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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Performing Arts pathway.

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Most editor positions require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting, such as communications.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Most film editors get a filmmaking degree from an accredited university. While the equipment is often out of date, film school teaches you theory, says film editing assistant Aaron Marshall. "You can learn the technical details on the job."

Becoming an editor is no small achievement. It's extremely difficult to break into the field. Directors hire editors whose work they're familiar with, since a poor editing job can ruin a film.

It all comes down to networking, says Bill Waters, a motion picture editor based in Los Angeles. He recommends that would-be editors set their sights a little lower and start in the post-production department of a large company. This gives them time to establish a reputation while earning a steady salary.

Waters recommends that filmmakers hoping to work in Los Angeles attend UCLA, as this is an ideal way to meet the people who will be in a position to help you later on. Students can also take one of the hands-on, non-linear editing courses offered by companies specializing in digital media.

Another way to gain experience and develop a relationship with a director is to volunteer to help out on a film production set.

Extra Requirements

Certification is a way for editors to demonstrate competence in various types of editing software.