Task 1

How many people work in the film industry in the UK?
In 2012, there were 70,000 people at work in the film industry in the UK
65% work in production, 10% in distribution and 25% in exhibition.
We are currently in a boom for film production jobs, up 261% on 1996
Most of this is fuelled by Hollywoods inward investment in the UK
Many cinema staff are on zero-hour contracts
The number of cinema screens is stable but exhibition jobs are not
What are the different roles in your media sector?

Different Roles:
Management
Casting Director, Casting Assistant, Unit Manager, Location Manager, Production
Accounting, Financial Controller, Producer, Executive Producer, Sales Director,
Distributor
Creative
Actor & Actresses, Director, First Assistant Director, Camera Man, Props Maker,
Moving Light Operator, Composer, Supervisor, Producer, Hair and Makeup Artists,
Costume Designer, Costume Maker, Editors
Editing / Camera Work

2014 Median Pay - $52,470 per year, $25.23 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education - Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation - None
On-the-job Training - None
Number of Jobs, 2014 - 58,900
Job Outlook, 2014-24 - 11% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2014-24 - 6,400
Job Requirements for Editing in Film

Qualifications
You don't need a foundation degree, HND or degree to be a film or video editor,
but it is important that you show commitment and determination to get into the
industry.
You need to be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills, and so in
this instance a degree or HND that offers film or media production experience
may be helpful. The following subjects are relevant:
communication and media studies;

photography/film/television;
fine art/visual art;
information technology/multimedia;
graphic design.
You'll need to be proficient in using specific editing software packages, such as

Avid or Final Cut Pro. Courses that cover these applications are available at
varying levels but they can be expensive, so make sure you research them fully
to get a course that matches your career and training aims.
If you have experience of the very latest technology, it may reduce the
competition you face. General computer literacy and an aptitude for working
with digital equipment to achieve results are also important.
You don't need a postgraduate qualification but there are relevant courses
available that will provide you with extra skills and may give you more of an
advantage over other applicants. Search for postgraduate media production
courses.
Skills
You will need to show:
a keen eye for detail and a critical mind;

creativity and a passionate interest in film and video editing;
patience and concentration;
the ability to listen to others and to work well as part of a team;
a high level of self-motivation, commitment and dedication;
organisational and time management skills;
the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines;
communication skills, both written and oral.
Work experience
You need to be extremely determined to succeed in editing, so you'll have to
show a willingness to get involved and be prepared to do the most basic of tasks.
Carrying out work experience will help to demonstrate this and will help you to
decide if the precision and intensity of the work is for you.
You'll be expected to have pre-entry experience and will need to show evidence
of having worked on film or video production or post-production, preferably via
an up-to-date and well prepared showreel.
Film and video editing isn't a starting role in the industry and it's common for
students or graduates to gain some experience in a role such as a runner. You
may also build up experience in other areas of media production before moving
into editing. Learn more about the usefulness of work experience and
internships.
Film/video editor employers

Film and video editors are employed by:
post-production companies/facilities;
independent production companies;
broadcast companies;
video/computer games companies;
animation companies;
film companies.
Some post-production companies and larger independent companies offer longterm contracts and employ a few editors in-house. Broadcast and film companies
employ their own editors but they all use freelancers on a regular basis, with
some companies only using freelance editors.
The television industry is increasingly project-based, and as a result, there has
been a rise in the amount of freelance staff employed at all levels. You may put
yourself forward for freelance opportunities to build a portfolio of work and
accompanying reputation. Find out more about self-employment.
Job vacancies
Job vacancies for film and video editors are rarely advertised and competition is
fierce, even for entry-level jobs, such as a runner. Send speculative applications,
which detail your specific skills, to as many production companies and postproduction houses as possible. To help identify relevant contacts use key industry
resources.
Get to know people in the industry and make and maintain good working
relationships. Once you have experience of working on a freelance basis you can
advertise your services through dedicated websites such as Freelance Directory.
Get some tips on how to find job vacancies.
Professional training
Learning while you're working in the industry is the key way to develop relevant
skills. A combination of observing experienced professionals and experimenting
with your own work is the common way to develop the necessary technical and
creative skills.
A variety of short courses are available that cover relevant topics such as:
the use of software editing packages;

post-production audio;
visual effects;
finance for freelancers.
You can search for these courses in the Creative Skillset Courses Directory.
It's also important to keep up to date with technology and new equipment. You
may choose to extend your skills into camera or sound work in order to open up
more employment opportunities and to maintain a network of contacts. A range
of courses are available through the BECTU.
Career prospects
You'll typically start as a runner or trainee before working your way up to a
position as an assistant editor and then editor. You therefore need a proactive
approach and willingness to start at the bottom in order to forge a career in this
fast-changing industry. If you're able to relocate for a job it will help, especially in
the early stages of your career.
In post-production or broadcasting companies, progression may be from runner,
digitiser or assistant editor to senior editor. Larger employers provide wellstructured career paths. Experienced in-house editors may ultimately move to
management roles.
For freelancers, career development takes the form of progressing from small
productions to larger or more prestigious projects. It's essential to establish a
good reputation and develop networking skills to succeed. Building strong
working relationships with freelance directors, production managers and
producers is valuable as they're often able to take preferred editors with them
onto new projects.
While relevant qualifications may be of benefit, career development is based
more on evidence, experience and practical involvement within the industry, and
on developing a strong network of contacts.

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How many people work in the film industry in the UK?

What are the different roles in your media sector?

Editing / Camera Work

Job Requirements for Editing in Film

communication and media studies;

You'll need to be proficient in using specific editing software packages, such as

a keen eye for detail and a critical mind;

Film/video editor employers

the use of software editing packages;

finance for freelancers.

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