project. Check original certificates, references and a short practical task before making an offer.
Skills ladder
Stage 1
New joiner
- Assembles rough cuts from instructions
- Syncs audio and trims clips
- Exports for set platforms
Stage 2
Independent
- Edits to a brief with a clear story and pace
- Adds titles, graphics, music and colour correction
- Manages revisions with versions
- Organises projects and media
Stage 3
Senior or lead
- Leads edits for campaigns and films
- Shapes story with directors and clients
- Sets up templates and workflows
- Mentors juniors
Training path
First weeks
- 1
Project and media rules
The lead shows folder structure, naming, backup and proxy rules. The editor sets up a project and gets checked.
- 2
Software and export presets
The editor learns house presets for each platform and tests them. Wrong ratios or loudness are corrected.
- 3
Assisted edits
The editor assembles rough cuts for a senior who gives line-by-line notes.
First year
- 1
Story and pace
The lead reviews edits for pacing and clarity. The editor re-cuts after notes and compares versions.
- 2
Audio and colour basics
A sound or colour specialist teaches clean audio, levels and correction. The editor's output is checked on different devices.
- 3
Client revisions
The editor logs requests, responds with versions and checks that earlier fixes remain.
Towards senior
- 1
Leading a project
The editor leads a campaign edit from rushes to delivery with the lead reviewing at set points.
- 2
Templates and workflow
The editor builds templates for repeated formats and teaches them to others.
- 3
Mentoring
The editor guides a junior and the lead reviews the junior's progress.
Performance review
Review on delivery of each major project, a monthly one-to-one, and a written half-yearly review with a showreel update. Keep notes of agreed actions and revisit them at the next review.
What to measure
| Measure | How it is seen |
|---|---|
| Edit quality | Review story, pace and technical finish |
| File discipline | Check project organisation and backups |
| Turnaround | Compare time with estimates |
| Revision handling | Count rounds and reasons |
| Technical correctness | Check ratios, audio levels and exports |
| Collaboration | Ask directors and account managers |
Evidence to bring
- Final exports
- Version log
- Client notes
- Project files
- Showreel
Questions to ask in the review
- Which edit are you proud of?
- What notes confused you?
- Where did you lose files or time?
- What technique do you want to learn?
- How do you handle conflicting notes?
- What hardware limits you?
- What would improve our workflow?
Pitfalls
- No backup rules
- Reviewing taste only
- Late footage with no schedule
- Underinvesting in machines
Questions about this role
Yes, with a short edit from sample clips.
Set in contracts. Confirm with your adviser.
Give clear briefs and delivery specs.